Health and Safety policy
Health and Safety Policy for Man with Van Harlesden
Man with Van Harlesden 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 policy sets out our approach to managing health and safety across all services, including household moves, office relocations, collection and delivery work, loading, unloading and driving operations.
Our Health and Safety Objectives
Our primary objective is to prevent injury and ill health arising from our work. We aim to identify, control and, where possible, eliminate risks associated with lifting, carrying, use of vehicles, handling customer belongings, and working in and around customer premises. We will provide suitable resources, information and instruction so that health and safety is an integral part of our day-to-day operations.
Management Responsibilities
Management at Man with Van Harlesden is responsible for implementing and maintaining this Health and Safety Policy. This includes assessing risks, planning safe systems of work and ensuring that staff are trained to carry out their roles safely. Managers will make sure that vehicles, equipment and tools used for removals are in a safe condition and are regularly inspected and maintained.
We will monitor working practices, investigate any accidents or near misses, and take corrective action where necessary. Health and safety performance will be reviewed periodically to identify opportunities for improvement in our removal and delivery services.
Employee Responsibilities
Every employee has a duty to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions or omissions. Staff are expected to follow company procedures, use equipment correctly, wear any required protective clothing, and cooperate with management in all health and safety matters.
Employees must report hazards, defects in vehicles or equipment, accidents, injuries and near misses as soon as practicable, so that risks can be properly managed. No employee should undertake a task for which they have not received adequate training or instructions, especially where manual handling and vehicle operations are involved.
Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices
We will carry out suitable and proportionate risk assessments for our activities, including packing, loading, unloading, lifting and carrying items, operating tail lifts where fitted, and driving vans and related vehicles. Before commencing a removal or delivery, staff will consider access routes, parking arrangements, stairs, lift availability, weight and size of items, and the need for additional equipment or personnel.
Where significant risks are identified, we will implement appropriate control measures. These may include team lifting, use of trolleys, dollies or straps, planning safe routes in and out of premises, and scheduling work to avoid peak congestion or unsafe conditions where reasonably practicable.
Manual Handling and Lifting
Manual handling is a key part of our removal work and is managed carefully to reduce the risk of musculoskeletal injuries. All staff receive instruction on safe lifting techniques, including how to assess load weight, shape and stability before moving it, and when to request assistance or mechanical aids.
Employees must avoid unsafe lifting, such as twisting while carrying heavy loads, overreaching, or attempting to move items that are clearly beyond their capability. Wherever possible, loads will be broken down into smaller, more manageable units, and routes will be cleared of obstacles before carrying items.
Vehicle Safety and Driving Standards
Safe operation of vehicles is essential to our business. Drivers must hold the appropriate licence, be medically fit to drive, and comply with all road traffic requirements. Vehicles will be kept in a roadworthy condition through regular checks and maintenance.
Before each journey, drivers are expected to carry out basic safety checks, ensure that loads are properly distributed and secured, and confirm that access and route plans are suitable for the size and weight of the vehicle. Drivers must not drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs and must report any medical condition or issue that may affect driving safety.
Customer Premises and Public Safety
Our work often takes place in or near customer homes, offices and public spaces. We take care to minimise risks to customers, visitors and passers-by. This includes maintaining tidy work areas, managing trip hazards from packing materials and equipment, and controlling access to areas where loading or unloading is taking place.
Where necessary, staff will use warning signs or verbal instruction to keep others away from hazardous areas during lifting, carrying or vehicle manoeuvres. At all times, we will show respect for customer property while maintaining safe working conditions.
Training, Information and Supervision
We will provide appropriate training and information to ensure that employees are competent to carry out their duties safely. This may include induction training, manual handling instruction, safe vehicle operation, use of equipment, and awareness of site-specific hazards.
Where new equipment, procedures or services are introduced, additional instruction will be given. Supervisors will monitor working practices and provide guidance and correction where required to maintain consistent safety standards across our removal operations.
Accident Reporting and Emergency Procedures
All accidents, incidents, injuries and near misses must be reported to management as soon as possible. We will keep appropriate records and, where necessary, review risk assessments and procedures in light of any findings. Staff are expected to cooperate fully in any investigation aimed at preventing recurrence.
Employees must familiarise themselves with emergency procedures, including fire safety at depots or storage locations we use, and any special arrangements at customer premises where we are working for extended periods. In the event of an emergency, the safety of people will always take priority over property or schedules.
Policy Review and Continuous Improvement
This Health and Safety Policy will be reviewed regularly and updated as necessary to reflect changes in our operations, applicable guidance and best practice in the removals and transport sector. We encourage feedback from employees and customers on any aspect of safety related to our services.
By working together and following the principles set out in this policy, Man with Van Harlesden aims to deliver efficient, reliable and safe removal and delivery services for all customers in our service area.
