Health and Safety Policy for Man with Van Addington
Man with Van Addington is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for our employees, contractors, customers, and members of the public who may be affected by our removal and transport activities. This Health and Safety Policy sets out our responsibilities, the standards we work to, and the procedures we follow to minimise risks associated with our services.
Our Health and Safety Objectives
Our main objectives are to prevent injury, protect health, and promote safe working practices in all aspects of our removal operations. We aim to identify and control hazards, ensure that everyone understands their responsibilities, and constantly improve our performance through training, supervision, and regular reviews of our procedures.
Management Responsibilities
The management of Man with Van Addington accepts overall responsibility for health and safety. Management will:
Ensure that health and safety risks arising from our activities are properly assessed, controlled, and monitored. Provide and maintain vehicles, equipment, and tools in a safe and reliable condition. Supply suitable personal protective equipment and ensure it is used correctly where required. Develop and communicate safe systems of work for lifting, loading, unloading, driving, and handling goods. Provide information, instruction, training, and supervision to enable staff to work safely and competently. Investigate accidents, incidents, and near misses, and implement any necessary corrective actions. Review this policy periodically and update it to reflect changes in legislation, guidance, or working practices.
Employee Responsibilities
All employees and contractors working for Man with Van Addington have a legal and moral duty to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions. They are expected to:
Follow all safety procedures, instructions, and training provided. Use vehicles, equipment, and protective clothing correctly and report any defects immediately. Co operate with management on all health and safety matters. Not interfere with or misuse anything provided for health, safety, or welfare. Report hazards, unsafe conditions, accidents, or near misses as soon as possible. Maintain a professional standard of behaviour, including not working under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or any substance that could impair safe performance.
Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices
We carry out risk assessments for our typical activities, including packing, lifting, carrying, loading, unloading, and transporting household and commercial items. These assessments identify potential hazards such as heavy or awkward loads, slips, trips, falls, vehicle movements, and work in confined or challenging spaces.
Where risks are identified, we put in place control measures such as using appropriate lifting techniques, employing moving equipment like trolleys or straps, team lifting for heavy or bulky items, and planning routes and access points in advance. Staff are trained in safe manual handling and encouraged not to attempt any lift they consider unsafe.
Manual Handling and Lifting
Moving furniture and goods involves significant manual handling risks. To reduce the likelihood of strains, sprains, and other injuries, we:
Train staff in correct posture, lifting, and carrying techniques. Encourage the use of mechanical aids and team lifts wherever practicable. Plan lifts and moves in advance, taking account of access, stairs, doorways, and obstacles. Set limits on the weights that individuals are expected to lift unaided. Instruct staff to stop and seek assistance if they are unsure whether an item can be moved safely.
Vehicle Safety and Driving Standards
Our vehicles are central to our work and must be operated safely at all times. Man with Van Addington ensures that:
Vehicles are regularly inspected, serviced, and maintained in line with manufacturer recommendations and legal requirements. Drivers hold the correct, valid licence for the vehicles they operate and are competent and trained. Loads are distributed evenly, properly secured, and within the safe weight limits of the vehicle. Drivers follow all road traffic laws, drive courteously, and adjust their driving to weather, traffic, and road conditions. Rest breaks and journey planning are managed to reduce fatigue and promote safe driving practices.
Customer Premises and Public Safety
Many of our activities take place at customer homes, business premises, and on public roads. We take active steps to ensure safety beyond our own staff by:
Assessing access routes, staircases, and entrances before starting work. Using care when moving large items through doorways, corridors, and shared spaces. Where appropriate, setting up safe walkways and clearly indicating any temporary trip hazards such as ramps or packing materials. Minimising obstruction to pavements, driveways, and communal areas during loading and unloading. Taking particular care in shared buildings, car parks, and areas where children, pets, or members of the public may be present.
Equipment and Personal Protective Equipment
We use tools, trolleys, straps, and other handling equipment to improve safety and efficiency. All equipment is inspected regularly and removed from use if defective. Where risk assessments show it is necessary, personal protective equipment such as gloves or safety footwear is provided and must be worn as instructed.
Training, Information, and Supervision
Health and safety training is provided as part of staff induction and is refreshed periodically or when new equipment or procedures are introduced. Training covers manual handling, safe loading and unloading, vehicle and road safety, dealing with difficult access, and emergency procedures. Supervisors monitor working practices to ensure that training is followed and that standards are maintained on every job.
Accidents, Incidents, and Emergencies
All accidents, injuries, and near misses are to be reported as soon as reasonably possible. We record and review these events to identify causes and implement improvements. Staff are instructed on basic emergency arrangements, including how to respond in the event of an injury, fire, or road traffic incident. First aid supplies are made available, and emergency contact procedures are communicated to staff.
Continuous Improvement
Man with Van Addington is committed to continuous improvement in health and safety. We regularly review our risk assessments, working methods, and training needs. Feedback from staff and customers is welcomed and used to refine our approach. By working together and maintaining high standards, we aim to deliver reliable removal services while protecting the wellbeing of everyone involved.
