Man with Van Erith Health and Safety Policy
This Health and Safety Policy sets out how Man with Van Erith manages the safety and wellbeing of employees, contractors, customers and members of the public during all removals and transport activities. Our aim is to prevent injury, protect property, and ensure that every move is carried out in a safe, controlled and professional manner.
Policy Statement and Objectives
Man with Van Erith is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment. We recognise that removal and transport activities, including lifting, loading, unloading and driving, present specific hazards that must be carefully managed. Our objectives are to minimise risk, comply with applicable health and safety legislation and continually improve our safety performance.
All workers and contractors engaged by Man with Van Erith are required to follow this policy, adhere to safe systems of work and take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions.
Management Responsibilities
Management at Man with Van Erith is responsible for implementing and maintaining effective health and safety arrangements. This includes identifying significant risks associated with domestic and commercial removals, providing appropriate resources and training, and ensuring that all vehicles and equipment used in our service area are safe and suitable for purpose.
Managers will regularly review working practices, investigate incidents and near misses, and update procedures as necessary. Health and safety considerations will be integrated into planning for every move, including timing, routing, staffing and selection of equipment.
Employee and Contractor Responsibilities
Everyone working for or on behalf of Man with Van Erith has a duty to cooperate with this policy. Workers must follow instructions, use equipment correctly and report hazards, accidents and near misses without delay. No employee or contractor should attempt work that they consider unsafe, beyond their training or physically beyond their capability.
All staff are expected to present themselves fit for work, free from the influence of alcohol or drugs, and to use any personal protective equipment provided for the task. Deliberate disregard of safety procedures may result in disciplinary action or termination of contracts.
Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work
Man with Van Erith will carry out suitable and proportionate risk assessments for our core activities, including domestic removals, office relocations, furniture collection and delivery, and short-distance transport within our operating area. These assessments will consider manual handling, working in confined spaces such as stairwells, use of lifting equipment, vehicle movements and interaction with customers and the public.
Based on these assessments, we will implement safe systems of work. These may include planning lifting routes within a property, agreeing safe parking positions for vehicles, restricting access to loading areas and organising the sequence of loading and unloading to reduce the need for excessive handling or overreaching.
Manual Handling and Use of Equipment
Manual handling is a key part of removal operations and can present a risk of injury if not managed correctly. Man with Van Erith will provide guidance and training on safe lifting techniques, team lifts and the use of handling aids. Staff must assess the weight, shape and stability of each item before moving it and must not attempt to lift items that are too heavy or awkward for one person.
Where appropriate, trolleys, dollies, blankets, straps and other equipment will be used to reduce the physical strain on workers and to protect customer property. All equipment must be checked before use and taken out of service if defective.
Vehicle Safety and Driving Standards
Our vehicles are critical to safe operations. Man with Van Erith will ensure that vehicles used for moves within our service area are maintained in a roadworthy condition and inspected at suitable intervals. Drivers must carry out basic pre-use checks and report any defects immediately.
Drivers are expected to comply with road traffic laws and to drive defensively, taking account of weather, traffic and road conditions common to the areas we serve. Loads must be securely stowed to prevent movement during transit, and access to emergency exits, doors and controls must be kept clear at all times.
Customer Premises and Public Safety
Work carried out at customer homes, offices and other premises requires careful coordination. Man with Van Erith will take reasonable steps to protect customers, their visitors and members of the public. This may include agreeing safe access routes within the property, using warning signs where appropriate and controlling movement in and out of the building during loading and unloading.
Floors, stairs and pathways will be kept as clear as practicable, and any spills or debris created by our work will be cleaned up promptly. Particular care will be taken when moving large items near doorways, corridors and communal areas.
Training, Information and Supervision
Man with Van Erith will provide appropriate information, instruction and training to employees and contractors so they can perform their roles safely. This may include induction to company procedures, safe lifting practices, use of equipment, vehicle safety and customer care where it relates to safety.
New or inexperienced workers will be supervised until they are competent to work independently. Refresher training will be provided where there are changes to equipment, procedures or legislation, or where monitoring indicates that additional training is required.
Accident Reporting and Emergency Procedures
All accidents, incidents, injuries and near misses occurring during work for Man with Van Erith must be reported as soon as possible. We will investigate incidents to identify root causes and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence. Records of significant incidents will be retained in line with legal and company requirements.
Emergency procedures, including what to do in case of fire, serious injury, vehicle collision or damage to property, will be communicated to staff. Workers must familiarise themselves with these procedures and follow instructions from emergency services where they attend an incident.
Continuous Improvement and Policy Review
Man with Van Erith is committed to continuous improvement in health and safety. We will review this policy periodically, and sooner if there are significant changes to our operations, legislation or industry best practice. Feedback from employees, contractors and customers on safety matters is welcomed and will be considered as part of this review process.
This Health and Safety Policy applies to all removal and transport services provided by Man with Van Erith within its service area and forms an integral part of our commitment to professional, reliable and responsible operations.
