Health and Safety policy

Man with Van Finchley Health and Safety Policy

Man with Van Finchley is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for our employees, contractors, customers and members of the public who may be affected by our removal and delivery activities. This policy sets out our approach to managing health and safety risks across all moves, including residential and commercial removals.

Our aim is to prevent injury, ill health, property damage and avoidable disruption by planning our work carefully, training our people effectively and continually improving our safety standards.

Our Health and Safety Responsibilities

The management of Man with Van Finchley accepts overall responsibility for health and safety and will ensure that appropriate resources are made available to implement and maintain this policy. Supervisors and team leaders are responsible for promoting safe working practices on each job and ensuring that staff follow our procedures.

Every employee and contractor also has a duty to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions. All team members are expected to cooperate fully with this policy, use equipment correctly and report any hazards or incidents without delay.

Legal Compliance and Standards

Man with Van Finchley will comply with all applicable health and safety legislation and recognised industry guidance relevant to the removals and transport sector. We will monitor changes in legal requirements and adjust our procedures as necessary to maintain compliance.

We will keep suitable records of risk assessments, training, incidents and maintenance activities to support this commitment and demonstrate that due care has been taken in managing our operations safely.

Risk Assessment and Planning

Before undertaking removal work, we will assess the risks associated with the specific property, access routes, items to be moved and any special customer requirements. Where appropriate, this may include a pre-move survey carried out in person or via a structured assessment process.

Our risk assessment will consider factors such as manual handling, staircases and narrow access, parking and loading conditions, weather, traffic, use of lifting equipment, fragile or heavy items, and any vulnerable people present at the premises. Control measures will be identified and implemented before work begins.

Safe Manual Handling and Use of Equipment

Manual handling is a core part of removal work and a key focus of our safety procedures. All staff involved in lifting and carrying furniture, boxes and equipment receive instruction in safe manual handling techniques, including correct posture, team lifting and the use of handling aids.

Where appropriate, we will use equipment such as trolleys, dollies, straps and protective covers to make lifting safer and reduce the risk of injury and damage. Staff must not attempt to move items that are beyond their capability or for which adequate control measures are not in place.

Any vehicle ramps, lifting devices or other mechanical aids used by Man with Van Finchley must be inspected regularly and operated only by trained personnel, in line with manufacturer guidance.

Vehicle Safety and Driving Standards

Our vehicles are maintained in a roadworthy condition with regular checks and servicing. Drivers must carry out basic daily vehicle inspections and report any defects immediately so that remedial action can be taken.

Drivers are required to follow the Highway Code, observe speed limits and drive in a manner that prioritises safety over speed or convenience. Loads must be secured properly to prevent movement during transit, using suitable restraining equipment and packing materials.

No driver is permitted to operate a vehicle while impaired by fatigue, alcohol, drugs or medication that may affect safe driving. Rest breaks and journey times will be planned to reduce the risk of driver fatigue.

Customer and Public Safety

During removals, we will take all reasonable steps to protect customers, visitors, neighbours and members of the public. This includes careful positioning of vehicles, avoiding obstruction of pavements and access routes where possible, and clear communication about any temporary hazards.

Where necessary, we will establish safe walkways, use warning signs or verbal instructions, and secure doors or gates to prevent unauthorised access to areas where lifting and loading activities are taking place.

Housekeeping and Property Protection

Good housekeeping is an essential element of safe removal work. Our teams will keep work areas as tidy as practicable, ensuring that packaging materials, tools and equipment do not create trip hazards or block exits.

Protective materials such as floor covers, corner guards and furniture blankets will be used where appropriate to reduce the risk of damage to property and fixtures. Any accidental damage or near misses will be reported promptly and reviewed so that preventive measures can be improved.

Training, Information and Supervision

Man with Van Finchley will provide appropriate health and safety training and instruction to all staff, proportionate to their role and responsibilities. This may include induction training, manual handling instruction, vehicle safety, use of equipment and emergency procedures.

Supervisors will monitor working practices on site to ensure that procedures are followed and will provide guidance and correction where unsafe behaviour is observed. Additional training or refresher sessions will be arranged when new risks are identified or new equipment is introduced.

Accident Reporting and Emergency Procedures

All accidents, incidents, injuries and near misses must be reported to management as soon as possible, regardless of severity. We will record and investigate incidents to identify root causes and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence.

Staff receive guidance on what to do in the event of an emergency such as fire, serious injury, vehicle collision or hazardous spillage. This includes raising the alarm, contacting emergency services, evacuating premises safely and cooperating with any official investigation.

Health, Welfare and Fitness for Work

We recognise the importance of physical and mental wellbeing for staff engaged in removal work. Employees are encouraged to report any health conditions that may affect their ability to carry out strenuous tasks safely, so that reasonable adjustments or alternative duties can be considered.

Where possible, we will plan workloads and staffing levels to avoid excessive physical strain and to provide adequate rest periods between demanding jobs. We do not tolerate alcohol or illegal drug use in connection with work activities and may take appropriate action where this policy is breached.

Consultation and Continuous Improvement

Man with Van Finchley encourages open communication about health and safety. Employees are invited to raise concerns, suggest improvements and participate in discussions about safer ways of working. Constructive feedback from customers about safety matters is also welcomed.

We will review this health and safety policy regularly and after any significant change in our operations or relevant legislation. Revisions will be communicated to all staff and implemented through updated procedures and training where required.

Policy Review and Approval

This health and safety policy is approved by the management of Man with Van Finchley and applies to all removal and delivery activities carried out under our control. It will be reviewed at least annually, or sooner if circumstances require, to ensure it remains effective, relevant and aligned with our commitment to safe, professional removal services.