Man with Van North Ockendon Health and Safety Policy

Man with Van North Ockendon is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for our team members, customers, visitors and members of the public who may be affected by our removal and transport activities. This Health and Safety Policy sets out our approach to managing risks associated with moving, loading, transport and delivery of household and commercial items.

Our aim is to prevent injury, ill health, damage to property and harm to the environment arising from our work. We comply with all applicable health and safety legislation and follow industry best practice for removal and man and van services.

Responsibilities and Management Commitment

Overall responsibility for health and safety rests with the company management, who will ensure that suitable resources are made available to implement this policy. Management will regularly review working methods, provide appropriate training and monitor performance to promote continuous improvement.

Supervisors and senior drivers are responsible for day to day implementation of safe systems of work, including job planning, vehicle checks, load security and ensuring that team members use the correct equipment and follow safe working practices at all times.

All employees and contractors 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. Everyone working for Man with Van North Ockendon is expected to cooperate with this policy, follow instructions, use equipment properly and report any hazards, near misses or incidents immediately.

Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work

We identify and assess the hazards associated with our removal and transport activities, including lifting and carrying, moving bulky furniture and appliances, working on customer premises, driving and loading and unloading vehicles. Suitable control measures are put in place to eliminate risks where reasonably practicable and to reduce remaining risks to an acceptable level.

Before each job, staff are required to consider the specific conditions of the property and access routes, including stairs, tight corridors, uneven ground, parking positions and weather conditions. Where necessary, adjustments to the plan are made to maintain safety, such as using additional staff, different equipment or alternative access routes.

Written procedures and guidance are maintained for key tasks such as manual handling, loading vehicles, securing loads, using ramps and handling fragile or high value items. Staff must follow these procedures at all times.

Manual Handling and Use of Equipment

Manual handling is a major part of removal work and is treated as a significant risk. Man with Van North Ockendon provides training in safe lifting techniques, team lifting and the use of handling aids. Wherever possible, handling tasks are planned to minimise carrying distances, awkward postures and the need for staff to work alone with heavy or bulky items.

We provide equipment appropriate to the job, which may include sack trucks, moving trolleys, furniture dollies, straps, blankets and ramps. All equipment is inspected regularly and any damaged or faulty items are removed from use immediately. Staff are instructed to use the right equipment for each task and not to exceed their individual capabilities.

No employee is expected to lift or move an item that they believe to be unsafe. If in doubt, staff must stop and seek assistance or an alternative method before proceeding.

Vehicle Safety, Driving and Load Security

Our vehicles are maintained in good mechanical condition and subject to regular safety checks. Drivers must carry out daily inspections, including tyres, lights, mirrors, doors, tail lifts where fitted and securing points in the load area. Any defects are reported promptly and vehicles are not used if they are unsafe.

Drivers are responsible for operating vehicles safely, observing speed limits and road traffic laws, and driving in a manner appropriate to the conditions and the type of load being carried. Tiredness, use of alcohol or drugs and use of mobile phones while driving are strictly prohibited. Breaks must be taken in line with guidance to prevent driver fatigue.

Loads must be packed and secured to prevent movement during transit. Heavy items are placed low and evenly distributed, and straps and other restraints are used as necessary. Overloading is not permitted and vehicle weight limits are always respected.

Customer Premises and Public Safety

We recognise our duty to protect customers, visitors, neighbours and members of the public from risks created by our work. When operating at customer premises, staff must maintain clear walkways, avoid trip hazards from tools, packaging and equipment, and use warning signs or verbal warnings where there may be temporary obstructions.

Parking and unloading are carried out in a way that minimises disruption and risk to pedestrians and other road users. Particular care is taken in residential streets and busy areas, especially when reversing, operating tailgates or carrying large items that may restrict visibility.

We respect customer property at all times. Protective measures, such as floor covers and corner protectors, are used where appropriate to avoid damage and to reduce slip and trip risks.

Training, Information and Supervision

All staff receive induction training that includes health and safety responsibilities, safe lifting techniques, vehicle safety and emergency procedures. Additional job specific training is provided for specialist equipment and tasks. Refresher training is given as needed, particularly when new risks, equipment or procedures are introduced.

Information on health and safety procedures is made available to all workers, and supervisors provide ongoing guidance and monitoring to ensure standards are maintained. New and inexperienced staff are given closer supervision until they are competent to work more independently.

Accidents, Incidents and Emergency Procedures

All accidents, injuries, near misses and dangerous occurrences must be reported as soon as possible to management. We maintain records of incidents and investigate them to identify root causes and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence.

Employees are instructed in basic emergency procedures, including what to do in the event of fire, road traffic incidents, injury, property damage or spillage. First aid supplies are available in vehicles and at our base, and staff are encouraged to report any health concerns that may affect their ability to work safely.

Health, Wellbeing and Fitness for Work

Man with Van North Ockendon recognises that the physical nature of removal work can be demanding. We encourage staff to maintain good physical health, use correct lifting techniques and take regular breaks. Any existing medical conditions or injuries that may influence safe working must be disclosed so that reasonable adjustments can be considered.

Drugs and alcohol are not permitted during working hours or in a way that may affect work performance. Staff must arrive for work fit, rested and able to carry out their duties safely.

Review of this Policy

This Health and Safety Policy is reviewed regularly and updated when there are changes in legislation, business activities or identified risks. We welcome feedback from staff and customers on safety issues and use this information to improve our practices. By working together and following this policy, Man with Van North Ockendon aims to deliver reliable and efficient removal services while protecting everyone affected by our operations.