Health and Safety policy
Man with Van Crews Hill Health and Safety Policy
This Health and Safety Policy sets out how Man with Van Crews Hill manages safety for our staff, customers and the public during all removal and transport activities. We are committed to operating in a way that prevents injury, protects property and maintains a safe working environment at all times.
Our Health and Safety Objectives
The key objectives of this policy are to prevent accidents and work-related ill health, provide clear health and safety responsibilities, identify and control risks associated with removals and transport work, protect our customers, the public and our team members, and foster a culture where safety is everyone’s responsibility.
Management Responsibilities
Management at Man with Van Crews Hill is responsible for providing and maintaining safe systems of work for all moving and transport services, ensuring that vehicles and equipment are suitable, maintained and used safely, implementing suitable risk assessments and safe working procedures, and providing appropriate information, instruction and supervision so work is carried out safely.
Management is also responsible for reviewing this policy regularly, monitoring performance and making improvements when required.
Employee Responsibilities
Every member of the Man with Van Crews Hill team has a duty to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions. All staff must follow training and safety instructions, use equipment correctly and safely, avoid taking unnecessary risks when lifting, carrying or driving, and report hazards, near misses and incidents promptly to management.
Employees must never operate vehicles or equipment for which they are not trained or authorised, and must cooperate with management in implementing this policy.
Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices
Before each removal or transport job, we aim to assess the specific risks associated with the property, access routes, parking arrangements, and the items to be moved. This assessment may be carried out in advance or on arrival, depending on the nature of the job.
Control measures may include planning safe lifting routes, using appropriate moving aids, identifying fragile or hazardous items, considering stairways, narrow access or uneven surfaces, and planning vehicle positioning to minimise reversing and manual handling distances.
Team members are instructed to stop work and consult management if they believe a task cannot be carried out safely.
Manual Handling and Lifting
Manual handling is a core part of removal work and is managed carefully at Man with Van Crews Hill. Staff receive guidance on correct lifting techniques, including assessment of load weight, size and stability, using team lifts for heavy or awkward items, and using moving equipment such as trolleys, dollies and straps where appropriate.
We do not expect staff to attempt to lift or carry items that are beyond their physical capability or that could cause harm. Where necessary, work will be reorganised, broken into smaller parts or additional assistance arranged.
Vehicle Safety and Driving Standards
Only authorised and competent drivers are permitted to operate our vehicles. Drivers must comply with road traffic laws at all times and must not drive under the influence of drugs, alcohol or medication that may impair driving. Vehicles must be loaded safely, with loads secured to prevent movement during transit.
Drivers are responsible for conducting basic pre-use vehicle checks in line with internal guidance, such as checking tyres, lights and securing mechanisms. Any defects or concerns must be reported immediately so that appropriate action can be taken.
Use of Equipment and Protective Gear
We provide suitable moving equipment for our work, such as blankets, straps, ramps and trolleys. All equipment must be used only for its intended purpose, in accordance with any training or instructions provided. Staff must not use damaged or defective equipment and must report any faults immediately.
Where reasonably necessary, personal protective equipment such as gloves or safety footwear will be provided or required. Staff are expected to use this equipment correctly and keep it in good condition.
Household, Office and Site Safety
Our teams will take reasonable steps to ensure that work areas remain as safe as possible for customers, visitors and the public. This includes maintaining clear walkways where practical, taking care with trip hazards such as loose cables, and moving items carefully to avoid damage to property.
Customers will be advised, where appropriate, to keep children and pets away from active work areas, and to inform us of any known hazards at the property such as loose flooring, structural issues or limited access.
Incident Reporting and Investigation
All accidents, injuries, near misses or dangerous occurrences that take place during our work must be reported to management as soon as practicable. We will investigate incidents in order to identify root causes and implement corrective measures where necessary.
Records of significant incidents will be kept in line with applicable requirements and used to improve our procedures and training over time.
Training and Competence
Man with Van Crews Hill provides its team with information and guidance so they can perform their roles safely. This includes induction for new starters covering safe lifting, general conduct at customer premises and vehicle awareness. Further instruction or refresher guidance may be provided where work practices change, new equipment is introduced or additional risks are identified.
We expect staff to apply what they have learned and to ask for clarification if they are unsure how to perform a task safely.
Continuous Improvement and Policy Review
This Health and Safety Policy is reviewed periodically and whenever there are significant changes to our operations, industry guidance or relevant legal requirements. Feedback from staff and customers, as well as lessons learned from incidents, is considered as part of that review.
By working together and following this policy, Man with Van Crews Hill aims to deliver removal and transport services in a way that prioritises the safety and wellbeing of everyone involved.
