Health and Safety policy
Health and Safety Policy for Man with Van Creekmouth
Man with Van Creekmouth is committed to providing safe, reliable and professional removal and transport services. This Health and Safety policy sets out our approach to protecting the wellbeing of our customers, employees, contractors and members of the public during all removal and delivery activities.
Our aim is to prevent accidents, injuries and damage to property by applying sensible, proportionate and consistent health and safety standards across all jobs, whether a small man and van move or a larger home or office removal.
Management Responsibility and Commitment
The management of Man with Van Creekmouth accepts overall responsibility for health and safety performance within the business. We are committed to maintaining a working environment where risks are identified, controlled and reviewed, and where safe working practices are regarded as an essential part of our removal services.
Management will provide the resources, information and guidance necessary to implement this policy and will ensure that health and safety is considered in planning, scheduling and carrying out all moving and transport operations.
Employee Responsibilities
All staff, including drivers, porters and any subcontracted personnel, have a duty to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their work. Employees are required to:
Follow all safe systems of work and instructions provided by the company, especially in relation to manual handling and vehicle use. Use equipment, tools, protective clothing and vehicles correctly and report any defects immediately. Co operate in risk assessments and safety briefings. Report all accidents, incidents, near misses and hazardous situations to management as soon as possible. Refrain from any reckless behaviour, horseplay or misuse of lifting equipment or vehicles.
Risk Assessment and Planning
Before each removal or delivery, we consider the risks that may be present at the collection and drop off locations and during transit. We aim to identify hazards such as restricted access, uneven ground, heavy or awkward items, steps, poor lighting and parking or loading restrictions.
Where necessary, we will adapt the method of work, allocate additional staff, or use appropriate handling equipment to reduce the risk of injury or damage. For more complex or higher risk jobs, a more detailed risk assessment may be carried out in advance.
Manual Handling and Lifting Safety
Manual handling is a significant part of removal work, and we recognise the risk of strain and injury if it is not managed properly. Man with Van Creekmouth promotes safe lifting and carrying techniques, team lifts and the use of suitable handling aids such as trolleys, dollies and straps whenever practicable.
Our approach to manual handling includes: Assessing the weight, size and shape of items before lifting. Planning the route to ensure it is clear and safe. Using two person or multi person lifts for heavy or bulky items. Avoiding twisting or sudden movements while carrying loads. Taking breaks where necessary to prevent fatigue.
Where an item is judged to be too heavy or unsafe to move, we reserve the right to refuse handling it unless additional assistance or equipment can be provided.
Vehicle Safety and Driving Standards
Our vehicles are an essential part of our service and are maintained to a safe standard. Drivers must carry out basic pre use checks and report defects promptly. Only authorised and competent drivers are permitted to drive company vehicles.
Drivers are expected to comply with road traffic laws, adhere to speed limits and drive courteously and carefully at all times. Loads must be secured properly inside the vehicle to prevent movement, damage or hazards during transit. Parking and loading will be carried out with care to avoid risk to pedestrians, other road users and property.
Customer Premises and Public Safety
We recognise our responsibility to work safely at customer homes, workplaces and in public areas. Our staff will take reasonable steps to protect floors, walls, doors and fixtures from damage during moves and will position equipment and vehicles to minimise obstruction and risk to others.
Where work is taking place in shared spaces, corridors, stairways or entrances, we will take care to maintain safe access and will move items in a controlled and considerate manner.
Equipment and Personal Protective Equipment
Man with Van Creekmouth will provide suitable tools, lifting equipment and, where appropriate, personal protective equipment to support safe working practices. Staff are expected to use all equipment in accordance with training and instructions and to report any damage or malfunction immediately.
We will only use equipment that is appropriate for the task and will not improvise with unsuitable tools or makeshift methods that could compromise safety.
Training, Information and Supervision
All employees receive appropriate information and guidance on health and safety relevant to their role, including safe driving, manual handling and site awareness. New staff are introduced to our safety procedures as part of their induction, and existing staff are reminded of their responsibilities periodically.
Where required, work will be supervised to ensure that safety procedures are followed, especially on complex or high risk moves.
Drugs, Alcohol and Fitness for Work
Employees must present themselves fit for work and free from the influence of alcohol or illegal substances while undertaking duties. Any medication that could affect concentration or physical ability must be disclosed to management so that risks can be assessed and controlled.
Accidents, Incidents and Near Misses
All accidents, incidents and near misses are to be reported to management without delay. We will record and, where appropriate, investigate such events to identify causes and put in place measures to reduce the likelihood of recurrence.
Where there is damage to customer property, our team will inform the customer as soon as reasonably possible and follow internal procedures for reporting and resolution.
Continuous Improvement and Policy Review
Man with Van Creekmouth is committed to continuous improvement in health and safety performance. We will review this policy periodically, and when there are significant changes to our activities or relevant regulations, to ensure it remains suitable and effective.
This Health and Safety policy reflects our ongoing commitment to delivering removal services that prioritise the safety of our customers, our staff and the wider community.
