Health and Safety policy

Man With Van Northolt Health And Safety Policy

Man with Van Northolt is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for our workers, customers, visitors, and members of the public who may be affected by our removals and transport activities. This Health and Safety policy sets out our approach to managing risks associated with moving, lifting, loading, transporting, and unloading household and commercial goods.

Our aim is to prevent accidents, injuries, and ill health by maintaining high standards of health and safety performance across all aspects of our man and van and removals services.

Policy Objectives

The main objectives of this Health and Safety policy are to:

Identify and manage risks arising from our moving and transport operations.

Provide and maintain safe working conditions, equipment, and systems of work.

Ensure that workers are competent through training, instruction, and supervision.

Protect customers and the public from risks associated with our activities.

Continuously improve our health and safety performance and practices.

Management Responsibilities

Management of Man with Van Northolt is responsible for implementing this Health and Safety policy and ensuring that:

Suitable risk assessments are carried out for all key tasks, including manual handling, loading and unloading of vehicles, driving, and working at customer premises.

Safe systems of work are developed, communicated, and followed by all workers.

Vehicles, lifting equipment, tools, and protective equipment are maintained in a safe and serviceable condition.

Incidents, near misses, and safety concerns are reported, investigated, and used to improve working practices.

All relevant health and safety legislation and recognised industry guidance for removals and transport are observed.

Employee Responsibilities

All workers engaged by Man with Van Northolt, whether permanent, temporary, or subcontracted, share a duty to safeguard their own health and safety and that of others affected by their work. Employees are expected to:

Follow all safety instructions, procedures, and guidance provided by the company.

Use vehicles, tools, and moving equipment correctly and only for their intended purpose.

Wear any protective equipment provided and keep it in good condition.

Report hazards, defects, accidents, and near misses to management as soon as possible.

Refuse to carry out work that they consider unsafe and immediately seek advice from management.

Risk Assessment And Safe Working Practices

Before starting a removal, loading, collection, or delivery job, our team assesses the tasks and working environment to identify potential risks such as confined spaces, trip hazards, heavy items, awkward access routes, or adverse weather conditions.

Risk control measures may include:

Using appropriate moving equipment such as trolleys, dollies, straps, and blankets.

Planning the route and sequence of moving items to avoid unnecessary lifting and carrying.

Securing loads properly within the vehicle to prevent movement during transit.

Using team lifting techniques and avoiding single-person lifts for heavy or bulky items.

Adjusting the job plan or rescheduling where conditions present unacceptable risk.

Manual Handling And Lifting

Manual handling is a core activity in the removals sector and is a significant source of potential injury. Man with Van Northolt manages this risk by:

Providing guidance and instruction on safe lifting techniques, including keeping loads close to the body, avoiding twisting, and sharing the load whenever necessary.

Encouraging the use of mechanical aids and equipment rather than relying solely on physical strength.

Limiting the weight of items lifted by a single person, taking account of the individual worker and the specific circumstances.

Planning removal work to minimise the distance and obstacles involved in carrying heavy goods.

Vehicle Safety And Driving Standards

Our removal vehicles are central to our operations and must be operated safely at all times. Man with Van Northolt will:

Ensure vehicles are roadworthy, regularly serviced, and inspected.

Check tyre condition, lights, mirrors, and securing points at appropriate intervals.

Require drivers to hold the appropriate driving licence and maintain good driving records.

Promote safe driving practices, including adherence to speed limits, safe loading, and consideration for other road users.

Ensure loads are evenly distributed and securely fastened to prevent shifting during transport.

Customer Premises And Public Safety

Our work often takes place at private homes, business premises, and public areas. We take great care to protect customers and the public by:

Maintaining clear access routes and keeping doors, stairways, and corridors as unobstructed as practical.

Using protective coverings where appropriate to reduce slip and trip risks on floors.

Monitoring the movement of heavy or bulky items to ensure that bystanders are kept at a safe distance.

Acting with care when parking and manoeuvring vehicles, especially in residential streets and busy locations.

Training, Information, And Supervision

Man with Van Northolt recognises that competent staff are essential for safe operations. We provide ongoing training and information on:

Safe manual handling and use of moving equipment.

Correct methods for loading, stacking, and securing items within vehicles.

Safe driving, route planning, and working at customer sites.

Emergency procedures, including what to do in the event of an accident, injury, or property damage.

Supervision is provided, especially to new or inexperienced workers, to ensure that safe working practices are understood and followed.

Accidents, Incidents, And First Aid

All accidents, incidents, and near misses during removal operations must be reported to management. We will:

Record incident details and investigate causes.

Take reasonable steps to prevent a recurrence.

Review risk assessments and working methods where necessary.

Ensure that basic first aid supplies are available in vehicles or at work locations, and that workers know how to access emergency medical assistance.

Continuous Improvement And Policy Review

Man with Van Northolt is committed to continual improvement in health and safety performance. We will review this policy periodically, and whenever there are significant changes in operations, legislation, or industry best practice.

Suggestions for improving safety are welcomed from all workers and customers. Feedback is used to refine our procedures so that our man and van and removal services remain as safe and reliable as possible.

By working together and following this Health and Safety policy, we aim to ensure that every move is carried out efficiently, carefully, and with full regard for the wellbeing of everyone involved.