Health and Safety policy
Health and Safety Policy for Man with Van Tottenham Hale
Man with Van Tottenham Hale is committed to providing removal and transport services in a manner that ensures the health, safety and welfare of our customers, team members and the wider public. This policy sets out our approach to managing health and safety risks associated with moving, loading, unloading and transporting goods for households and businesses.
Policy aims and responsibilities
Our aim is to prevent injury, ill health, damage to property and harm to the environment arising from our activities. We work to identify hazards, assess risks and implement proportionate control measures for all removal and delivery tasks.
Overall responsibility for health and safety rests with company management, who ensure that appropriate procedures, resources and supervision are in place. All staff, including drivers, porters and contractors working on our behalf, are required to follow this policy, attend relevant training and work safely at all times.
Customers also have a role in supporting safe operations by providing accurate information about access, item types and any special risks at the collection or delivery address, and by keeping routes clear while work is carried out.
Risk assessment and planning
Before each job, we assess foreseeable risks connected with the service, including access routes, parking, lifting requirements, item size and weight, and any specific site conditions. Where necessary, we adapt staffing levels, equipment and timing to complete the work safely.
We plan removal tasks to minimise manual handling risks, avoid unnecessary lifting and reduce the need to work in confined or awkward spaces. Any significant changes to the planned work on the day will be reassessed and, if needed, the task may be altered, postponed or refused where safe working cannot be assured.
Manual handling and lifting practices
Manual handling is a core part of a man and van service, and we manage it carefully. Staff are trained in safe lifting techniques, team lifting, and the correct use of handling aids. Large or heavy items are moved using suitable equipment such as trolleys, dollies, skates and straps wherever practicable.
Our team is instructed never to attempt to lift loads that are beyond their capability or where access is too restricted to lift safely. Items that present excessive risk due to weight, size, fragility or construction may be refused or require alternative arrangements.
Vehicles, driving and loading safety
All vehicles used by Man with Van Tottenham Hale must be roadworthy, appropriately insured and maintained in line with legal and manufacturer requirements. Pre-use visual checks are carried out, and defects are reported promptly so that vehicles can be taken out of service when necessary.
Drivers are responsible for safe driving, adherence to traffic and parking regulations, and for ensuring that loads are properly secured. Loads are distributed evenly to protect vehicle stability and to avoid damage to goods. Doors are checked and locked before moving off, and vehicles are never overloaded beyond their permitted capacity.
Customer premises and public safety
We take reasonable steps to protect customers, their property and the public while we are working. This includes planning safe routes in and out of buildings, using protective coverings on floors and bannisters where appropriate, and keeping exits and walkways as clear as possible.
Where there is a risk to bystanders, our team will request that people keep clear of loading areas, stairways and vehicle access points while heavy or bulky items are being moved. Tools and equipment are not left unattended where they may create trip hazards or be accessed by unauthorised persons.
Equipment, maintenance and personal protective equipment
Moving equipment such as trolleys, ramps and straps is checked regularly and used only for its intended purpose. Damaged or defective items are removed from service immediately.
Where required by the nature of the job, staff use appropriate personal protective equipment such as gloves, protective footwear and high-visibility garments. The need for protective equipment is reviewed through risk assessment and is provided at no cost to staff.
Hazardous items and restricted goods
For safety reasons, certain items may not be carried or may require special arrangements. These can include hazardous materials, flammable liquids, compressed gases, explosives, firearms, illegal substances and items containing significant contamination or infestation.
Customers must inform us in advance of any items that may present additional risks. We reserve the right to refuse to move items that cannot be handled or transported safely or lawfully.
Training, information and supervision
We provide initial and ongoing training relevant to the tasks our staff perform. This includes manual handling, safe use of vehicles and equipment, and procedures for working in and around customer premises.
Supervision is proportionate to the experience of staff and the complexity of the work. New or less experienced team members are supported by more experienced colleagues until they demonstrate competence.
Accidents, incidents and emergency procedures
All accidents, near misses and damage incidents that occur during our work must be reported to management as soon as reasonably practicable. We investigate incidents to identify root causes and to implement corrective actions that reduce the likelihood of recurrence.
In an emergency, the safety of people takes priority over property. Staff follow site-specific emergency procedures where applicable, and will cooperate fully with emergency services. First aid arrangements are made in line with the size and nature of our operations.
Wellbeing and fitness for work
We recognise that physical fitness, fatigue and general wellbeing can affect the safety of lifting, driving and other tasks. Staff are expected to present themselves fit for work, not under the influence of alcohol, drugs or any substance that may impair judgement or coordination.
Where colleagues report health conditions that may affect their ability to perform certain tasks safely, we will assess the situation and make reasonable adjustments where possible, which may include reallocating duties.
Continuous improvement and policy review
Man with Van Tottenham Hale is committed to continually improving its health and safety performance. We review this policy at regular intervals and whenever there are significant changes in our operations, legislation or recognised best practice.
Suggestions from staff and customers about improving safety are welcomed and will be considered as part of ongoing risk management. By working together, we aim to ensure that every move is completed as safely and efficiently as possible.
