Man with Van Newbury Park Health and Safety Policy

This Health and Safety policy sets out the principles and procedures followed by Man with Van Newbury Park to protect our workers, customers, visitors, and members of the public. We are committed to carrying out all removal, loading, transport, and delivery activities in a safe and responsible manner, reducing risks as far as reasonably practicable.

Our Health and Safety Commitment

Man with Van Newbury Park is dedicated to maintaining high standards of health and safety across all aspects of our removal and transport services. We will continually improve our systems, learning from experience and updating our practices to ensure that our work is carried out safely, efficiently, and with minimal disruption to clients and their neighbours.

Legal Responsibilities

We comply with relevant health and safety legislation and accepted industry guidance relating to manual handling, road safety, the use of equipment, and the control of workplace risks. All staff are expected to co-operate fully with company policies and procedures and to take reasonable care for their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their work.

Management Responsibilities

Management is responsible for implementing this policy and for ensuring that suitable arrangements are in place for planning, organising, controlling, and monitoring health and safety performance. This includes:

Carrying out and reviewing risk assessments for removal and delivery work. Providing appropriate training, information, and instruction. Supplying and maintaining vehicles, equipment, and tools in a safe condition. Ensuring safe systems of work are followed on every job. Investigating incidents and near misses and taking steps to prevent recurrence.

Employee Responsibilities

All employees, contractors, and helpers working with Man with Van Newbury Park must:

Follow company safety procedures at all times. Use vehicles, tools, and lifting equipment only as instructed. Report hazards, defects, accidents, and near misses promptly. Wear any personal protective equipment provided, where appropriate. Avoid taking shortcuts that could compromise safety.

Risk Assessment and Planning

Before each removal or collection, we assess the work environment to identify potential hazards, such as restricted access, uneven ground, heavy or awkward loads, stairs, traffic, and weather conditions. Based on this assessment, we:

Plan safe routes for carrying and loading items. Determine the number of staff required for the task. Decide whether lifting aids or additional equipment are necessary. Identify any special measures needed to protect vulnerable customers or neighbours.

Manual Handling and Lifting Safety

Manual handling is central to our removal services, and we take particular care to limit the risk of strains, sprains, and other injuries. Our approach includes:

Providing guidance on correct lifting techniques, including maintaining good posture and team lifting for large or heavy items. Avoiding single-person lifting of loads that are excessively heavy, bulky, or unstable. Using trolleys, dollies, straps, and other aids where suitable. Planning lifts in advance, checking the route is clear of obstacles and tripping hazards.

Vehicle and Driving Safety

Our vehicles are essential to our operations, and we aim to ensure they are safe, roadworthy, and used responsibly. We:

Keep vehicles maintained and checked regularly. Ensure loads are distributed evenly, secured properly, and within legal weight limits. Require drivers to follow all road traffic rules and to drive with care and consideration. Encourage safe driving practices, including proper rest, awareness of blind spots, and care when reversing in residential streets or busy service areas.

Safe Loading and Unloading

The loading and unloading of vans can present risks if not managed properly. To protect staff and customers, we:

Secure parking areas as safely as possible, avoiding blocking pavements and driveways where we can. Use ramps, steps, and tailgates in a controlled manner, ensuring they are stable before use. Keep loading areas tidy and free from clutter that could cause trips or slips. Take extra care in poor weather, such as rain or ice, to prevent falls.

Protection of Customers and Public

We recognise that our work often takes place in domestic properties, shared buildings, and public streets. We therefore:

Move items carefully to avoid damage to property, fixtures, and fittings. Keep access routes clear of cables, packaging, and waste. Communicate clearly with customers about our planned movements within their property. Take care when opening doors, moving bulky items, and operating in communal areas.

Use of Equipment and Personal Protective Equipment

Any equipment used during removal work, including lifting straps, trolleys, and protective coverings, is inspected regularly and used in accordance with training and manufacturer guidance. Where appropriate, we provide personal protective equipment, such as gloves or supportive footwear, and ensure it is used and maintained correctly.

Training and Communication

We provide ongoing guidance and instruction to ensure that staff are competent to perform their duties safely. This includes induction for new workers, refreshers on manual handling, and toolbox talks on specific site risks. Workers are encouraged to raise safety concerns and suggestions so that improvements can be made.

Accidents, Incidents, and Near Misses

All accidents, incidents, and significant near misses that occur during our work are recorded and reviewed. Where necessary, we adjust our procedures, provide additional training, or change equipment to minimise the likelihood of recurrence. Customers are requested to inform us of any concerns during the job so that issues can be addressed immediately.

Monitoring and Policy Review

This Health and Safety policy is reviewed regularly to ensure it remains effective and appropriate for the nature and scale of our removal services. Changes in legislation, industry standards, or our own operations may lead to updates. An up-to-date version of this policy is made available to staff and customers on request.

Commitment to Continuous Improvement

Man with Van Newbury Park is committed to continuous improvement in health and safety performance. By working systematically, learning from experience, and listening to feedback, we aim to provide a safe, professional, and reliable removal service across our operating area.