Health & Safety Policy for Man Van Removals

Man Van Removals is committed to ensuring the health, safety and welfare of all employees, contractors and customers involved in our van removal service. This policy sets out our overarching approach to managing hazards associated with man and van removals, driver-loader duties, vehicle operations and handling of customer goods. The aim is to prevent harm through proactive management, training and continual improvement.

Our removal teams, whether operating as a man with a van or as part of a multi-vehicle removal fleet, will follow best practice standards on every job. The company adopts a risk-based approach, focusing on robust risk assessments, practical control measures and clear assignment of responsibilities so that every relocation, delivery or clear-out is carried out safely.

All employees and subcontractors engaged in man and van removals must understand and apply safe systems of work. The organisation will provide the necessary equipment and supervision, and expects staff to use equipment properly, report defects and participate in safety checks. Management will ensure that safe working procedures are documented, communicated and reviewed.

Responsibilities and Safe Working

Management has the duty to assess risks and provide resources to reduce them. Supervisors and team leaders are responsible for ensuring that removal vans are roadworthy, that loads are secured and that safe routes are planned to minimise exposure to hazards. Employees and drivers must take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others affected by their actions.

Key responsibilities include: planning each job, conducting on-site assessments, using appropriate lifting aids, and ensuring personal protective equipment (PPE) is worn when required. Clear communication between job coordinators, drivers and customers is essential to manage access, parking and any site-specific risks.

To support a safe culture in our van removal service, all teams must report near misses, unsafe conditions and incidents without delay. Reports will be investigated, and outcomes used to update procedures and share lessons learned across the company.

Risk Control Measures and Training

We apply a hierarchy of controls to reduce risks: eliminate hazards where possible, substitute risky tasks, use engineering controls such as trolleys and restraints, implement administrative controls such as job briefings, and provide appropriate PPE. Manual handling risks are reduced by team lifts, mechanical aids and assessment of bulky or awkward items.

Training is a core element of our safety policy. All staff receive induction training covering vehicle safety, manual handling, correct use of lifting equipment, load security and safe driving practices. Refresher training is provided periodically and when changes to operations or equipment occur. We encourage staff to adopt safe working methods and to contribute suggestions that enhance safety and efficiency.

Practical controls include:

• Vehicle checks: pre-shift inspections, ensuring tyre, light and brake safety;
• Load security: use of straps, blankets and barriers to prevent movement;
• Manual handling aids: use of sack trucks, furniture sliders and ramps;
• Site assessment: identifying access, trip hazards, stairs and lift availability;
• Weather considerations: adjusting operations during adverse conditions.

Hazardous materials will not be transported unless appropriately declared and handled according to safe handling practices. Teams will refuse to move items that present an unacceptable risk and will advise customers of safer alternatives or specialist removers where necessary. Electrical appliances, fragile items and heavy furniture will be assessed and packed to reduce damage and injury risk.

Health considerations such as fatigue, manual handling injuries and pre-existing medical conditions are taken seriously. Employees must declare any condition that may affect their ability to work safely and request reasonable adjustments. The company promotes good manual handling techniques and encourages reporting of musculoskeletal concerns early to prevent long-term injury.

Incident management procedures are in place to ensure swift response to accidents and near misses. Incidents will be recorded, investigated and subject to corrective action. Where appropriate, first aid provision and emergency arrangements will be maintained to support employees and third parties.

Performance monitoring includes routine vehicle and equipment checks, audits of safe working practices and review of incident trends. Management will set measurable objectives for safety performance and review them at regular intervals. Continuous improvement is achieved by learning from incidents, adopting new technologies and updating procedures.

Engagement with staff is fundamental: safety briefings, toolbox talks and open channels for suggestions help maintain awareness and ownership of safety. All employees are encouraged to raise concerns and to participate in safety initiatives that improve working conditions and service quality in the removal vans environment.

This health and safety policy for our man and van removal operation will be reviewed periodically and revised when changes occur in operational practice, equipment or emerging risks. The company expects strict adherence to the policy and will take appropriate action where non-compliance threatens safety.

Commitment: We commit to protecting health and safety across every stage of the removal process. Our people, vehicles and customers' belongings will remain at the heart of our decision-making, ensuring safe, reliable and respectful man & van removals.