Health and Safety policy
Health and Safety Policy for Man with Van Colney Hatch
Man with Van Colney Hatch is committed to providing removal and transport services that are safe, professional and compliant with relevant health and safety requirements. This policy sets out our approach to protecting our customers, our team members, members of the public and property while we carry out house moves, flat moves, office relocations and item deliveries.
Our Health and Safety Objectives
Our primary objectives are to prevent injury, protect health and minimise risk during all collection, loading, transport and unloading activities. We aim to continuously improve our working practices so that every job is carried out in a controlled, organised and safe manner. All members of our team are expected to support and comply with this policy at all times.
Management Responsibilities
The management of Man with Van Colney Hatch is responsible for implementing and reviewing this health and safety policy. Management will:
Ensure that health and safety is considered in all planning of removal services and that adequate resources are provided to meet safety obligations. Make sure that vehicles and equipment are maintained in a safe and roadworthy condition. Provide appropriate training, information and instruction to staff about safe lifting techniques, vehicle loading, use of equipment and emergency procedures. Monitor accidents, incidents and near misses and take action to prevent recurrence. Review this policy periodically, and whenever there are significant changes to our services or legal requirements.
Employee Responsibilities
Each member of the Man with Van Colney Hatch team has a duty to protect their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions. Employees must:
Follow all safe working procedures and instructions given by management. Use vehicles, tools and equipment only for their intended purpose and in a safe manner. Take reasonable care when lifting, carrying and moving items, and use manual handling aids where provided. Report any defects in vehicles, equipment, ramps or securing devices without delay. Wear suitable clothing and footwear that allows safe movement and grip while loading and unloading. Immediately report all accidents, injuries, near misses or unsafe conditions to management.
Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices
Before starting each job, we assess the main health and safety risks associated with the property layout, access points, parking arrangements, stairways and the nature of the items being moved. Where necessary, adjustments to the job plan are made to reduce risk, such as using extra staff for heavier items or altering the route used to move goods.
We seek to identify and control common risks including manual handling injuries, trips and falls, vehicle movements, and damage caused by unstable loads. Team members are instructed not to carry out any task that they consider to be unsafe or beyond their physical capability. In such cases, the situation is reviewed and alternative arrangements are made.
Manual Handling and Lifting
Manual handling is a key part of our removal services, and it is managed with particular care. Staff are trained to:
Assess the weight and shape of each item before moving it. Use correct lifting techniques, keeping loads close to the body and using leg strength rather than back strain. Work in pairs or small teams for heavy or awkward items such as furniture and appliances. Use trolleys, dollies, straps or other aids whenever appropriate. Avoid twisting while lifting and ensure clear paths before moving items.
No team member is required to move a load they believe to be unsafe, excessively heavy or beyond their capability. Customers may be advised when an additional mover or specialised equipment is required.
Vehicle Safety and Loading
Our vehicles are operated in a manner that protects both people and property. We undertake regular checks of tyres, lights, brakes, securing points and access ramps. Drivers must hold appropriate licences and follow road safety rules at all times.
During loading, items are arranged to prevent movement in transit. Heavier objects are placed at the base, with lighter and fragile items secured above. Straps, blankets and padding are used to protect goods and reduce the risk of shifting. Access ramps and tail lifts, where used, must be kept in good condition and operated only by trained personnel.
Customer and Public Safety
We take reasonable steps to protect customers and members of the public while carrying out removals. Where possible, we keep walkways clear and use safe routes between the property and vehicle. Customers are asked to keep children and pets away from loading and unloading areas to prevent accidents.
We aim to minimise obstruction of pavements and shared access routes. When loading from streets or busy areas, team members remain alert to passing pedestrians, cyclists and vehicles and adjust their activities to maintain safe movement around the vehicle.
Property Protection and Housekeeping
To reduce the risk of trips, falls and damage to property, our team keeps work areas as tidy as reasonably practicable. Packaging materials, straps and tools are stored neatly when not in use. Where appropriate, protective coverings may be used on floors, bannisters and doorways to help prevent damage and provide better grip.
Any accidental damage or hazards identified on site are reported to the customer promptly, and steps are taken to make the area safe while a longer-term solution is arranged.
Health, Welfare and Fitness for Work
We recognise that the physical nature of removal work requires attention to health and fitness for work. Team members are encouraged to report any medical conditions or injuries that could affect their ability to carry out lifting and moving tasks safely. No one should work under the influence of alcohol, drugs or any substance that may impair judgment or coordination.
Regular breaks are built into longer jobs to reduce fatigue, especially when carrying heavy items or working on stairs. Drinking water and appropriate clothing for weather conditions are encouraged to support the welfare of the team.
Training, Information and Review
Man with Van Colney Hatch provides ongoing training covering manual handling, vehicle loading, safe use of equipment and awareness of typical hazards during removals. New staff receive instruction before working on jobs, and existing staff are updated when procedures change.
This health and safety policy is reviewed regularly to ensure it remains suitable for the nature and scale of our removal and man and van services. We welcome feedback from customers and staff that may help to improve our safety performance and the quality of our work.
Policy Commitment
This policy reflects the commitment of Man with Van Colney Hatch to delivering reliable moving and transport services while maintaining high health and safety standards. All staff are expected to understand, support and comply with this policy, and management will ensure that it is communicated, implemented and maintained across the business.
