Health and Safety policy

Health and Safety Policy for Man with Van New Barnet

Man with Van New Barnet is committed to providing a safe, healthy and secure working environment for our employees, customers, contractors and members of the public who may be affected by our removals and man and van activities. This Health and Safety Policy outlines our approach to managing risk across all jobs, including domestic moves, small office relocations and local collection and delivery services.

Our Health and Safety Commitments

We aim to conduct all removal and transport operations in a way that prevents injury, ill health, property damage and environmental harm. To achieve this, we will identify, assess and manage health and safety risks associated with handling furniture, loading and unloading vehicles, driving, and working in and around customer premises.

We comply with all relevant health and safety legislation and continually seek to improve our standards, procedures and staff awareness. Health and safety is an integral part of planning every removal and man and van service we provide.

Responsibilities and Accountability

Overall responsibility for health and safety within Man with Van New Barnet rests with the company management. Management will ensure that appropriate resources, training and equipment are provided so that work can be carried out safely and efficiently.

Supervisors and team leaders are responsible for implementing this policy on a day-to-day basis, ensuring that safe systems of work are followed, incidents are reported, and staff understand their duties. All employees, including drivers and porters, have a responsibility to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions.

Every member of staff must cooperate with management by following instructions, using equipment correctly, wearing any required personal protective equipment, and reporting hazards, near misses or accidents immediately.

Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices

Before starting any removal or loading task, our teams consider the specific risks of the location, access routes, parking arrangements, type of items being moved and any special customer requirements. Where necessary, a more detailed risk assessment is completed to identify control measures and safe working methods.

Safe systems of work include planning suitable routes for moving furniture, clearing trip hazards, using correct manual handling techniques, and ensuring that vehicles are positioned and secured safely for loading and unloading. Items are assessed for size, weight, fragility and stability, and appropriate methods and equipment are selected.

We aim to avoid lone working where a task requires more than one person for safe handling. Where lone working cannot be avoided, additional precautions are taken and communication methods are agreed in advance.

Manual Handling and Use of Equipment

Manual handling represents a significant part of our operations. All staff receive training in safe lifting and carrying techniques, including how to assess loads, avoid overreaching, and use team lifts when items are bulky, awkward or heavy.

Where possible, mechanical aids such as sack trucks, dollies and furniture sliders are used to reduce strain and risk of injury. These are regularly checked to ensure they are in good working order. Staff are instructed not to attempt to move any item they believe to be unsafe to handle without assistance or appropriate equipment.

Protective equipment such as gloves, safety footwear and hi-visibility clothing is provided where required. Staff are expected to use this equipment correctly and report any defects immediately so that replacements can be arranged.

Vehicle Safety and Driving Standards

Our vehicles are maintained to a high standard and are subject to regular inspections, servicing and safety checks. Drivers must complete basic pre-use checks and report defects without delay so that remedial action can be taken.

Drivers are required to follow all road traffic laws, drive considerately, and adhere to speed limits and parking regulations. Loads must be securely fastened within the vehicle to prevent movement or damage during transit and to ensure the safety of the driver and other road users.

We recognise the risks associated with driver fatigue. Working hours and driving times are managed to reduce tiredness and ensure drivers are fit to operate vehicles safely. Mobile phones must only be used in accordance with safe driving practices and never handheld while driving.

Customer Premises and Public Safety

When operating in residential streets, commercial areas and shared spaces, we take care to protect customers, neighbours, pedestrians and other users of the area. This includes safe parking and positioning of vehicles, careful use of loading ramps, and keeping access routes as clear as practicable.

Floors, stairways and corridors are checked for hazards, and protective materials may be used to safeguard both people and property. Our staff are briefed to work tidily, to stack items securely and to minimise obstruction at entrance ways and on pavements.

If conditions at the property or surrounding area are considered unsafe, our team will pause work and inform the customer so that suitable adjustments can be agreed. We reserve the right to refuse to carry out any task that would create unacceptable risk.

Health, Welfare and Fitness for Work

We recognise that the physical nature of removal and van work requires good health, fitness and alertness. Employees are encouraged to report any medical conditions or injuries that may affect their ability to work safely. We promote hydration, regular breaks and sensible workload planning, especially during extreme weather conditions.

The misuse of drugs or alcohol is strictly prohibited while working, driving or representing the company. Any employee suspected of being under the influence will be removed from duty and the situation investigated.

Accident Reporting and Continuous Improvement

All accidents, incidents, near misses and damage to property must be reported to management as soon as possible. Records are maintained to identify patterns, root causes and preventive measures. Where necessary, procedures are updated and additional training or equipment is introduced.

We encourage open communication about health and safety concerns. Suggestions from staff and customers are welcomed and are considered as part of our commitment to continuous improvement in all aspects of our removal and man and van services.

Policy Review

This Health and Safety Policy is regularly reviewed to ensure it remains suitable, effective and aligned with current legal requirements and industry best practice. Revisions will be communicated to all staff so that they clearly understand their responsibilities and the standards expected when working on any removal or transport job.

By following this policy, Man with Van New Barnet seeks to deliver safe, reliable and professional services throughout our operating area, protecting the wellbeing of everyone involved and the property entrusted to our care.