Health and Safety policy
Man with Van Primrose Hill Health and Safety Policy
Man with Van Primrose Hill is committed to maintaining the highest practicable standards of health, safety and welfare for our workers, customers, members of the public and anyone affected by our removal and transport activities. This policy sets out our approach to managing health and safety during home and office moves, collections and deliveries across our service area.
Policy Statement and Objectives
Our objective is to prevent accidents, injuries, ill health and damage to property arising from our operations. We will identify and control risks associated with lifting and carrying, loading and unloading vehicles, driving, working in and around customer premises, and handling furniture, appliances and personal possessions.
Management will provide the information, training, equipment and supervision necessary to work safely. Every worker is expected to take reasonable care for their own safety and that of others and to cooperate fully with this policy.
Management Responsibilities
Management at Man with Van Primrose Hill is responsible for implementing and maintaining this policy and will:
Carry out and regularly review risk assessments for our removal and transport activities. Put in place suitable control measures and safe systems of work. Ensure vehicles and equipment are suitable, properly maintained and used correctly. Provide clear health and safety information and training for workers. Monitor working practices and investigate any accidents, incidents or near misses. Review and update this policy to reflect changes in legislation, guidance or our operations.
Employee and Contractor Responsibilities
All workers, including drivers, porters and contractors engaged by Man with Van Primrose Hill, must:
Follow the safe working procedures and guidance provided. Use vehicles, tools and handling equipment only as instructed. Wear appropriate clothing and personal protective equipment where required. Report hazards, unsafe conditions, near misses and any defects in vehicles or equipment without delay. Inform management of any medical condition that may affect their fitness for work or driving duties. Refrain from horseplay, dangerous behaviour or impairment by alcohol or drugs during work.
Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices
Before each job, we assess the main risks associated with the specific removal or delivery, taking into account property layout, access routes, parking, stairways, lifts, floor conditions, weather and special items such as safes, pianos, fragile goods or high value items. Where necessary, we will adjust staffing levels, equipment or the work method to reduce risk.
Our safe working practices include planning lifting routes, allocating loads according to individual capability, using team lifting or handling aids where appropriate, and ensuring safe loading of vehicles with evenly distributed weight and secure fixing of items.
Manual Handling and Use of Equipment
Manual handling is a significant aspect of removal work. To reduce the risk of injury:
Workers receive training in correct lifting techniques, posture and team handling. Loads are assessed for weight, size and stability before lifting. Where practical, trolleys, dollies, straps and other handling aids are used. Heavy or awkward items may require additional personnel or specialised equipment.
All handling equipment used by Man with Van Primrose Hill is inspected regularly and taken out of service if damaged or defective.
Vehicle Safety and Driving Standards
Our vehicles are maintained in roadworthy condition and serviced in line with manufacturer recommendations and legal requirements. Daily or pre-use checks are carried out by drivers, who must report any defects immediately.
Drivers must hold the appropriate licence, obey speed limits and traffic regulations, drive considerately and avoid distractions while driving. Loads are secured to prevent movement and to protect both the driver and other road users. Routes and schedules are planned to allow reasonable driving times and rest periods, taking into account traffic and local conditions in our removal service area.
Customer Premises and Public Safety
When working at customer locations, we take care to protect people and property. This includes:
Positioning vehicles so that loading and unloading is safe and disruption is minimised. Keeping access routes as clear as reasonably possible, with particular regard for doorways, staircases and communal areas. Using protective coverings for floors, bannisters and door frames where practicable. Taking extra care in shared buildings, on pavements and in busy streets to avoid risk to the public.
Housekeeping and Environmental Conditions
Good housekeeping is essential to safe removal work. Workers must maintain tidy work areas, remove tripping hazards such as loose packaging, straps and tools, and stack items safely. Weather conditions such as rain, snow or ice are taken into account and additional precautions, including suitable footwear and extra time for loading or unloading, may be required.
Training, Information and Supervision
Man with Van Primrose Hill provides initial and ongoing training to ensure workers understand health and safety requirements relevant to their duties. This includes induction training, manual handling guidance, use of handling aids, vehicle safety and customer care in relation to safety.
Supervisors and experienced staff monitor working methods, correct unsafe practices and provide guidance to newer workers. Safety information is communicated clearly and updated as needed.
Accidents, Incidents and First Aid
All accidents, injuries, near misses and incidents involving property damage must be reported promptly to management. We will investigate incidents to identify causes and implement measures to prevent recurrence.
Vehicles carry basic first aid supplies suitable for minor injuries that may occur during removal work. Where necessary, emergency services will be contacted without delay and the area made safe for others.
Consultation and Continuous Improvement
We encourage workers to raise health and safety concerns and suggestions for improvement. Feedback from staff and customers is considered when reviewing our procedures. This policy is reviewed regularly to ensure it remains effective, relevant and in line with current best practice for removal and transport services.
Policy Review and Availability
This Health and Safety policy is reviewed periodically and whenever there are significant changes to our operations, equipment or legal duties. A copy is made available to workers and to customers on request so that everyone understands the standards we apply to our man and van services across our operating area.
