Health and Safety policy
Man With Van Highgate Health And Safety Policy
Man with Van Highgate is committed to providing removal and transport services in a safe, responsible and professional manner. The health, safety and welfare of our employees, contractors, customers and members of the public are central to how we plan and deliver all moves. This policy sets out our approach to managing health and safety risks connected to our man and van and removal activities.
Our Health And Safety Objectives
Our primary objectives are to prevent accidents and work related ill health, to protect property from damage, and to ensure that all removal work is carried out in accordance with relevant health and safety legislation and industry best practice. We aim to continuously improve our performance by regularly reviewing procedures, training and equipment.
Management Responsibilities
Company management has overall responsibility for implementing this policy and ensuring suitable resources are available to meet health and safety standards. Management will plan work so that risks are assessed in advance, supervise staff to ensure safe working methods are followed, maintain vehicles and equipment in a safe condition and review this policy periodically to ensure it remains effective and up to date.
Employee Responsibilities
All staff working for Man with Van Highgate, whether full time, part time or contracted, have a duty to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions. Employees must follow all safety procedures and instructions, use equipment correctly, cooperate with training and supervision, report accidents, near misses and hazards without delay, and never misuse or interfere with safety equipment or systems.
Risk Assessment And Safe Working Practices
Before undertaking removal or delivery work, we assess foreseeable risks associated with the property, access routes, parking, heavy or awkward items, fragile possessions and any unusual hazards. Where suitable, this assessment is carried out in advance, and if not possible, it is carried out on arrival before handling begins. Findings from risk assessments inform our decisions on staffing levels, equipment needs, lifting methods and vehicle positioning.
We develop safe systems of work for loading and unloading vehicles, handling bulky or heavy furniture, moving items through narrow hallways, stairs and communal areas, and working in busy streets or shared driveways. These systems are communicated to staff and are subject to regular review.
Manual Handling And Lifting Techniques
Manual handling is a core part of our activity and is managed carefully to minimise the risk of injury. Staff receive instruction in correct lifting techniques, team lifting, use of handling aids and recognition of personal limits. Wherever practicable, mechanical or wheeled aids such as trolleys and dollies are used to reduce strain. We avoid asking a single worker to lift or carry items that are excessively heavy or awkward, and we plan routes to avoid unnecessary carrying, stairs and obstacles whenever possible.
Use Of Vehicles And Driving Safety
Our vehicles are maintained in safe working order, with regular checks on tyres, brakes, lights, securing points and loading areas. Drivers must hold an appropriate driving licence, obey road traffic laws and drive considerately at all times. Loads are distributed and secured to prevent shifting during transit, and vehicles must not be overloaded. When parking near collection or delivery addresses, drivers take account of pedestrians, cyclists and other road users to minimise risks during loading and unloading.
Work Environment And Customer Premises
When operating in customers homes, offices or storage facilities, staff are required to act with care to avoid damage or unsafe conditions. Trip hazards such as loose packaging, straps and tools are kept clear of walkways. Where appropriate, floor coverings or corner protectors may be used to reduce the risk of slips and property damage. We respect building rules and shared spaces, including stairwells, lifts and access roads, and we take steps to avoid blocking fire exits or emergency routes.
Personal Protective Equipment
Personal protective equipment, such as gloves, protective footwear and high visibility clothing, is provided where required by risk assessments and the nature of the work. Staff are responsible for using the equipment issued to them correctly and reporting any damage or loss so that it can be replaced. PPE is not a substitute for safe working methods but an additional layer of protection.
Training, Information And Supervision
We ensure that staff are competent to carry out their duties safely. This includes initial induction training covering health and safety expectations, manual handling, safe driving practices and emergency procedures, along with ongoing refresher training as needed. Supervisors monitor working practices on site, correct unsafe behaviour and provide guidance where conditions change or new risks are identified.
Accident, Incident And Near Miss Reporting
All accidents, incidents and near misses, however minor they may seem, must be reported to management as soon as possible. We record relevant details to help identify causes and implement corrective actions. Where necessary, we will review and adapt our risk assessments, equipment or training following an incident to reduce the likelihood of recurrence.
Health, Welfare And Fitness For Work
We recognise that removal work can be physically demanding. Staff are expected to present themselves fit for work and to inform management if they have any health concerns, injuries or conditions that may affect their ability to perform tasks safely. We do not permit staff to work under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs, and the misuse of prescription or over the counter medication that may impair performance is not acceptable.
Consultation And Continuous Improvement
We encourage feedback from staff and customers on health and safety matters. Suggestions for improving safety, whether related to lifting techniques, route planning, equipment or communication, are welcomed and considered as part of our commitment to continuous improvement. Regular reviews of this policy and our procedures help ensure that our standards remain aligned with current legislation and accepted best practice in the removal industry.
Policy Review And Availability
This Health and Safety policy is reviewed periodically and updated when necessary to reflect changes in our operations, legislation or guidance. A copy of this policy is made available to staff and can be provided to customers on request. By following this policy, Man with Van Highgate seeks to deliver reliable removal services while protecting the wellbeing of everyone involved in or affected by our work.
