Health and Safety policy
Man with Van Edmonton Health and Safety Policy
Man with Van Edmonton is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for all employees, contractors, customers and members of the public who may be affected by our removal and transport activities. This Health and Safety policy sets out our approach to managing risks arising from our operations and outlines the responsibilities of everyone involved in our services.
Policy Statement and Objectives
Our objective is to prevent injury, ill health and damage to property during all removal, loading, unloading and transport operations. We aim to achieve this by identifying hazards, assessing risks and implementing effective control measures. As a company providing man and van and removal services, we recognise that lifting, carrying, vehicle use and work at customers premises require particular attention to safe systems of work.
We will review this policy periodically and whenever there are significant changes in our activities, equipment, legislation or best practice guidance relevant to our services.
Management Responsibilities
Management is responsible for ensuring that appropriate resources, training and supervision are provided so that work can be carried out safely. This includes:
Ensuring risk assessments are completed, documented and regularly reviewed for key activities such as manual handling, loading and unloading vehicles, securing loads, working in stairwells or confined spaces, and operating in busy streets or shared access areas.
Providing safe and suitable equipment, including vehicles, trolleys, lifting aids, straps, blankets and personal protective equipment where required.
Maintaining vehicles and equipment in a safe condition through regular inspections, servicing and prompt repair or replacement of defective items.
Ensuring that employees are trained and competent for the tasks they undertake, including safe lifting techniques, use of equipment, and safe driving practices.
Employee Responsibilities
Every employee and worker engaged by Man with Van Edmonton 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 personnel must:
Follow company procedures and safe systems of work at all times.
Use equipment and vehicles only for their intended purpose and in accordance with training and instructions.
Report hazards, incidents, near misses, defective equipment or unsafe conditions to management as soon as possible.
Cooperate fully with any accident investigations, training programmes or safety initiatives introduced by the company.
Refrain from working under the influence of alcohol, drugs or any substance that could impair judgement or performance.
Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices
We carry out risk assessments for activities associated with our removal services, including collection, transport and delivery of goods. These assessments consider risks such as manual handling injuries, slips, trips and falls, collisions or vehicle incidents, damage to property and risks to the public during loading or unloading.
Based on these assessments, we implement safe working practices such as:
Planning each job in advance to consider access routes, parking, loading areas and any known restrictions at collection and delivery points.
Ensuring that sufficient staff are allocated to handle heavy or awkward items, with team lifting used where appropriate.
Using trolleys, dollies and lifting aids whenever reasonably practicable to reduce manual handling strain.
Securing loads properly within vehicles to prevent movement during transit, protecting both staff and other road users.
Maintaining good housekeeping around loading areas, keeping walkways clear of debris, packaging and trip hazards.
Manual Handling and Physical Safety
Manual handling is a core part of our work, and particular focus is placed on reducing the risk of musculoskeletal injuries. Our approach includes:
Providing instruction on correct lifting techniques, including assessing the weight and shape of items before attempting to move them.
Encouraging staff to refuse unsafe lifts and to request additional help when needed.
Planning the route before moving an item, ensuring obstacles are removed and doors are secured open where possible.
Using correct posture and avoiding twisting or overreaching while carrying items, especially on stairs and narrow corridors.
Vehicle Safety and Road Use
Our vehicles are central to the services we provide, and their safe use is essential. Man with Van Edmonton will:
Ensure that all drivers hold the appropriate valid licence for the vehicles they operate and have received any additional training required for safe driving and load security.
Carry out regular vehicle checks, including tyres, brakes, lights, mirrors and safety equipment, in accordance with manufacturer guidance and legal requirements.
Require drivers to follow road traffic laws, adjust driving to weather and traffic conditions and allow adequate journey times to reduce pressure and the risk of speeding.
Ensure that vehicles are not overloaded and that loads are distributed evenly and secured to prevent movement.
Customer Premises and Public Safety
Our teams often work at customers homes, offices and other premises where members of the public may be present. To protect customers and the public, we will:
Assess access routes and working areas on arrival, identifying hazards such as uneven surfaces, low ceilings, fragile surfaces or restricted staircases.
Agree safe access and exit routes with the customer and keep these routes clear during the move.
Take care to protect floors, walls and fixtures using appropriate materials to minimise damage and reduce slip risks from dust, dirt or moisture.
Where necessary, ask customers and other occupants to remain clear of working areas while heavy items are being moved.
Training, Information and Supervision
Man with Van Edmonton provides information and instruction so that employees understand the hazards associated with removal work and the measures in place to control them. New staff receive induction on our Health and Safety arrangements and on-the-job training under supervision. Ongoing training is provided as required, particularly when new equipment, vehicles or working methods are introduced.
Accidents, Incidents and Reporting
All accidents, injuries, near misses and dangerous occurrences must be reported to management without delay. We will record and investigate incidents to determine root causes and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence. Where required, incidents will be reported to relevant authorities in line with legal obligations.
Continuous Improvement and Review
We are committed to continuous improvement in Health and Safety performance. This includes reviewing risk assessments, learning from incidents, responding to employee feedback and monitoring compliance with our procedures. This policy will be reviewed regularly and updated to reflect changes in our operations, legal requirements and industry best practice for removal and transport services.
By working together and following this Health and Safety policy, Man with Van Edmonton aims to deliver reliable removal services while protecting the wellbeing of our staff, customers and the wider community.
