Man With a Van Barnsbury Health and Safety Policy

This Health and Safety Policy sets out how Man With a Van Barnsbury manages the safety and wellbeing of our customers, employees, contractors and members of the public. Our work involves domestic and commercial removals, collections and deliveries, and we are committed to carrying out every job in a safe, controlled and professional manner.

Our Health and Safety Objectives

We aim to prevent injury, ill health and damage to property during all removal, loading, transport and unloading activities. Health and safety is treated as an integral part of planning and delivering our services, from small local moves to larger relocation projects. The company will provide appropriate resources, information and supervision to maintain safe working practices and to promote continuous improvement in health and safety standards.

Legal Compliance and Responsibilities

Man With a Van Barnsbury complies with all applicable health and safety legislation and relevant industry guidance. We recognise our duty to assess risks, implement control measures and provide a safe system of work. Management is responsible for ensuring that this policy is implemented and reviewed on a regular basis. Employees and contractors must follow all health and safety procedures, use equipment correctly and report hazards or incidents without delay.

Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work

Before each removal or transport job, we consider the specific risks associated with the property, access routes, items to be moved and any special handling requirements. Where necessary we carry out a written risk assessment and adopt control measures such as using additional staff, mechanical aids or modified lifting techniques. Particular attention is given to stairs, narrow hallways, uneven surfaces, restricted parking and heavy or fragile items.

Safe systems of work are developed for typical tasks including loading and unloading vehicles, packing, moving furniture and appliances, and handling awkward or bulky items. These systems are communicated to staff and reviewed regularly in light of new equipment, feedback and incident reports.

Manual Handling and Use of Equipment

Manual handling is a core part of removal work and carries the risk of strains, sprains and other injuries. All staff receive training in correct lifting and carrying techniques, team lifting, use of trolleys, ramps and other moving aids. Loads are assessed for weight, stability and shape before being moved, and staff are instructed never to lift items beyond their capability or without adequate support.

Equipment such as sack trucks, dollies, straps, blankets and ramps is inspected regularly for damage and wear. Only equipment that is in good condition and suitable for the task will be used. Staff must follow operating instructions and report any defects immediately so that faulty items can be removed from service.

Vehicle Safety and Driving Standards

Our vehicles are maintained to a high standard and inspected on a regular schedule. Checks include tyres, lights, brakes, securing points and loading areas. Drivers must complete basic safety checks before starting each journey and must ensure that loads are secured so that items cannot move or fall during transit.

All driving must be carried out in accordance with road traffic laws and safe driving practices. Drivers must be fit to drive, hold a valid licence for the vehicle being used and must not drive when fatigued or under the influence of alcohol, drugs or any substance that impairs judgement or reaction time. Journey planning takes into account traffic conditions, safe parking and safe access for loading and unloading at both collection and delivery locations.

Protection of Customers, Public and Property

We recognise our responsibility to safeguard the people and property we work around. When working at customer premises or on public roads, staff are expected to maintain a tidy work area, minimise trip hazards and use appropriate warning signs or cones where there is a risk to passers-by. Care is taken to protect floors, walls, doors and other fixtures from damage through the use of covers, blankets and careful handling.

Staff must be courteous and cooperative with customers and neighbours, ensuring that access routes are kept as clear as possible and that noise and disruption are minimised. Any accidental damage or near miss must be reported immediately so that appropriate action can be taken and the cause investigated.

Personal Protective Equipment and Hygiene

Where necessary for the task, staff will be provided with personal protective equipment such as gloves, high-visibility clothing and safety footwear. It is the responsibility of each worker to use this equipment correctly and to store it properly when not in use. Damaged or worn equipment must be reported so it can be replaced.

Good hygiene and cleanliness are maintained in vehicles and equipment to reduce the risk of contamination, pests or unpleasant odours. Staff are encouraged to wash hands regularly, especially after handling dusty, dirty or potentially contaminated items.

Training, Information and Supervision

All employees receive an induction that includes an overview of this Health and Safety Policy, safe working practices and emergency procedures. Further task-specific training is provided on manual handling, equipment use, vehicle checks and safe loading techniques. Training needs are reviewed periodically and whenever new equipment or procedures are introduced.

Supervisors monitor compliance with safety procedures during jobs and provide guidance and correction where needed. Feedback from staff about practical safety improvements is encouraged, and reasonable suggestions will be considered during policy reviews.

Accidents, Incidents and Near Miss Reporting

All accidents, injuries, property damage and near misses must be reported to management as soon as reasonably practicable. Records are kept and investigated to identify root causes and to implement corrective actions. Lessons learned from incidents are shared with staff and, where necessary, result in updated procedures or additional training.

Emergency Preparedness

Staff are briefed on what to do in the event of fire, serious injury, vehicle breakdown or collision. This includes contacting emergency services where required, making the scene safe, assisting injured persons where it is safe to do so and notifying management. Vehicles carry basic emergency equipment as appropriate for the type of work and journey.

Policy Review and Continuous Improvement

This Health and Safety Policy is reviewed at regular intervals and whenever there are significant changes to our operations, legislation or best practice guidance. Man With a Van Barnsbury is committed to continually improving health and safety performance and expects all employees and contractors to support this goal by working safely, reporting concerns and participating actively in safety initiatives.