Man with Van Old Ford Health and Safety Policy

This Health and Safety Policy sets out the principles and arrangements that Man with Van Old Ford follows to protect the health, safety and welfare of our workers, customers, visitors and members of the public who may be affected by our removal and transport activities.

Our services involve the collection, transport and delivery of household and commercial goods. These tasks carry specific risks, particularly relating to manual handling, driving, loading and unloading, and work at or near customer premises. We are committed to managing these risks responsibly and continually improving our standards.

Policy Statement

Man with Van Old Ford is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment. We will take all reasonably practicable steps to prevent accidents, injuries and work-related ill health arising from our operations. Health and safety is an integral part of our planning, decision making and day-to-day work.

We recognise our responsibility to comply with all relevant health and safety legislation and accepted industry best practice relating to transport and removals services. We will provide appropriate information, instruction, training and supervision so that all workers are competent to carry out their duties safely.

Responsibilities

Overall responsibility for health and safety rests with the management of Man with Van Old Ford. Management will ensure appropriate resources are provided to implement and maintain this policy. This includes provision of suitable vehicles, equipment, protective gear and training.

Supervisors and team leaders are responsible for implementing this policy on a day-to-day basis, monitoring standards on jobs, and ensuring that safe systems of work are followed. They will report hazards, incidents and near misses so that appropriate corrective action can be taken.

All workers, including drivers and porters, have a duty to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions. They must follow safety instructions, use equipment correctly, cooperate with training and report hazards or concerns without delay.

Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices

We will identify, assess and manage the risks associated with our removal and delivery services. Risk assessments will cover, where relevant, manual handling, loading and unloading, driving and route planning, use of equipment, access to premises, and any specific site conditions.

Findings of risk assessments will be used to establish safe systems of work. These may include particular lifting techniques, team lifting requirements, use of handling aids, loading procedures, traffic management arrangements, and rules for working in confined or shared spaces at customer properties.

Workers will be briefed on relevant risks and controls before or during each assignment. Where conditions change, dynamic risk assessment will be carried out and work methods adjusted as necessary to maintain safety.

Manual Handling and Use of Equipment

Manual handling is a key part of our service, and we recognise the potential for strain and injury if it is not managed correctly. We will avoid hazardous manual handling where reasonably practicable, for example through the use of trolleys, dollies and other aids.

When items must be lifted or carried, workers will follow safe lifting techniques and correct posture, and will not be required to handle loads that are excessively heavy or awkward for them. Team lifting will be used for larger or heavier items, and workers are encouraged to refuse any task they consider unsafe.

All equipment used in our work, including trolleys, straps, blankets and ramps, will be maintained in a safe condition. Defective or damaged equipment must be reported immediately and taken out of use until repaired or replaced.

Vehicle Safety and Driving Standards

Our vehicles are central to our operations and must be operated safely at all times. Vehicles will be routinely inspected and maintained in accordance with manufacturer guidance and legal requirements. Pre-use checks will be carried out by drivers, and any defects reported promptly.

Loads will be secured using appropriate methods and equipment to prevent movement during transit. Overloading is strictly prohibited. Items will be arranged to maintain vehicle stability and to allow safe access for unloading.

Drivers are expected to observe all traffic laws, speed limits and parking regulations. They must not drive while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or when unfit due to fatigue or illness. Journey planning will take account of realistic timings, rest breaks and safe routes.

Customer Premises and Public Safety

Our work often takes place at customer homes, offices and shared spaces. We will conduct work in a way that minimises risk to customers, visitors and members of the public. Where possible, access routes will be kept clear and trip hazards controlled.

Carrying items through communal areas, stairwells and entrances will be organised to reduce congestion and avoid damage. When necessary, warning signs or verbal warnings will be used to make people aware of moving loads or vehicle manoeuvres.

We will respect customer property and seek to prevent damage to buildings, fixtures and fittings by using appropriate protection such as blankets and corner guards where available. Any damage or incident will be reported promptly to management.

Training, Information and Supervision

All workers will receive appropriate induction training, including basic health and safety principles, manual handling, vehicle safety and the specific risks associated with removal work. Additional training will be provided where roles or equipment change, or where new risks are identified.

Information on safe working procedures will be communicated through briefings, job instructions and ongoing supervision. Less experienced staff will be supervised more closely until they are assessed as competent to work with greater independence.

Accidents, Incidents and Near Misses

All accidents, injuries, incidents and near misses must be reported as soon as reasonably possible. We will investigate these events to determine root causes and identify measures to prevent recurrence.

Where required, incidents will be recorded in accordance with legal obligations. We will cooperate with any external investigations and take remedial action identified as necessary. Lessons learned will be shared with workers and integrated into our procedures and training.

Consultation and Continuous Improvement

We encourage open communication on health and safety matters. Workers are invited to raise concerns, make suggestions and participate in discussions about safer ways of working. Feedback from customers on safety-related issues is also welcomed and considered.

This Health and Safety Policy will be reviewed periodically, and whenever there are significant changes in our operations, legislation, or industry guidance. Revisions will be communicated to all workers and implemented as part of our ongoing commitment to high safety standards in the removal and transport sector.

Policy Review and Approval

This policy is approved by the management of Man with Van Old Ford and is applicable to all aspects of our work. It will be reviewed regularly to ensure it remains relevant, effective and aligned with current legal and industry requirements.