Health and Safety policy
Man with Van Harrow Weald Health and Safety Policy
Man with Van Harrow Weald is committed to providing safe, reliable and professional removal services for household and commercial clients. This Health and Safety Policy sets out how we protect our customers, members of the public, and our own team while carrying out moving, loading, unloading and transport work.
Our aim is to prevent accidents, minimise risks, and promote a culture where safety is always a priority during every move, from small flat removals to full property clearances.
Policy Objectives
The objectives of this Health and Safety Policy are to:
Identify and manage health and safety risks associated with moving, lifting, driving and handling goods.
Protect the health, safety and welfare of our workers, customers and any other people affected by our activities.
Comply with relevant health and safety legislation and recognised best practice in the removals industry.
Provide appropriate training and information to staff so they can carry out their duties safely.
Review and improve safety procedures regularly as our services and operating conditions develop.
Management Responsibilities
Management is responsible for putting in place and maintaining safe systems of work across all man and van services. This includes:
Assessing risks for each type of job, including home moves, office moves, furniture collection and delivery.
Ensuring vehicles are suitably maintained, roadworthy and appropriate for the loads being carried.
Providing and maintaining necessary equipment such as trolleys, straps, blankets and protective materials.
Ensuring staff receive suitable information, instruction and training on manual handling, loading, and safe driving.
Investigating accidents, near misses and incidents, and putting measures in place to prevent recurrence.
Encouraging open communication so staff can report hazards or concerns without hesitation.
Employee Responsibilities
Every worker has a duty to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of those around them. Staff engaged in removal, collection and delivery tasks are expected to:
Follow safe working procedures and instructions at all times.
Use provided safety equipment and lifting aids correctly.
Inspect vehicles and equipment before use and report defects immediately.
Avoid taking unnecessary risks when lifting, carrying or loading items.
Cooperate with management on all health and safety matters, including attending training sessions.
Report accidents, injuries, near misses, property damage and unsafe conditions as soon as possible.
Risk Assessment and Planning
Before any removal or transport work is carried out, key risks are considered and, where necessary, a more detailed risk assessment is completed. This includes reviewing:
The type, size and weight of items to be moved, including bulky or fragile items.
Access routes at collection and delivery addresses, such as stairs, corridors and doorways.
The need for additional staff or equipment to handle heavy or awkward loads.
Parking arrangements, loading areas and any traffic considerations.
Weather conditions and any environmental factors that could affect safety.
Where significant risks are identified, a safe system of work is put in place and communicated to all staff involved before the job begins.
Manual Handling and Lifting
Moving furniture and personal belongings is at the core of our work, so strict manual handling precautions are followed to reduce the risk of injury:
Heavy and bulky items are assessed before lifting, and team lifting is used where needed.
Mechanical aids such as sack trucks, dollies and skates are used where appropriate.
Staff are trained in safe lifting techniques, including correct posture and load assessment.
Items are broken down into smaller parts when reasonably practicable, such as removing drawers or detachable sections.
Loads are kept stable and secure during movement to prevent slips, trips and falls.
Vehicle Safety and Driving Standards
The safe operation of our vans is an essential part of protecting our staff and other road users. To maintain high driving and transport standards:
Vehicles are checked regularly and maintained according to manufacturer and legal requirements.
Loads are evenly distributed and securely fastened to prevent shifting during transit.
Drivers comply with road traffic laws, speed limits and parking regulations.
Drivers plan routes to allow sufficient time, reducing pressure to rush or take shortcuts.
No driver is permitted to operate a vehicle while impaired by fatigue, alcohol, drugs or medication that affects their ability to drive safely.
Customer and Public Safety
We recognise that our work often takes place in homes, shared buildings and busy streets. To safeguard customers and the public:
Walkways, stairs and access routes are kept as clear as possible during loading and unloading.
Hazards such as trailing straps, tools or packaging are removed promptly.
Care is taken to protect property, including walls, floors and doorways, during moves.
Where required, warning signs or cones are used near vehicles or loading areas.
Noise and disruption are kept to reasonable levels, especially in residential areas.
Health, Welfare and Training
We seek to promote the general health and welfare of our staff through:
Providing guidance on safe working practices, including rest breaks and hydration during demanding jobs.
Offering training in manual handling, basic first aid awareness and the use of moving equipment.
Encouraging staff to report any health concerns that may affect their ability to carry out physical work safely.
Taking account of individual capabilities when allocating tasks.
Incident Reporting and Investigation
All accidents, injuries, near misses and damage incidents are taken seriously. We will:
Record details of the event as soon as practicable.
Investigate the root causes, not just the immediate circumstances.
Implement corrective actions, which may include updating procedures, providing additional training or changing equipment.
Review findings with relevant staff to support learning and continuous improvement.
Policy Review and Continuous Improvement
This Health and Safety Policy is monitored and reviewed periodically to ensure it remains suitable and effective for our removal and transport services. Reviews may take place more frequently following significant changes in activities, legal requirements, equipment or after serious incidents.
By working together, management and staff at Man with Van Harrow Weald are committed to maintaining a safe environment for everyone involved in our moves, from first contact through to final delivery.
