Health and Safety Policy for Man with Van Northwood

Man with Van Northwood is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for our team members, customers and the public during all removal, transport and delivery activities. This Health and Safety policy sets out our approach to managing risks associated with home and office moves, furniture transport and related services in our operating area.

Policy Statement

Our objective is to prevent injury, ill health, property damage and environmental harm arising from our operations. We recognise our responsibilities under relevant health and safety legislation and aim to exceed the minimum legal requirements through good practice, ongoing training and continuous improvement.

We will identify and control hazards linked to lifting and carrying, loading and unloading vehicles, working in and around customers premises, driving and parking, and handling household and commercial goods. Health and safety considerations are central to planning and delivering every removal.

Management Responsibilities

Management at Man with Van Northwood is responsible for implementing this policy and ensuring that health and safety standards are maintained. This includes:

Ensuring suitable and sufficient risk assessments are carried out for typical removal tasks and that findings are communicated to staff. Providing appropriate equipment, such as moving blankets, trolleys and securing straps, and ensuring it is maintained in safe working condition. Organising regular training in safe lifting techniques, manual handling, vehicle loading, and emergency procedures. Investigating accidents, near misses and incidents to identify causes and prevent recurrence. Reviewing this policy periodically to reflect changes in legislation, industry guidance and our operating practices.

Employee Responsibilities

Every member of the Man with Van Northwood team has a duty to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions. All staff are required to:

Follow the safe systems of work, instructions and training provided. Use equipment, including vehicles and lifting aids, correctly and report any defects immediately. Wear suitable clothing and footwear for manual work and driving duties. Refrain from unsafe practices, horseplay or shortcuts that could put people or property at risk. Report accidents, near misses, hazards and health concerns to management without delay.

Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices

We assess risks associated with our core services, including local household removals, flat moves, small office relocations and item collection and delivery. Our risk assessments cover, as a minimum:

Manual handling of furniture, appliances, boxes and other items. Access routes at collection and delivery points, including stairs, narrow corridors, uneven ground and external pathways. Vehicle positioning, loading, unloading and securing of goods in transit. Interaction with customers, neighbours and members of the public near the working area. Weather conditions and lighting that may affect visibility and footing.

From these assessments we develop safe working methods, such as team lifting for heavy or bulky items, use of trolleys where access permits, and careful planning of the order in which items are moved to minimise handling and congestion.

Manual Handling and Lifting

Manual handling is a significant part of removal work. Man with Van Northwood ensures that:

Staff receive guidance on correct lifting techniques, including posture, load assessment and communication when lifting as a team. Loads are assessed before lifting to determine if they can be handled safely by one person, require team lifting or need additional equipment. Avoidance of unnecessary manual handling is prioritised by using trolleys, sliders, ramps and other aids when practical. Routes are checked and cleared, where possible, of trip hazards before heavy items are moved.

Vehicle Safety and Driving Standards

We recognise that safe operation of vehicles is essential to protecting our staff and the public in the local area. Our approach includes:

Ensuring that drivers are competent, hold valid licences and follow road traffic laws at all times. Conducting routine checks on vehicles, including tyres, lights, brakes and securing points in the load area. Loading vehicles so that weight is distributed safely and items are properly restrained to prevent movement in transit. Selecting parking locations that minimise risk to pedestrians and other road users while allowing safe loading and unloading.

Customer and Public Safety

Our teams take steps to protect customers and others present at removal sites. We will:

Communicate clearly with customers about access routes, parking arrangements and any restrictions that may affect safe working. Request that children and pets are kept away from moving routes, doorways and vehicle loading areas. Place items and equipment carefully to avoid creating trip hazards in shared spaces and on pavements. Take care to minimise noise, obstruction and disturbance in residential streets and at commercial premises.

Welfare, Fitness for Work and Substance Misuse

Removal work can be physically demanding. Man with Van Northwood encourages staff to maintain fitness for work, stay hydrated and take appropriate breaks. No employee or contractor may work under the influence of alcohol, illegal drugs or any substance that impairs judgement, coordination or reaction times. Use of prescribed medication that may affect safe working must be discussed with management so that adjustments can be considered.

Training, Communication and Consultation

We provide induction and ongoing training covering key health and safety topics relevant to local removal work. Instructions and key safety messages are communicated verbally and in writing where appropriate. We welcome suggestions from staff on improving safety and encourage open reporting of concerns without fear of blame where issues are raised in good faith.

Continuous Improvement and Policy Review

This Health and Safety policy is reviewed regularly to ensure it remains suitable for the types of removal and transport services we provide and the areas in which we operate. Changes in working practices, vehicles, equipment or legislation will prompt an interim review. Updated procedures and requirements are communicated to all staff.

By implementing this policy, Man with Van Northwood aims to deliver efficient and reliable moving services while maintaining a strong commitment to the safety and wellbeing of everyone involved.