Man Van Health and Safety Policy

Man Van is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for our employees, customers, contractors, 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, lifting, loading, transportation, and on-site work.

We recognise that professional removals and man and van services present specific hazards, including manual handling of heavy and awkward items, vehicle operations, and working in varied locations such as homes, offices, and storage facilities. Our objective is to prevent accidents, injuries, and damage to property by maintaining high standards of health and safety at all times.

Policy Aims and Responsibilities

The management of Man Van accepts overall responsibility for health and safety performance within the business. We will provide the leadership, resources, and systems necessary to implement and maintain this policy effectively.

Every employee and contractor engaged by Man Van has a duty to work safely, follow company procedures, and take reasonable care for their own health and safety and that of others. Health and safety is a shared responsibility and forms an integral part of how we plan and carry out all removal work.

Managers and supervisors are responsible for ensuring that safe systems of work are in place, that staff are trained and equipped properly, and that risk controls are implemented and monitored. Employees are expected to report hazards, near misses, and incidents promptly, and to cooperate fully with any investigations or improvement measures.

Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices

Before commencing removal activities, we will assess foreseeable risks associated with the task, the environment, and the items to be moved. This includes identifying potential hazards such as restricted access, uneven surfaces, stairs, fragile items, heavy loads, and any specific customer requirements that may affect safety.

Where significant risks are identified, suitable control measures will be implemented, which may include using additional staff, specialist equipment, alternative handling methods, or adjusting the sequence and timing of work. Our crews are instructed not to proceed with any task that they believe cannot be carried out safely within the agreed arrangements.

Safe working procedures are reviewed regularly to reflect changes in our operations, feedback from staff and customers, and lessons learned from previous jobs or incidents.

Manual Handling and Use of Equipment

Manual handling is a core part of removal work and presents a risk of strains, sprains, and other musculoskeletal injuries if not managed correctly. Man Van provides training in safe lifting techniques, team lifting, and the correct use of equipment to reduce manual handling risks.

Whenever practicable, we make use of handling aids such as sack trucks, dollies, straps, lifting harnesses, and ramps. Crews are required to assess each item before moving it, considering weight, size, shape, and the route to be taken, and to request assistance or equipment where needed.

Staff must not attempt to lift or carry items that exceed safe limits or that cannot be moved safely within the environment. Equipment is maintained and inspected regularly, and any defective items are taken out of service until repaired or replaced.

Vehicle Safety and Driving Standards

Our vehicles are a central part of our operation, and their safe use is essential for protecting our staff, customers, and the public. Man Van ensures that vehicles used for removals are suitable for purpose, regularly serviced, and subject to pre-use checks by drivers.

Only authorised and competent drivers may operate company vehicles. Drivers must follow road traffic laws, drive considerately, and allow adequate time for journeys to avoid unsafe driving practices. Vehicles must be loaded and secured correctly to prevent movement of goods during transit and to ensure stability.

Drivers and crew members must not operate vehicles or equipment while under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or any substance that could impair judgement or performance.

Customer Premises and Public Safety

When working at customer premises, our crews will take reasonable steps to protect people, property, and belongings from harm. This includes planning access routes, using protective coverings where appropriate, and keeping work areas as clear and tidy as practicable.

Where there is a need to move items through shared areas, public spaces, or communal access ways, our staff will strive to minimise disruption and will warn others who may be affected. If necessary, temporary controls such as restricting access to specific areas or using visible warning signs may be used to reduce risks.

Training, Information, and Supervision

Man Van provides appropriate training and information to all employees so they understand the hazards associated with removal work and the procedures in place to manage them. This includes induction training for new starters, on-the-job instruction, and refresher training as required.

Supervision will be proportionate to the experience of staff and the complexity of the job. Team leaders and senior crew members are responsible for ensuring that safe practices are followed and for guiding less experienced staff in the correct methods of working.

Incident Reporting and Continuous Improvement

All accidents, injuries, near misses, damage to property, and safety concerns must be reported as soon as possible to management. Incidents will be investigated to identify underlying causes and to agree corrective actions that can prevent recurrence.

We are committed to continuous improvement in health and safety performance. This is achieved through regular reviews of our procedures, learning from feedback, and staying informed about best practice within the removals and transport sector.

Policy Review and Communication

This Health and Safety Policy will be reviewed periodically and whenever there are significant changes to our operations, services, or relevant guidance. Updated versions of the policy will be communicated to all staff and made available to customers on request.

By engaging Man Van, customers can expect that we will take all reasonably practicable steps to perform removal and transport work safely, responsibly, and with due care for everyone involved.