Health and Safety policy

Man with Van Downham Health and Safety Policy

This Health and Safety Policy sets out how Man with Van Downham manages the health, safety, and welfare of our workers, customers, and members of the public during all removal and transport activities. Our aim is to provide a professional moving service while preventing injury, ill health, and damage to property.

Policy Statement

Man with Van Downham is committed to maintaining high standards of health and safety in every aspect of our removal operations. We will identify and manage risks associated with moving furniture, household goods, office equipment, and other items, whether we are working inside homes, business premises, communal areas, or outdoor spaces.

We recognise our responsibility to comply with relevant health and safety legislation and accepted industry practice. Health and safety considerations are central to the planning and delivery of each move, from initial booking to final unloading.

Responsibilities

Overall responsibility for health and safety rests with the company management, who ensure that adequate resources, equipment, and information are provided. Managers are responsible for:

Assessing risks linked to removal services and taking reasonable steps to control them.

Providing appropriate safety information, instructions, and training for all workers.

Ensuring vehicles and handling equipment are maintained in a safe condition.

Investigating accidents, incidents, and near misses and taking corrective measures.

Each worker has a duty to:

Take reasonable care for their own health and safety and that of others affected by their work.

Follow all safe systems of work, instructions, and training.

Use equipment and vehicles correctly and report any defects immediately.

Report hazards, unsafe conditions, injuries, and near misses without delay.

Risk Assessment and Planning

Before each removal, we consider the specific risks of the job, including access routes, staircases, lifts, parking arrangements, weather conditions, and the nature and weight of items to be moved. Where appropriate, a more formal risk assessment will be carried out to identify hazards and determine control measures.

Typical risk controls include planning safe lifting methods, using suitable numbers of workers, allowing sufficient time for loading and unloading, and agreeing safe access with customers. We aim to minimise risks from slips, trips, falls, manual handling injuries, vehicle movements, and damage to premises.

Manual Handling and Safe Lifting

Manual handling is a core part of our removal service. To reduce the risk of strain, back injury, and other musculoskeletal problems, we:

Train workers in safe lifting techniques and team handling methods.

Use handling aids such as trolleys, dollies, straps, and blankets where appropriate.

Plan the movement of heavy or bulky items in advance, including route and positioning.

Avoid lone handling of heavy or awkward objects wherever possible.

Workers are instructed not to attempt to lift or move any item that they believe cannot be handled safely. Alternative methods, additional assistance, or specialist equipment will be considered if needed.

Vehicles, Driving, and Loading

Our vehicles are used to transport customer goods safely and securely. We are committed to ensuring that:

Vehicles are regularly inspected and maintained, including brakes, tyres, lights, and securing points.

Loads are evenly distributed, adequately secured, and within legal weight limits.

Doors, ramps, and tail lifts are used and operated in a safe manner.

Drivers hold appropriate licences and follow road safety rules at all times.

Driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol is strictly prohibited. Mobile phone use while driving must comply with legal requirements and company procedures.

Customer and Public Safety

We take reasonable steps to ensure the safety of customers, their families, their staff, and members of the public while we are carrying out removal work. This includes:

Maintaining clear walkways and access routes during loading and unloading.

Using caution when moving large items through doorways, along corridors, and on stairs.

Communicating with customers about any temporary risks, such as trip hazards or restricted access.

Supervising work areas so that children, pets, and visitors are kept away from moving loads and vehicle operations.

Equipment, Tools, and Personal Protective Equipment

All tools and equipment used for removal work must be in good condition and suitable for the task. Defective or damaged items must be removed from service and reported to management.

Where necessary, workers will be provided with appropriate personal protective equipment such as gloves, safety footwear, and high visibility clothing. Workers are expected to wear and care for this equipment as instructed.

Work Environment and Housekeeping

Safe working conditions are supported by good housekeeping. Our teams will aim to keep work areas tidy and organised by:

Stacking boxes and items in a stable and secure manner.

Avoiding obstruction of exits, stairs, and access routes.

Promptly clearing discarded packing materials and debris.

Managing trailing straps, blankets, and tools to minimise trip risks.

Incident Reporting and Emergency Procedures

All accidents, injuries, near misses, and dangerous occurrences must be reported to management as soon as possible. We will record, investigate, and review such events in order to prevent recurrence.

Workers are briefed on appropriate emergency responses, including basic first aid arrangements, fire safety awareness at customer premises, and the steps to take following a vehicle collision or breakdown.

Training, Consultation, and Review

Health and safety training is provided as part of induction and updated when working practices, equipment, or legal requirements change. Workers are encouraged to raise health and safety concerns and to suggest improvements to our procedures.

This policy is reviewed regularly to ensure it remains suitable and effective for our removal services and the areas in which we operate. Changes in legislation, industry guidance, or company operations will be reflected in updated versions of this policy.

Policy Availability

This Health and Safety Policy is made available to all workers and can be supplied to customers on request. Continued use of our removal services is provided on the understanding that we may take reasonable health and safety measures while on site, including adjusting work methods or schedules where required to manage risk.