Health and Safety policy
Man with Van Heston Health and Safety Policy
Man with Van Heston is committed to maintaining the highest practicable standards of health, safety and welfare for our employees, contractors, customers and members of the public who may be affected by our removal and transport activities. This policy sets out our approach to managing health and safety in all aspects of our man and van and removals services.
1. Policy Statement and Objectives
Our objective is to carry out all removal, transport and associated services in a manner that prevents injury, ill health, damage to property and harm to the environment. We will comply with all applicable health and safety legislation and recognised industry best practice, and we will continually seek opportunities to improve our performance.
Health and safety responsibilities are integral to our day-to-day operations and decision making. Every member of our team is expected to work safely, report hazards and cooperate fully with this policy and any supporting procedures.
2. Management Responsibilities
Management at Man with Van Heston is responsible for providing clear direction and adequate resources to implement and maintain this policy. This includes:
Assessing health and safety risks associated with our removal and transport services and implementing appropriate control measures. Ensuring vehicles, lifting equipment and tools are properly maintained and suitable for their intended use. Providing training, information and supervision to enable employees to work safely. Reviewing accidents, incidents and near misses, learning from them and updating procedures where required. Regularly reviewing the policy to ensure it remains relevant and effective as our business and services develop.
3. Employee Responsibilities
All employees and regular contractors working on behalf of Man with Van Heston have a duty to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions or omissions. This includes:
Following all health and safety instructions, safe systems of work and risk control measures. Using vehicles, equipment and personal protective equipment correctly and reporting any defects immediately. Reporting hazards, near misses, accidents or unsafe conditions to management without delay. Cooperating with any investigation, training or health and safety initiatives introduced by the company. Refraining from horseplay, misuse of equipment or any behaviour that could put themselves or others at risk.
4. Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices
We conduct risk assessments for our core activities including loading and unloading, manual handling of furniture and boxes, use of trolleys and lifting aids, vehicle movements, access to premises and working in residential or commercial environments. These assessments identify significant hazards and the control measures needed to minimise risks.
Safe working practices are communicated to staff through induction, ongoing training and team briefings. Where site specific risks are identified, such as restricted access, fragile surfaces or shared loading areas, additional measures will be implemented and communicated before work begins.
5. Manual Handling and Use of Equipment
Manual handling is a key element of removal work and is managed carefully to reduce the risk of injury. Staff receive training in safe lifting techniques, team lifting, use of trolleys and other appropriate handling aids. Heavy, bulky or awkward items are assessed individually and, where necessary, additional manpower, equipment or alternative methods are used to move them safely.
All handling equipment is checked regularly to ensure it is in good working order. Employees are instructed not to exceed safe weight limits and to stop and seek guidance if they consider any task to be unsafe.
6. Vehicle Safety and Driving Standards
Our vehicles are maintained to a high standard, with regular checks, servicing and inspections to ensure they are roadworthy and suitable for the loads they carry. Drivers must hold the appropriate licences and are trained in safe loading, securing of goods, route planning and defensive driving techniques.
Loads are distributed and secured to prevent movement during transit, and doors, ramps and tail lifts are operated only by trained personnel. Drivers must obey traffic laws, drive according to weather and road conditions and avoid behaviours that could compromise safety.
7. Protection of Customers, Public and Property
When working at customer premises or in shared access areas, we take all reasonable steps to protect residents, visitors, pedestrians and other road users from risk. This may include the use of warning signs, cones or barriers, careful positioning of vehicles and close supervision of loading or unloading operations.
Floors, walls, doors and other surfaces are protected where reasonably practicable to prevent damage. Staff are instructed to respect customer property, to work tidily and to keep walkways clear of trip hazards such as boxes, wrapping materials and tools.
8. Personal Protective Equipment and Welfare
Where risk assessments identify the need for personal protective equipment, such as safety footwear or gloves, this will be provided and must be worn as directed. Staff are expected to maintain their PPE in good condition and to report any damage or loss immediately.
Reasonable welfare provisions are made for staff, including access to drinking water, breaks appropriate to the work being carried out and consideration of weather conditions, particularly when operating in hot or cold environments.
9. Incident Reporting and Emergency Procedures
All accidents, injuries, near misses or dangerous occurrences must be reported as soon as possible to management so that appropriate action can be taken. We investigate incidents to identify root causes and implement corrective measures to prevent recurrence.
Emergency procedures, including actions in case of fire, road traffic collision, serious injury or sudden illness, are communicated to staff. Vehicles carry basic emergency and first aid provisions where appropriate, and drivers are briefed on how to summon assistance promptly.
10. Training, Communication and Continuous Improvement
Man with Van Heston provides initial and refresher health and safety training suitable for each role. This includes induction training for new starters, task specific instruction for removal activities and periodic updates when procedures or legal requirements change.
Health and safety matters are discussed openly with staff and their feedback is encouraged. We monitor our performance through incident data, customer feedback and internal checks, using this information to improve working practices and strengthen our health and safety culture.
11. Policy Review
This Health and Safety Policy is reviewed regularly and updated whenever there are significant changes in our operations, services or relevant legislation. The latest version is communicated to employees and is available for customers and interested parties upon request.
By working together in line with this policy, Man with Van Heston aims to provide a safe, reliable and professional removal service for every customer.
