Health and Safety Policy for Man with Van Manor Park

This Health and Safety Policy sets out how Man with Van Manor Park manages safety for our removal and transport services. Our priority is to protect our customers, members of the public, and our team while carrying out collections, deliveries, and removals.

We are committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment, preventing accidents, and minimising risks associated with lifting, loading, transport, and working in and around homes, flats, offices, and commercial premises.

Our Health and Safety Commitments

Man with Van Manor Park is committed to:

Assessing and managing risks before and during removal work.

Providing safe and well-maintained vehicles and equipment.

Ensuring all staff are trained and competent in safe working practices.

Promoting a culture where safety concerns are reported and addressed promptly.

Reviewing and updating this policy regularly to reflect best practice and legal requirements.

Responsibilities and Duty of Care

The company is responsible for implementing and monitoring this Health and Safety Policy and for ensuring that all work is planned and carried out with safety as a core consideration.

All employees, drivers, and porters must:

Follow the procedures and safe systems of work set out by the company.

Use equipment correctly and report any defects or hazards immediately.

Take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others.

Cooperate in any accident investigation or health and safety review.

Customers are asked to support safe working by providing clear access, informing us of any known hazards at the property, and keeping walkways free of obstacles during the removal.

Risk Assessment and Planning

Before starting work, our team will assess the task and identify any potential hazards associated with the property, access routes, parking, and the items to be moved. This may include considering narrow stairways, heavy or awkward items, poor lighting, uneven surfaces, and weather conditions.

Where significant risks are identified, our staff will plan the work accordingly, which may include:

Using additional team members for heavy or bulky items.

Using suitable lifting equipment or trolleys where appropriate.

Adjusting the route of removal to avoid unnecessary risk.

Postponing or modifying work when conditions are unsafe, such as during extreme weather or when access is blocked.

Manual Handling and Lifting Safety

Manual handling is a key part of removal work and is managed carefully to prevent injury. All staff receive guidance on safe lifting and carrying techniques, including:

Assessing the load before lifting and breaking it down when possible.

Using correct posture, keeping the load close to the body, and avoiding twisting while carrying.

Asking for assistance whenever an item is too heavy or awkward for one person.

Using moving equipment such as dollies, trolleys, and straps when suitable and available.

We do not expect staff to lift items that pose an unreasonable risk to their health, and we may decline to move items that cannot be handled safely, or recommend alternative arrangements.

Vehicle and Driving Safety

Our vehicles are maintained in a roadworthy condition, and all drivers must hold a valid licence appropriate for the vehicles they drive. Safety measures include:

Carrying out basic vehicle checks and reporting defects promptly.

Ensuring loads are evenly distributed and securely fastened to prevent shifting during transit.

Complying with road traffic laws and driving responsibly at all times.

Planning routes to minimise risk, avoid unsuitable roads when possible, and allow sufficient time for safe driving.

Drivers must not operate vehicles under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or any substance that may impair their ability to drive safely.

Safe Working on Customer Premises

When working at homes, apartments, offices, and other premises, we take reasonable steps to protect both people and property. Our approach includes:

Keeping access routes clear and avoiding trip hazards.

Taking care when moving items near walls, doors, and fixtures to minimise damage.

Using appropriate methods when carrying items up or down stairs and through tight spaces.

Stopping work if an area becomes unsafe and agreeing a safe alternative with the customer.

We ask customers, occupants, and visitors to avoid entering active lifting and loading areas unless necessary, and to keep children and pets away from work zones while items are being moved.

Equipment and Protective Measures

Where appropriate, staff may use personal protective equipment such as gloves or safety footwear to reduce the risk of injury. Moving equipment and protective coverings may be used to help protect both staff and customer property.

All equipment must be checked before use. Any damaged or faulty equipment must not be used and must be reported immediately so that it can be repaired or replaced.

Accidents, Incidents, and Near Misses

All accidents, incidents, and near misses that occur during work, including while travelling to and from jobs, must be reported to the company. This allows us to:

Provide appropriate assistance where someone is injured.

Investigate what happened and identify any lessons learned.

Update our procedures or training to reduce the risk of recurrence.

Customers are encouraged to inform us promptly if any incident occurs related to our work so we can respond appropriately.

Health, Welfare, and Fitness to Work

We recognise the importance of staff being physically and mentally fit to perform removal work. Team members are expected to inform the company if they are unfit for work or if any health condition may be affected by manual handling or driving duties.

We will not require staff to carry out tasks that are clearly beyond their physical capability or which would put them or others at risk.

Policy Review and Continuous Improvement

This Health and Safety Policy is reviewed regularly and whenever there are significant changes in our operations, vehicles, equipment, or relevant regulations. Updates are communicated to all staff to ensure that safe working practices are understood and followed.

By using our services, customers can expect that safety is treated as a priority at every stage of the move, from planning and loading to transport and unloading.