Health and Safety Policy for Man with Van Harefield
Man with Van Harefield is committed to providing a professional, reliable and safe removal service for all customers. This Health and Safety policy sets out the standards and procedures we follow to protect our staff, customers, contractors and members of the public while we carry out home moves, office relocations, collection and delivery services.
Our aim is to prevent injury, ill health, property damage and environmental impact arising from our activities. We comply with relevant health and safety legislation and continuously review our practices to maintain high standards of safe working.
Management Responsibility and Commitment
The management of Man with Van Harefield accepts primary responsibility for health and safety within the business. We provide appropriate resources, information and instruction to ensure that work is planned and carried out safely. Health and safety is an integral part of our operational planning, including route planning, vehicle loading, and staffing for removal jobs.
Managers and supervisors are responsible for implementing this policy on a day to day basis, monitoring standards, and addressing any shortcomings. We encourage open communication so that staff feel confident to raise concerns and suggest improvements.
Employee Responsibilities
All employees, operatives and drivers have a legal and moral duty to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions. Every team member must:
Follow safe working procedures and instructions provided during training.
Use equipment, vehicles and lifting aids correctly and report defects immediately.
Cooperate with management on all health and safety matters.
Wear suitable clothing and footwear for manual handling and vehicle work.
Report accidents, near misses or unsafe conditions without delay.
Never misuse safety equipment or attempt tasks for which they are not trained.
Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices
We carry out risk assessments for our key activities, including domestic removals, office removals, loading and unloading vehicles, driving, parking at customer addresses and operating in shared spaces such as corridors, stairwells and loading bays.
Before each job, our team assesses the working environment, considering access routes, stairways, parking, weather conditions and any particular customer requirements. Where risks are identified, we take appropriate control measures, such as using additional staff, adjusting lifting techniques, rearranging routes, or postponing work in extreme conditions.
We develop and maintain safe systems of work for tasks such as lifting heavy items, carrying furniture through confined spaces, using ramps and securing loads in vehicles. These safe systems are communicated to all staff and reviewed regularly.
Manual Handling and Lifting
Manual handling is a significant part of our work, especially when moving furniture, appliances, boxes and equipment. To minimise the risk of strain and injury, we:
Provide manual handling training tailored to removal work.
Plan lifts, including route, grip and communication between team members.
Use lifting aids and equipment where reasonably practicable.
Avoid single-person handling of heavy, awkward or bulky items.
Encourage staff to recognise their own limits and ask for assistance.
When moving items such as wardrobes, sofas, pianos or appliances, we take extra care to protect both people and property by using suitable techniques, padding and positioning.
Vehicle Safety and Driving Standards
Our vehicles are essential to our man and van removal services, and we treat vehicle safety as a core part of our health and safety responsibilities. We ensure that:
Vehicles are maintained regularly and inspected for roadworthiness.
Loads are distributed and secured safely to prevent shifting during transit.
Drivers hold the appropriate licences and are competent to operate the vehicle.
Drivers follow safe driving practices, including observing speed limits and driving according to road and weather conditions.
Routes are planned to reduce unnecessary risks, such as difficult access roads or hazardous parking positions.
We do not tolerate driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or driving while fatigued. Drivers are encouraged to report any health issues or conditions that may affect their ability to drive safely.
Customer Premises and Public Safety
Our work often takes place in and around customers homes, offices and shared buildings. We take reasonable steps to minimise disruption and protect the safety of customers, visitors and the public. This includes:
Keeping access routes as clear as possible during the move.
Using safe lifting routes to avoid blocking exits or emergency routes.
Placing warning where there may be trip hazards, such as ramps or loose coverings.
Handling customers property with care to prevent damage that could create hazards.
Supervising loading and unloading areas to reduce the risk of collision with pedestrians or other vehicles.
Training, Information and Supervision
We provide appropriate induction and ongoing training to ensure our staff are competent to carry out their roles safely. Training may cover manual handling, vehicle safety, safe loading, use of equipment, hazard awareness and emergency procedures. Where new equipment or procedures are introduced, additional instruction is provided.
Supervision is proportionate to the level of experience and risk, with less experienced staff working under closer guidance. We ensure that safety information is communicated clearly and in a way that can be easily understood.
Accident Reporting and Investigation
All accidents, incidents, near misses and property damage are recorded and, where appropriate, investigated. The purpose of investigations is not to assign blame but to identify root causes and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence.
Records of incidents help us monitor trends and evaluate the effectiveness of our health and safety measures. Where required, incidents will be reported to the relevant enforcing authorities in line with legal duties.
Welfare, Health and Wellbeing
We recognise that the physical nature of removal work can be demanding. We seek to protect the health and wellbeing of our staff by managing workloads, encouraging regular breaks where possible and providing guidance on safe working practices. Staff are encouraged to report any health concerns that may affect their ability to perform their duties safely.
Consultation and Continuous Improvement
Man with Van Harefield is committed to continuous improvement in health and safety. We consult with staff on health and safety matters and take their feedback into account when reviewing policies and practices. Lessons learned from jobs, incidents and customer feedback are used to refine our procedures and training.
This Health and Safety policy is reviewed regularly and updated as necessary to reflect changes in legislation, industry best practice and the nature of our removal services. All staff are required to familiarise themselves with this policy and follow it at all times while representing Man with Van Harefield.
