Health and Safety policy
Health and Safety Policy for Man with Van Anerley
Man with Van Anerley is committed to providing a professional, reliable and safe removals service for all customers and members of the public. This Health and Safety Policy sets out the principles and procedures we follow to protect our workers, clients, contractors and any other people who may be affected by our operations in and around our service areas.
Policy Statement
Our policy is to manage our activities in a way that prevents injury and ill health, safeguards property and minimises risk during all house moves, office relocations, deliveries and related van services. Health and safety considerations are integral to our planning, day-to-day operations and ongoing improvement.
We will comply, as a minimum, with all applicable health and safety laws and recognised industry guidance relevant to the removals and transport sector. We will also apply best practice in manual handling, vehicle safety, and the protection of customers and the public while our team is working on site or on the road.
Responsibilities
The management of Man with Van Anerley has overall responsibility for implementing and maintaining this policy. Management will:
Ensure that suitable resources are available to manage health and safety effectively, including appropriate equipment, training and supervision.
Carry out and review risk assessments for typical removal activities and specific higher-risk tasks.
Provide clear instructions and safe systems of work for all staff and operatives.
Monitor compliance with this policy and investigate any accidents, incidents or near-misses.
All employees, subcontractors and casual workers are responsible for:
Taking reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions.
Following the safety procedures, instructions and training provided by Man with Van Anerley.
Using tools, equipment and vehicles correctly and reporting faults or hazards immediately.
Reporting any accidents, near-misses or unsafe conditions they observe during work.
Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices
Man with Van Anerley undertakes risk assessments for key tasks such as lifting and carrying, loading and unloading vehicles, working in confined or cluttered spaces, and operating in busy streets or shared access areas. These assessments are reviewed regularly and whenever new activities, equipment or locations introduce additional risks.
Where a job presents particular challenges, such as awkward access, heavy or fragile items, restricted parking or time pressures, a site-specific assessment will be made and suitable control measures agreed before work begins. This may include adjusting staffing levels, using additional lifting aids, planning alternative routes or rescheduling work to a safer time.
Manual Handling and Lifting
The safe handling of furniture, appliances, boxes and other items is central to our removal services. To reduce the risk of strains, sprains and other injuries, Man with Van Anerley will:
Provide manual handling training so staff understand correct lifting techniques and safe movement of loads.
Encourage the use of team lifts for heavy or bulky items and prohibit single-person lifting of loads that are beyond safe individual limits.
Use suitable handling equipment, such as trolleys, dollies, straps, blankets and ramps, wherever reasonably practicable.
Plan the sequence of loading and unloading to minimise excessive carrying distances, twisting or lifting over obstacles.
Pause work if conditions become unsafe, for example due to extreme weather, slippery surfaces or poor visibility, until hazards have been controlled.
Vehicle Safety and Driving Standards
Our vehicles and drivers play a key role in keeping people safe on the road and at collection and delivery points. Man with Van Anerley will:
Ensure that all vans used for removals are maintained in a roadworthy condition and inspected at appropriate intervals.
Check that loads are evenly distributed and securely restrained within the vehicle to prevent movement during transit.
Require drivers to follow traffic laws, observe speed limits and drive defensively in all service areas.
Plan routes to minimise unnecessary mileage, difficult manoeuvres and congestion hot spots, where this can be done without compromising service quality.
Take into account rest breaks and working hours so that drivers do not work while fatigued or unfit to drive.
Customer, Public and Property Protection
During each move or delivery, we take practical steps to safeguard customers, neighbours, passers-by and property. This includes:
Maintaining clear walkways and work areas inside properties and around vehicles to reduce the risk of slips, trips and falls.
Using protective materials, such as blankets, corner protectors and floor coverings, to help prevent damage while also reducing tripping hazards.
Positioning vehicles and loading ramps to avoid blocking emergency exits, access routes or driveways, as far as reasonably practicable.
Communicating with customers about any temporary restrictions, such as areas that should be kept clear while items are being moved.
Acting promptly and respectfully if any incident occurs, and cooperating with customers and relevant parties to resolve issues.
Training, Information and Supervision
All staff and regular operatives receive appropriate induction and ongoing training relevant to their role, including:
Safe lifting and carrying techniques and the proper use of handling aids.
Safe loading and unloading practices and vehicle access procedures.
Awareness of hazards commonly encountered in residential and commercial removals.
Emergency procedures, incident reporting and first aid arrangements.
Supervisors and senior team members are responsible for providing guidance on site, checking that safe methods are being followed and intervening if they observe unsafe practices or conditions.
Incident Reporting and Investigation
All accidents, injuries, near-misses and significant damage incidents must be reported to management as soon as practicable. Man with Van Anerley will record and investigate these events to identify underlying causes and take corrective action, which may include additional training, changes to procedures or improvements in equipment.
Review and Continuous Improvement
This Health and Safety Policy is reviewed regularly to ensure it remains suitable, effective and up to date with changing legislation, industry standards and operational needs. Feedback from staff and customers is welcomed and considered as part of our commitment to continuous improvement in health and safety performance.
By working together and following this policy, Man with Van Anerley aims to provide a safe, efficient and professional removals service for every customer in our operating areas.
