Health and Safety Policy for Man with Van St Mary Cray

This Health and Safety Policy sets out the commitment of Man with Van St Mary Cray to protect the health, safety and welfare of all employees, contractors, customers and members of the public who may be affected by our removal and transport activities. Our aim is to carry out all work in a safe and responsible manner, preventing injury, ill health and damage to property.

Policy Statement

Man with Van St Mary Cray recognises its duty to comply with relevant health and safety legislation and accepted industry best practice for removal and light transport services. We will provide safe systems of work, suitable information, instruction, training and supervision, and maintain vehicles, tools and equipment in a safe condition.

We are committed to continual improvement in health and safety performance and to the prevention of accidents, near misses and work-related ill health across all removal and delivery jobs.

Responsibilities

The overall responsibility for health and safety within Man with Van St Mary Cray rests with the business owner or appointed manager. They are responsible for ensuring that this policy is implemented, reviewed regularly and communicated to all workers and relevant parties.

Supervisors or team leaders are responsible for day-to-day health and safety management during moves and collections. This includes checking that risk assessments have been completed, ensuring appropriate equipment is available, and confirming that staff follow safe working procedures.

All workers, whether permanent, temporary or self-employed, have 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. They must cooperate fully with the company in carrying out this policy, follow any instructions or training provided, and report hazards, near misses, injuries or unsafe practices without delay.

Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work

Man with Van St Mary Cray will identify and assess risks arising from our activities, including domestic removals, office moves, single-item deliveries and related loading and unloading tasks. Risk assessments will be carried out by competent persons and reviewed periodically, or when there are changes in work processes, equipment or locations.

Based on these assessments, we will develop and implement safe systems of work. These will cover manual handling, safe lifting techniques, use of moving equipment, vehicle loading and securing, route planning and working in customers homes or business premises. Staff will be informed of these procedures and expected to follow them at all times.

Manual Handling and Use of Equipment

Manual handling is a key element of removal work and can present a high risk of injury if not managed properly. Man with Van St Mary Cray will minimise manual handling risks by planning each job, assessing the size, weight and nature of items, and using suitable lifting aids wherever appropriate.

Staff will receive instruction in safe lifting and carrying techniques, team lifting when moving heavy or awkward items, and how to recognise when a task is beyond their capability. Trolleys, dollies, straps, ramps and other equipment will be provided where necessary and must be inspected before use. Any defect or damage to equipment must be reported immediately and the item taken out of use until repaired or replaced.

Vehicle Safety and Driving Standards

The safe operation of our vans is critical to the health and safety of drivers, passengers and other road users. All vehicles will be maintained in good mechanical condition and subject to regular checks. Drivers must carry out pre-use inspections, including tyres, lights, brakes and load securing points, and report any faults promptly.

Drivers are expected to hold the appropriate licence, obey traffic laws and drive in a manner that reflects the reputation of Man with Van St Mary Cray. Speed limits, rest requirements and safe following distances must be respected. Loads must be distributed evenly, secured properly and not exceed the vehicle’s permitted weight or dimensions.

Customer Premises, Access and Housekeeping

Removal and delivery work often takes place at customer homes, offices or storage facilities. Staff must take care to protect both themselves and others while on site. This includes checking access routes, stairs, lifts, doorways and outside areas for hazards such as uneven surfaces, obstructions, poor lighting or adverse weather conditions.

Protective measures such as floor coverings or corner guards may be used where appropriate to reduce the risk of slips, trips or damage to property. Staff must keep work areas as tidy as reasonably practicable, avoiding trailing straps, packaging, tools or loose items that could create hazards.

Personal Protective Equipment

Personal protective equipment will be provided where risk assessments show it is necessary. This may include protective footwear, gloves, high-visibility clothing or other items relevant to removal and transport tasks. Workers are required to use the equipment provided, keep it in good condition and report any loss or damage.

Training, Information and Supervision

Man with Van St Mary Cray will provide workers with sufficient health and safety information, instruction and training to carry out their duties safely. This will include induction training for new starters and ongoing refresher training where appropriate, particularly for manual handling, safe use of equipment and vehicle operations.

Supervision levels will be proportionate to the experience and competence of the workers and the complexity of the task or site. Less experienced staff will work under closer supervision until they have demonstrated a satisfactory level of competence.

Accident Reporting and Emergency Procedures

All accidents, incidents, near misses and work-related health concerns must be reported as soon as possible to the responsible person. Details will be recorded and investigated to identify causes and implement measures to prevent recurrence.

Emergency procedures will be explained to staff, including what to do in case of injury, fire, road traffic incidents or other emergencies arising during removal work or while driving. Staff must follow these procedures and cooperate with emergency services where required.

Review of Policy

This Health and Safety Policy will be reviewed at regular intervals, and whenever there are significant changes in legislation, company structure, work activities or identified risks. Man with Van St Mary Cray is committed to maintaining a safe working environment and expects all staff to support and uphold this policy in the course of providing removal and transport services.