Health and Safety policy
Health and Safety Policy for Man with Van Bounds Green
Man with Van Bounds Green is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for all employees, contractors, customers, 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, driving, and working at residential and commercial premises within our service areas.
Policy Statement and Objectives
Our objective is to prevent injury, ill health, and damage to property arising from our operations. We will identify, assess, and control risks associated with manual handling, vehicle movements, use of equipment, and work at premises, and we will continually strive to improve our standards of health and safety performance.
We will comply with applicable health and safety legislation and recognised industry best practice. All workers are expected to cooperate with this policy and follow safe systems of work at all times.
Management Responsibilities
Management is responsible for implementing this Health and Safety policy and for ensuring that adequate resources are provided to maintain safe working conditions. This includes providing suitable training, supervision, equipment, and information to enable staff to work safely.
Management will regularly review risk assessments, safe working procedures, and incident records to ensure that controls remain effective. Where necessary, working practices will be updated to reflect changes in legislation, guidance, or operational activities.
Employee Responsibilities
All employees, drivers, and porters have a duty to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions. They must follow all safety instructions, training, and procedures provided by Man with Van Bounds Green.
Employees must use equipment correctly, report any hazards or defects without delay, and cooperate fully with accident and incident investigations. Misuse of equipment, failure to follow safe systems of work, or deliberate breaches of this policy may result in disciplinary action.
Risk Assessment and Safe Working Procedures
Before commencing work at any location, a suitable and proportionate assessment of risks will be carried out. This may include a visual inspection of access routes, parking arrangements, stairways, lifts, floor conditions, and any other site-specific hazards.
Where significant risks are identified, appropriate control measures will be implemented. These may include using additional staff, using trolleys or lifting aids, limiting load weights, adjusting routes to avoid hazards, or rescheduling work where conditions are unsafe, for example during severe weather.
Manual Handling and Lifting
Manual handling is a core part of removal work and will be carefully managed to reduce the risk of injury. Employees will receive training on correct lifting techniques, including team lifting, use of mechanical aids, and safe handling of awkward or heavy items such as furniture and appliances.
Where possible, loads will be broken down into smaller, more manageable units. Staff must not attempt to lift items that exceed their individual capability and should request assistance whenever needed. Items with sharp edges or fragile parts will be protected and handled with care to avoid cuts, crush injuries, or damage.
Use of Equipment and Personal Protective Equipment
Suitable equipment will be provided to support safe handling and transportation of goods. This may include trolleys, dollies, straps, blankets, ramps, and other moving aids. All equipment must be inspected routinely, kept in good condition, and taken out of service if found to be defective.
Where identified by risk assessment, personal protective equipment such as safety footwear, gloves, and high-visibility clothing will be provided. Employees are required to use such equipment correctly and look after it. Any defects or losses must be reported so that replacements can be arranged.
Vehicle Safety and Driving Standards
The safe operation of our vans is essential to protect our staff and other road users. Vehicles will be maintained in a roadworthy condition, with regular checks carried out on brakes, tyres, lights, and securing equipment. Any faults or concerns must be reported immediately and the vehicle must not be used if it is unsafe.
Drivers must hold a valid licence for the class of vehicle they operate and must follow all road traffic laws. They are expected to drive responsibly, plan routes to allow sufficient time, and avoid distraction or fatigue. Loads must be properly distributed and secured to prevent movement during transit and to ensure that doors can be opened safely.
Working at Customer Premises
When working at homes, offices, or other premises, staff will show consideration for occupants and neighbours and will take steps to minimise risks. This includes keeping access routes as clear as practicable, managing trip hazards such as loose packing materials, and using protective coverings where appropriate to prevent slips and damage.
Where there are site-specific risks, such as narrow staircases, low ceilings, poor lighting, or uneven paths, staff will adapt their methods of work and may request additional assistance or equipment. If a task cannot be carried out safely, work will be paused and alternative arrangements considered.
Training, Information, and Supervision
All new starters will receive an induction covering key health and safety procedures relevant to their role, including manual handling, vehicle safety, and working at customer sites. Additional training will be provided where specific risks are identified, and refresher training will be given periodically or when working methods change.
Supervisors and experienced team members are responsible for monitoring working practices, giving guidance, and correcting unsafe behaviours. Feedback from staff will be welcomed to help improve safety standards and procedures.
Accident Reporting and Emergency Procedures
All accidents, injuries, near misses, and damage incidents must be reported as soon as possible so that appropriate action can be taken. Records of incidents will be kept and reviewed to identify patterns and opportunities for improvement.
In the event of an emergency, such as a serious injury, fire, or road traffic collision, staff must follow relevant emergency procedures, contact the appropriate emergency services, and prioritise the safety of people on site. Subsequent investigations will focus on identifying causes and implementing measures to prevent recurrence.
Monitoring and Review of this Policy
This Health and Safety policy will be reviewed regularly and whenever there are significant changes to our operations, equipment, or legal requirements. Feedback from employees and customers, alongside incident and inspection data, will inform improvements to our safety management approach.
By working together and following this policy, Man with Van Bounds Green aims to provide a reliable removal service while maintaining the highest practical standards of health and safety for everyone involved.
