Health and Safety policy
Health and Safety Policy for Man with Van North Finchley
Man with Van North Finchley is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for all employees, subcontractors, customers, and members of the public who may be affected by our removal and transportation activities. This Health and Safety policy sets out our approach to managing risks associated with moving, loading, transporting, and unloading goods in homes, offices, storage facilities and other premises within our service area.
Our Health and Safety Commitment
Our objective is to prevent injury, ill health, and damage to property arising from our operations. We will take all reasonably practicable measures to ensure that our services, including household moves, office relocations and van transportation, are conducted safely and responsibly. We will comply with all relevant health and safety legislation and continually aim to improve our standards and performance.
Responsibilities and Accountability
Overall responsibility for health and safety rests with the company management, who will ensure that suitable arrangements, information and resources are in place. Managers and supervisors are responsible for implementing this policy in day-to-day operations and for ensuring that staff follow safe systems of work.
All employees and subcontractors have a duty to take reasonable care for their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions. They must cooperate with the company in implementing this policy, follow training and instructions provided, and promptly report hazards, incidents or near misses.
Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work
Before undertaking removal or transportation tasks, we assess the risks associated with the work. This may include reviewing access routes, stairways, lifts, parking areas, loading zones and the nature of items to be moved. Where necessary, dynamic risk assessments are carried out on site to address specific conditions such as restricted access, heavy or bulky items, and customer-specific requirements.
Control measures are selected to reduce risks to an acceptable level and may include the use of additional personnel, mechanical aids, protective equipment or changes to the method of work. Staff are expected to follow established procedures and to stop work if they consider that the situation presents an unacceptable risk.
Manual Handling and Use of Equipment
Manual handling is a significant part of our removal activities. To reduce the risk of strains, sprains and other injuries, our personnel are trained in safe lifting and carrying techniques, including correct posture, team lifting and the use of handling aids such as trolleys, dollies and straps where appropriate.
Only trained and authorised staff may operate any equipment supplied by the company, including lifting devices, ramps or securing systems in vehicles. Equipment must be inspected regularly and used strictly in accordance with instructions and load limits. Items that are excessively heavy or awkward will not be moved without safe arrangements in place.
Vehicle Safety and Driving Standards
Our vans and other vehicles used for removals are maintained in a roadworthy and safe condition. Regular checks are carried out on tyres, brakes, lights, securing points and loading areas. Drivers must hold the appropriate licence, follow road traffic laws and adhere to company rules on safe driving, journey planning and hours of work.
Loads must be properly distributed and secured to prevent movement during transit. Overloading of vehicles is strictly prohibited. Drivers are responsible for ensuring that doors, ramps and tailgates are safely operated and that loading and unloading at properties or storage facilities is conducted with due care for pedestrians and other road users.
Customer Premises and Public Safety
When working in or around domestic or commercial premises, our teams will take reasonable steps to protect the safety of customers, visitors and members of the public. This includes careful positioning of vehicles, using safe routes for carrying items, and maintaining clear walkways where practicable.
Where there is a risk of trip hazards, falling objects or restricted access, staff will highlight these hazards and, where appropriate, restrict access to the area until the task is complete. We will take care to protect property such as walls, floors, doors and fixtures by using suitable protective measures where feasible.
Personal Protective Equipment
Personal protective equipment, such as gloves, safety footwear and high-visibility clothing, is provided where appropriate and must be used as instructed. PPE is considered a last line of defence after other control measures have been applied, but its correct use is compulsory whenever specified for a particular task or environment.
Training, Information and Supervision
All staff receive appropriate training relevant to their roles, including induction training on this Health and Safety policy, safe lifting practices, vehicle loading, and handling of fragile or high-value items. Additional training may be provided as legislation or working practices change.
Supervision is provided to ensure that procedures are followed correctly, especially for new or inexperienced staff. Information on hazards, safe methods of work and emergency arrangements is communicated clearly to all personnel and reinforced as needed.
Incident Reporting and Emergency Procedures
All accidents, injuries, near misses and dangerous occurrences must be reported promptly to management. Reports are reviewed to identify causes and to implement corrective actions that reduce the chance of recurrence. Serious incidents will be investigated in more depth and may result in updates to our procedures and training.
Staff are made aware of emergency procedures relevant to their work, such as actions in the event of a vehicle breakdown, fire, spillage or injury at a customer site. Where appropriate, first aid kits are carried in vehicles and staff know how to obtain medical assistance when necessary.
Continuous Improvement and Policy Review
Man with Van North Finchley is committed to continually improving its health and safety performance. We monitor our activities, review risk assessments and seek feedback from staff and customers to identify opportunities for safer working practices. This policy is reviewed regularly and updated as needed to reflect changes in legislation, industry standards and the nature of our removal services.
By working together and following this policy, we aim to deliver reliable, efficient and safe removal services throughout our operating area while protecting everyone involved in or affected by our work.
