Health and Safety Policy for Man with Van Hendon

Man with Van Hendon is committed to providing a professional, safe and healthy environment for our employees, contractors, customers and members of the public who may be affected by our removal and delivery services. This Health and Safety policy sets out our approach to managing risks associated with transport, lifting and handling, working in domestic and commercial premises, and operating in public spaces during moves and deliveries.

Our Health and Safety Commitment

We actively promote a positive safety culture and expect everyone working with or for Man with Van Hendon to take responsibility for their own safety and the safety of others. We aim to prevent accidents, injuries and damage to property by identifying hazards, assessing risks and implementing effective control measures.

Senior management is responsible for ensuring that this policy is implemented, maintained and reviewed regularly. All staff are required to cooperate fully with this policy and follow company procedures, training and instructions at all times.

Legal Compliance and Continuous Improvement

Man with Van Hendon complies with relevant health and safety legislation, guidance and industry best practice relating to transport, manual handling, use of work equipment and safe systems of work. We monitor changes in regulations and update our procedures as required to remain compliant.

We continually review our performance, investigate incidents and near misses, and use the findings to improve our working methods, training and risk controls. Feedback from staff and customers is welcomed and used to enhance our safety standards and the quality of our services.

Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work

Before commencing removal or delivery activities, we carry out appropriate risk assessments considering the nature of the items being moved, the access routes, parking arrangements, loading and unloading areas, and any site-specific hazards. This applies to residential moves, office relocations and single-item transport.

Where risks are identified, we implement control measures such as planning suitable routes, using appropriate handling equipment, assigning sufficient staff to the task and allowing adequate time for each job. Work is scheduled and organised to avoid rushing and to reduce the likelihood of accidents and damage.

Manual Handling and Lifting Safety

Manual handling presents a key risk in removal activities. All staff involved in lifting and carrying are trained in safe techniques, including assessing the load, maintaining good posture, team lifting and the correct use of equipment. Heavy, bulky or awkward items are not lifted by a single person and are moved only when it is safe to do so.

We provide suitable handling aids such as trolleys, dollies, straps, blankets and ramps when required. Staff are instructed to refuse unsafe lifts, to ask for assistance when needed and to report any concerns about handling tasks or equipment immediately.

Use of Vehicles and Driving Safety

Our vehicles are maintained in a safe and roadworthy condition, with regular checks and servicing. Drivers must hold the appropriate licence, follow road traffic laws and adhere to company rules on safe driving, loading and parking.

Loads are secured properly to prevent movement during transit, and vehicles are not overloaded. Drivers plan routes to minimise risks, taking account of road conditions, access restrictions and local traffic. Fatigue management, rest breaks and safe parking are integral to our driving practices.

Safe Working at Customer Premises

When working at customer locations, our staff act with care and consideration to protect people, property and belongings. We assess access paths, stairways, corridors and doorways before moving items and take steps to reduce the risk of slips, trips and falls, such as managing trailing cables and keeping walkways clear.

Where necessary, protective materials are used to safeguard floors, walls and fixtures. Items are handled carefully to prevent damage both inside and outside the property. Staff are instructed to communicate with clients about any access limitations or safety issues that may affect the work.

Public Safety and Neighbouring Properties

Many removal and delivery jobs take place on or near public roads and footpaths. We take reasonable steps to protect passers-by, neighbours and other road users by planning safe loading and unloading points, using hazard lights and warning signs where appropriate, and avoiding unnecessary obstruction of pavements and entrances.

Our teams remain alert to the presence of children, pets and vulnerable individuals in the area and adjust their activities to maintain a safe environment for everyone nearby.

Training, Information and Supervision

All employees receive appropriate induction and ongoing training covering health and safety responsibilities, manual handling, vehicle safety, use of equipment, incident reporting and emergency procedures. Additional training is provided for staff with specific duties, such as driving or supervising teams.

Supervisors and team leaders are responsible for monitoring working practices on site, ensuring that procedures are followed and intervening if unsafe acts or conditions are observed. Clear communication within the team and with the customer is encouraged to keep everyone informed and safe throughout the job.

Accident, Incident and Near Miss Reporting

All accidents, incidents, injuries and near misses must be reported to management as soon as reasonably practicable. This enables us to provide appropriate support and first aid, meet any reporting obligations and carry out timely investigations.

We analyse incident reports to identify root causes and trends, then implement corrective and preventive measures. Employees are encouraged to report hazards and suggest improvements without fear of blame, as learning from experience is essential to our safety culture.

Health, Welfare and Fitness for Work

We recognise the physical nature of removal work and the importance of the health and wellbeing of our staff. Employees are expected to present fit for work, to follow any medical advice relevant to their duties and to inform management of any condition that could affect their ability to work safely.

We seek to manage workloads realistically, provide appropriate rest breaks and avoid undue physical strain. Where necessary, tasks are adapted or shared to reduce the risk of overexertion, particularly on longer or more complex moves.

Responsibility and Review

Overall responsibility for health and safety within Man with Van Hendon rests with the company management, who ensure that adequate resources, equipment and training are provided. All employees have a duty to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions.

This Health and Safety policy is reviewed regularly and updated when necessary to reflect changes in legislation, guidance, operations or organisational structure. The latest version is made available to employees and customers on request, and all staff are informed of any significant changes.

By following this policy, Man with Van Hendon aims to deliver reliable removal and transport services while maintaining a consistently high standard of health and safety for everyone involved.