Health and Safety policy

Health and Safety Policy for Man with Van Finchley

Man with Van Finchley is committed to providing a professional, reliable, and safe removal service for all customers. This Health and Safety Policy sets out our approach to protecting our workers, customers, members of the public, and property during all moving, transport, loading, and unloading activities within our service areas.

Our policy is to comply with all relevant health and safety legislation, follow best industry practices, and continuously improve our standards. Health and safety considerations form an integral part of planning and delivering every removal job, whether for domestic moves, office relocations, or item collections and deliveries.

Health and Safety Objectives

We aim to prevent accidents, injuries, and damage by identifying hazards, assessing risks, and implementing effective control measures. Our key objectives are to:

Protect the health, safety, and welfare of our staff, contractors, and customers.

Provide and maintain safe vehicles, equipment, and working methods.

Ensure that staff are competent, trained, and supervised for the tasks they undertake.

Promote a positive safety culture where everyone shares responsibility for safe working.

Review and improve this policy to reflect changes in legislation, operations, and best practice.

Responsibilities and Management of Health and Safety

Overall responsibility for health and safety sits with the business owner or appointed manager at Man with Van Finchley. They ensure that adequate resources are available to manage health and safety and that this policy is implemented across all services.

Supervisors and team leaders are responsible for day-to-day management of safety on jobs, including dynamic risk assessments, allocation of appropriate equipment, and ensuring staff follow safe systems of work.

Every member of staff has a duty to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions. Staff must cooperate with management, follow training and instructions, and promptly report any hazards, incidents, defects, or concerns.

Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices

Before starting any removal or transport task, risks are assessed and appropriate control measures put in place. Where practical, written risk assessments support our work methods for typical moving activities. For each job, our team will carry out on-site checks and adjust methods as needed for the specific environment.

Key risk areas for our removal services include manual handling of furniture and boxes, use of moving equipment, vehicle loading and unloading, traffic and parking conditions, and working in customers homes, offices, and shared spaces. Control measures may include allocation of sufficient staff for heavy items, use of trolleys and lifting aids, securing loads within vehicles, and establishing safe routes through properties.

Manual Handling and Use of Equipment

Lifting and carrying are central to our work. To reduce the risk of strains, sprains, and other injuries, we:

Provide manual handling training and guidance on correct lifting techniques.

Encourage team lifting for heavy or awkward items and never require staff to exceed safe limits.

Use suitable equipment such as sack trucks, dollies, straps, and blankets where appropriate.

Plan handling routes to minimise carrying distances, avoid obstructions, and protect both people and property.

Equipment is inspected regularly and maintained in safe working order. Defective items are removed from use immediately.

Vehicle Safety and Load Security

Our vans are essential to our removal operations and are maintained in a safe, roadworthy condition. Regular checks are carried out on brakes, tyres, lights, and other key safety features.

Loads are secured to prevent movement during transit. We use appropriate strapping, padding, and positioning to protect both the load and vehicle occupants. Weight limits are respected and loads are distributed to maintain vehicle stability.

Drivers are responsible for safe driving, compliance with road traffic laws, and adherence to rest and break requirements. They are expected to drive with consideration for passengers, other road users, and local communities within our operating areas.

Customer and Public Safety

Our teams work in homes, business premises, and shared spaces. We plan our work to minimise risk to customers, their visitors, and members of the public. This includes:

Keeping walkways as clear as possible and marking or highlighting trip hazards where necessary.

Using safe lifting routes and avoiding unnecessary carrying on stairs or confined spaces.

Positioning vehicles for safe loading and unloading, with care for pedestrians, cyclists, and other vehicles.

Maintaining respectful noise levels and conduct, especially in residential areas.

We request that customers keep children and pets away from moving areas during the job to avoid accidental injury.

Training, Information, and Supervision

All staff receive appropriate training for their roles, including manual handling, correct use of equipment, basic vehicle safety, and awareness of key health and safety hazards in removal work. New staff are supervised and supported until they are assessed as competent to work independently.

We provide ongoing information and guidance through briefings, updates, and job-specific instructions. Team leaders monitor working methods on site and intervene where unsafe practices are observed.

Accident Reporting and Emergency Procedures

All accidents, near misses, and incidents are reported to management as soon as possible. We investigate significant incidents to understand root causes and take steps to prevent recurrence.

Our teams are briefed on emergency arrangements, including what to do in the event of fire, injury, vehicle breakdown, or collision while on removal jobs. First aid supplies are available in vehicles or on site as appropriate, and staff know how to summon emergency services when needed.

Review and Continuous Improvement

This Health and Safety Policy is reviewed regularly and whenever there are changes to legislation, our services, or the nature of our work. Feedback from staff and customers is welcomed and used to improve our practices.

By following this policy, Man with Van Finchley aims to provide a dependable, professional, and safe removal service for households and businesses across our operating area. Safety is central to how we plan, carry out, and complete every move.