Health and Safety policy

Man with Van Crossness Health and Safety Policy

This Health and Safety Policy sets out how Man with Van Crossness manages the safety and wellbeing of customers, employees, contractors and members of the public while providing removal, collection and delivery services. Our aim is to carry out all work in a safe, professional and responsible way, preventing injury, ill health, damage to property and harm to the environment.

Our Commitment to Health and Safety

Man with Van Crossness is committed to maintaining high standards of health and safety throughout every stage of our removal and transport services. We recognise our duty of care to everyone affected by our activities and seek to identify, control and reduce any risks arising from our work.

We expect all workers representing our business to take personal responsibility for working safely, using equipment correctly and following the procedures outlined in this policy.

Legal Responsibilities

We will comply with all relevant health and safety legislation and associated regulations that apply to our operations. This includes duties relating to the safe use of vehicles, manual handling, lifting operations, workplace transport, and the provision and use of work equipment.

We review our procedures regularly to ensure that they remain aligned with current legal requirements and accepted good practice within the removals and transport sector.

Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work

Before starting work at any property or site, we consider the specific conditions and assess foreseeable hazards. This includes, where relevant, the layout of the property, access routes, parking arrangements, stairways, lifts, outdoor conditions and any special customer requirements.

Based on this assessment, we adopt safe systems of work such as using appropriate lifting techniques, employing handling equipment, planning safe loading patterns, and controlling access to work areas. Where risk cannot be eliminated, it is reduced so far as is reasonably practicable.

Manual Handling and Lifting

Manual handling is a core part of our removal service, and we take steps to minimise the risk of strain, sprain and other injuries:

We avoid unnecessary manual lifting by using trolleys, dollies, straps and other aids whenever appropriate. Heavy, awkward or bulky items are shared between two or more workers, and loads are broken down into smaller parts where possible.

All staff are instructed in safe lifting techniques, including maintaining good posture, keeping loads close to the body, using leg muscles to lift, and avoiding twisting while carrying items. No worker is required to lift or carry a load they reasonably believe to be unsafe.

Vehicle Safety and Loading

The safety of our vehicles and the way they are loaded is a key element of our health and safety approach. Vehicles used for removal and delivery work are maintained in a roadworthy condition and are subject to routine checks by drivers before use.

Loads are planned and arranged to ensure stability during transit, with heavier items positioned low and well supported. Furniture, appliances and boxes are secured using straps, blankets and other restraints to prevent movement, damage and hazards when doors are opened. We take care to ensure that vehicles are not overloaded and that weight distribution is safe.

Customer and Public Safety

We conduct our work in a way that protects customers, neighbours and the general public. Where practicable, we keep access routes clear, use safe parking locations, and minimise obstruction of pavements, entrances and shared areas.

When moving large or heavy items through communal or public spaces, our team controls the area and, where necessary, asks people to stand clear until the task is complete. We show respect for customer property at all times and take reasonable measures to prevent accidental damage.

Use of Equipment and Personal Protective Equipment

Any tools, handling equipment or accessories used by Man with Van Crossness are selected for suitability, checked regularly and used in accordance with manufacturers instructions. Defective or damaged equipment is taken out of service and repaired or replaced.

Where personal protective equipment is required, such as protective footwear or gloves, it is provided and must be used as instructed. Staff are expected to report any defect in equipment or protective items immediately.

Training, Information and Supervision

We ensure that all workers engaged in our removal and transport services receive appropriate instruction and information relevant to their duties. This includes safe lifting and carrying, use of handling aids, safe loading practices, working around vehicles and maintaining good housekeeping.

Less experienced staff are supervised and supported while they develop their practical skills. We encourage all workers to ask questions whenever they are unsure how to carry out a task safely.

Accident, Incident and Near Miss Reporting

All accidents, injuries, near misses and damage to property that occur during our work must be reported promptly to the person in charge. This enables us to provide any necessary assistance, to meet any reporting duties we may have, and to investigate the causes.

Findings from investigations are used to improve our procedures, update risk assessments and prevent similar incidents in the future. We treat such reporting as a positive and essential part of maintaining a safe service.

Consultation and Responsibilities

The management of Man with Van Crossness has overall responsibility for the implementation of this Health and Safety Policy and for providing the resources needed to meet our commitments. Supervisors and team leaders are responsible for day to day application of safety procedures on site and in vehicles.

All workers have a duty to take reasonable care for their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions. Everyone is expected to cooperate with this policy, follow instructions, use provided equipment safely and report hazards without delay.

Review of this Policy

This Health and Safety Policy is reviewed periodically and following any significant change in our operations, relevant legislation or industry guidance. Where necessary, we update procedures and communicate those changes to all affected workers.

By following this policy, Man with Van Crossness seeks to deliver a reliable, efficient and safe removal and transport service for all customers in our service area.