Health and Safety Policy for Man With a Van Bounds Green

Man With a Van Bounds Green is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for our 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 associated with lifting, loading, driving, and working in and around properties and vehicles.

Our Health and Safety Commitment

We aim to conduct all man and van and removal services in a way that prevents injury, ill health, property damage, and environmental harm. Health and Safety is an integral part of our planning and decision-making processes, and we continually review and improve our practices to achieve high standards of safety performance.

Responsibilities and Management

Overall responsibility for Health and Safety lies with the management of Man With a Van Bounds Green. Management will ensure that adequate resources, information, instruction, supervision, and training are provided so that work can be carried out safely and responsibly.

All employees and contractors are responsible for their own safety and the safety of others who may be affected by their actions. Every team member is required to follow safe systems of work, use equipment correctly, and report any hazards, near misses, or incidents without delay.

Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices

We carry out risk assessments for our core activities, including domestic removals, office moves, loading and unloading, and driving commercial vehicles. These risk assessments are used to develop safe working procedures and to identify practical control measures, such as use of handling equipment, safe routes, and appropriate staffing levels.

Before each removal job, our team considers the specific conditions at the property or site, including access routes, stairs, parking arrangements, and any unusual or heavy items. Where necessary, the work method will be adjusted or additional resources allocated to ensure that tasks can be completed safely.

Manual Handling and Use of Equipment

Manual handling is a key part of our removal work. To reduce the risk of strain and injury, our staff receive guidance on safe lifting techniques, team lifting, and the use of trolleys, dollies, and other handling aids. Heavy or awkward loads are assessed before they are moved and may require more than one person, mechanical assistance, or an alternative handling method.

All equipment provided for lifting, securing, and transporting goods is selected, maintained, and used in line with manufacturer instructions and relevant safety guidance. Damaged or defective equipment is taken out of service and reported for repair or replacement.

Vehicle Safety and Driving Standards

Our vehicles are essential to our man and van and removal services, and we recognise the importance of road safety. Vehicles are regularly inspected and maintained to ensure they are roadworthy, clean, and suitable for the loads they carry.

Drivers are expected to operate vehicles safely, follow traffic laws, avoid unsafe manoeuvres, and drive in a way that protects passengers, other road users, and goods in transit. Loads are positioned and secured to prevent movement during transport, and vehicles are never intentionally overloaded.

Safe Loading, Unloading, and Site Safety

Loading and unloading activities are planned to minimise risks to staff, customers, and the public. Work areas around vehicles are kept as clear as reasonably possible, and team members remain alert to moving vehicles, pedestrians, and other hazards.

Particular care is taken when working in confined streets, shared driveways, communal entrances, stairwells, and other busy or restricted spaces. Where necessary, team members may act as banksmen or spotters to guide vehicle movements and protect pedestrians.

Protection of Customers and the Public

We recognise our duty of care towards customers and anyone who might be affected by our work. We take steps to prevent trips, slips, and impacts by keeping routes clear, stacking items safely, and managing cables, tools, and equipment responsibly.

Customers are advised, where appropriate, to keep children and pets away from active work areas, particularly when heavy items are being carried or vehicles are reversing. We also take care to protect property from avoidable damage by using appropriate handling methods and, where available, covers or padding for vulnerable surfaces.

Training, Information, and Supervision

We ensure that everyone engaged in our removal operations is competent to perform their tasks safely. This is achieved through induction, ongoing instruction on safe practices, task-specific guidance, and close supervision for less experienced staff.

Health and Safety information is communicated clearly and practically, covering topics such as manual handling, vehicle and driving safety, emergency procedures, and the correct use of tools and equipment. Additional training may be provided when new risks, equipment, or services are introduced.

Accident Reporting and Emergency Procedures

All accidents, injuries, near misses, and unsafe conditions must be reported promptly to management. This enables us to investigate incidents, determine root causes, and implement corrective measures to prevent recurrence.

Our teams are briefed on what to do in the event of an emergency, such as a road collision, fire, medical emergency, or serious property damage. Where appropriate, work may be stopped or adjusted if conditions become unsafe, and assistance from emergency services will be requested when required.

Health, Welfare, and Fitness for Work

We recognise the physical nature of removal work and encourage staff to take care of their health and wellbeing. Employees are expected to present for work fit for duty, not under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and in a condition that allows them to perform tasks safely.

Where a health condition, injury, or fatigue could affect a person’s ability to work safely, this must be reported so that appropriate adjustments can be considered, such as modified duties, rest breaks, or additional support.

Continuous Improvement and Policy Review

We are committed to reviewing this Health and Safety policy on a regular basis and whenever there are significant changes in our operations, legal requirements, or best practice guidance. Feedback from employees, customers, and other stakeholders is welcomed and used to improve our safety management arrangements.

By following this policy and working cooperatively, Man With a Van Bounds Green aims to deliver a reliable removal service while safeguarding the health, safety, and welfare of everyone involved.