Health and Safety policy

Man With a Van Hampton Hill Health and Safety Policy

Man With a Van Hampton Hill is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for our staff, clients, visitors and members of the public who may be affected by our removal and transportation activities. This Health and Safety Policy sets out our approach to managing risks and maintaining high standards of safety during all house moves, office moves, deliveries and associated services.

Policy Aims and Scope

The aim of this policy is to prevent accidents, injuries, ill health and damage to property arising from our work. It applies to all employees, subcontractors and temporary workers engaged by Man With a Van Hampton Hill, at all locations where we operate, including client premises, public highways, storage facilities and our vehicles.

Health and safety is a core business priority and an integral part of planning and delivering our removal services. Every individual working for or with us has a duty to follow this policy and cooperate in achieving its objectives.

Management Responsibilities

The management of Man With a Van Hampton Hill accepts overall responsibility for ensuring that effective arrangements are in place for the planning, implementation and monitoring of health and safety standards. This includes providing suitable resources, training, information and supervision to support safe working practices.

Management will regularly review this policy and our procedures to reflect changes in legislation, industry best practice and the nature of our operations. Where necessary, improvements will be implemented promptly and communicated clearly to all relevant personnel.

Employee Responsibilities

All employees, subcontractors and temporary workers are required to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions or omissions. They must:

Follow all safety instructions, procedures and training provided by Man With a Van Hampton Hill.

Use equipment, vehicles, personal protective equipment and handling aids correctly and for their intended purpose.

Report hazards, defects, near misses, accidents or unsafe practices to management without delay.

Cooperate fully with any investigation or improvement measures put in place to address safety concerns.

Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work

We carry out risk assessments for our activities, including loading and unloading, lifting and carrying, driving, parking at client premises, and operating in confined or shared spaces. These assessments identify significant hazards and set out control measures that must be followed.

Safe systems of work are developed from these assessments and may include specific methods for handling heavy or awkward items, using trolleys and lifting aids, choosing suitable access routes, and coordinating work with clients or other contractors to avoid conflicts and congestion.

Manual Handling and Lifting

Manual handling is a key aspect of removal work and presents a significant risk of injury if not managed properly. Man With a Van Hampton Hill provides appropriate manual handling training, focusing on safe lifting techniques, team lifting, use of equipment, and recognising personal physical limits.

Wherever reasonably practicable, mechanical aids such as sack trucks, dollies and ramps will be used to reduce the need for manual lifting and carrying. Loads will be assessed for weight, size and stability before being moved, and routes will be checked for obstacles, uneven surfaces and other hazards.

Vehicle and Driving Safety

Our vehicles are essential to our service and must be operated safely at all times. Drivers engaged by Man With a Van Hampton Hill are expected to hold the appropriate licence, be medically fit to drive, and follow all road traffic laws.

Vehicles will be maintained in a roadworthy condition, with regular checks on tyres, lights, brakes, mirrors and securing points. Loads will be distributed and secured to prevent movement during transit, taking account of weight limits and stability. Drivers must plan routes with safety in mind, allowing sufficient time for journeys and taking rest breaks where needed.

Client Premises and Public Safety

When working at client premises or in shared areas such as communal entrances, car parks and pavements, we will take particular care to protect clients, neighbours and members of the public from risk.

Where appropriate, we will establish clear access routes, control trip hazards such as loose packaging or trailing straps, and use signage or verbal warnings if moving items through busy or restricted spaces. We will park vehicles in a safe and considerate manner, seeking to avoid obstruction of access routes and emergency exits.

Equipment, Tools and Personal Protective Equipment

All equipment and tools used by Man With a Van Hampton Hill will be selected for suitability, checked regularly and maintained to an appropriate standard. Defective equipment must not be used and should be reported immediately.

Where risks cannot be fully controlled by other means, we will provide personal protective equipment such as gloves, safety footwear or high-visibility clothing, and ensure users understand when and how it should be worn. Employees are responsible for caring for any such equipment and reporting any damage or loss.

Training, Information and Supervision

We are committed to giving our staff the knowledge and skills they need to work safely. This includes induction training for new starters, role-specific instruction for removal activities, and periodic refresher training to reinforce key messages and update staff on changes.

Supervision will be proportionate to the level of risk and the experience of the individuals involved. Less experienced workers will be supported by more experienced colleagues and managers, particularly during complex or higher risk moves.

Accident Reporting and Investigation

All accidents, incidents, injuries and near misses arising from our operations must be reported as soon as possible to management. Accurate records will be kept and incidents will be investigated to identify underlying causes and prevent recurrence.

Where lessons are learned from an incident, we will review our procedures, risk assessments and training and make necessary changes. Findings will be shared with relevant staff to promote continuous improvement in health and safety performance.

Consultation and Policy Review

Man With a Van Hampton Hill values feedback from employees and clients on health and safety matters. We encourage suggestions for improving safety and will consider any concerns raised in good faith.

This Health and Safety Policy will be reviewed regularly and updated as required to reflect developments in our services, working practices and applicable legal requirements. The latest version will be made available to staff and clients on request.

By working together and following this policy, we aim to deliver a professional, reliable and safe removal service for everyone involved.