Health and Safety Policy for Man with Van Childs Hill

This Health and Safety Policy sets out how Man with Van Childs Hill manages health, safety and welfare across all removal and transport activities. Our aim is to protect customers, employees, contractors and members of the public from injury and ill health, and to conduct all work in a safe, professional and responsible manner.

Policy Statement

Man with Van Childs Hill is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment. We will take all reasonably practicable steps to prevent accidents and work related ill health, and to comply with relevant health and safety legislation and guidance applicable to removal and transport operations.

Health and safety is an integral part of our service. We expect everyone working with or for us to follow this policy and associated procedures at all times.

Scope of the Policy

This policy applies to all activities carried out by Man with Van Childs Hill, including domestic and commercial moves, loading and unloading, packing and unpacking, lifting and carrying, driving and vehicle operations, and any other associated services delivered at customer premises, public areas or storage locations.

Management Responsibilities

Management is responsible for leading by example and promoting a positive safety culture. This includes:

Ensuring that health and safety risks are identified, assessed and controlled so far as is reasonably practicable. Providing safe and well maintained vehicles, tools and equipment suitable for moving and transporting goods. Supplying appropriate personal protective equipment where required and ensuring it is used correctly. Providing information, instruction, training and supervision so that staff can carry out their work safely and competently. Investigating accidents, near misses and incidents to prevent recurrence and improve practices. Reviewing this policy regularly and updating it when necessary.

Employee Responsibilities

All workers for Man with Van Childs Hill have a duty to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions. Employees and contractors must:

Follow all safety instructions, procedures and training provided. Use vehicles, equipment and protective gear correctly and report any defects immediately. Work in accordance with safe lifting and handling techniques. Cooperate with management in implementing this policy and any risk control measures. Report hazards, incidents, injuries or near misses without delay so that appropriate action can be taken.

Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work

We assess risks associated with our removal and transport work and implement safe systems of work. Risk assessments consider factors such as manual handling, access to properties, stairways and narrow spaces, traffic and parking conditions, loading and unloading areas, weather conditions and environmental hazards, and the nature, size and weight of items to be moved.

Where significant risks are identified, controls may include route planning and parking arrangements to minimise vehicle and pedestrian conflict, use of trolleys, sack trucks, blankets, straps and other moving aids, team lifting procedures for heavy or awkward items, limiting loads to safe weights, and planning additional resources where required.

Manual Handling and Lifting

Manual handling is a core part of removal work, and poor practice can lead to injury. To reduce these risks we:

Train staff in correct lifting and carrying techniques and the importance of assessing the load before lifting. Encourage use of mechanical or wheeled aids whenever reasonably practicable. Prohibit staff from attempting to move items that are beyond their capability or that cannot be moved safely with the team and equipment available. Plan moves so that the heaviest and most awkward items are moved safely, with sufficient personnel and time allocated.

Vehicle Safety and Driving Standards

Safe driving and vehicle operations are essential to protect our staff, customers and the public. We:

Ensure vehicles used for removals are roadworthy, maintained and regularly inspected. Require drivers to hold appropriate licences and to follow road traffic laws. Load and secure goods carefully to avoid shifting loads and to protect both property and vehicle stability. Plan routes so far as possible to minimise time pressures and unsafe manoeuvres. Expect all drivers to drive responsibly, avoid distractions, and adjust their driving to weather, traffic and road conditions.

Customer Premises and Public Areas

Many of our activities take place in and around customer premises and shared spaces. To minimise risk we:

Take care to protect floors, walls, doors and fixtures where reasonably practicable. Keep access routes, stairs and doorways as clear as possible while work is in progress. Use caution tape or verbal warnings where there is potential risk to bystanders. Position vehicles considerately and safely to reduce obstruction, while maintaining safe loading and unloading arrangements. Respect household rules and building regulations that relate to fire exits, lifts and shared corridors.

Equipment and Personal Protective Equipment

We provide and maintain removal equipment and, where appropriate, personal protective equipment. Staff are expected to use such equipment correctly and to report any damage or defects immediately. Unsafe or damaged equipment must not be used and will be repaired or replaced before being put back into service.

Training, Information and Supervision

Man with Van Childs Hill provides training and guidance relevant to the work being carried out. This includes induction training on health and safety responsibilities, instruction on manual handling and safe use of equipment, and periodic updates where work practices or legal requirements change.

Supervision is provided as needed to ensure that procedures are followed, new staff are supported and standards are maintained on every job.

Accident Reporting and Emergency Procedures

All accidents, injuries and near misses must be reported to management as soon as possible. We will record details, investigate where appropriate and put in place measures to reduce the likelihood of recurrence.

In the event of an emergency at a job site, staff will prioritise the safety of people present, contact the appropriate emergency services where necessary, and follow any specific site rules or instructions in place at customer premises or shared buildings.

Monitoring, Review and Continuous Improvement

We monitor our health and safety performance through feedback from staff and customers, review of incidents and near misses, and regular checks of vehicles and equipment. This Health and Safety Policy is reviewed periodically and after any significant change in our operations or relevant legislation. Improvements are made whenever opportunities are identified to further reduce risks and enhance the safety and quality of our removal services.

Policy Communication

This policy is communicated to all staff and is available to customers on request. Everyone involved in delivering our services is expected to understand the parts of the policy relevant to their work and to play an active role in maintaining a safe working environment for all.