Health and Safety Policy for Man with Van Enfield Town

This Health and Safety policy sets out the commitment of Man with Van Enfield Town to provide a safe and healthy working environment for all workers, customers, visitors and members of the public who may be affected by our removal and transport activities. We aim to prevent injury, protect property, and minimise risks during all domestic and commercial moves.

Health and Safety Objectives

Our primary objectives are to prevent accidents, reduce work-related ill health, and ensure that all services are carried out safely and efficiently. We will identify hazards associated with lifting, loading, transport and delivery, and put in place appropriate control measures. We will regularly review our procedures to ensure they remain suitable and effective for the nature and scale of our operations.

Management Responsibilities

Management is responsible for implementing this policy and ensuring that health and safety considerations are integrated into all planning and operational decisions. This includes assessing risks before work begins, providing suitable equipment, ensuring vehicles are roadworthy, arranging appropriate training, and monitoring compliance with established procedures. Management will review this policy periodically and update it in line with changes to legislation, industry guidance or company activities.

Employee Responsibilities

All workers have a duty to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions. Employees must follow safe systems of work, use equipment correctly, report hazards or defects, and cooperate fully with health and safety instructions and training. No worker should undertake any task for which they have not received adequate training or where they feel that the risk cannot be controlled to an acceptable level.

Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices

Before undertaking removal work, we will assess the risks associated with access routes, staircases, parking, loading areas, weather conditions and any special handling requirements. Where risks are identified, safe working practices will be developed and communicated to staff. This may include using additional manpower, mechanical aids, protective equipment, or adjusting the timing and sequence of tasks to reduce risk.

Manual Handling and Lifting Operations

Manual handling is a core part of our removal services and is treated as a priority area for risk control. Workers will receive guidance on correct lifting techniques, team lifting, and the use of handling aids such as trolleys, straps and furniture blankets. Heavy or awkward items will be assessed individually to determine the safest way to move them, including the possibility of dismantling, using extra personnel, or declining the task if it cannot be made safe. Workers must not exceed their individual capabilities and should request assistance whenever needed.

Use of Equipment and Personal Protective Equipment

All equipment used for removals, including trolleys, ramps, securing straps and protective covers, must be kept in good condition and used only as intended. Defective or damaged equipment must be withdrawn from use and reported immediately. Where identified by risk assessment, personal protective equipment such as gloves, safety footwear or high-visibility clothing will be provided and must be worn in accordance with company instructions.

Vehicle Safety and Loading

Our vehicles will be maintained in a safe and roadworthy condition. Drivers are responsible for carrying out basic pre-use checks and reporting any defects promptly. Loads must be positioned and secured to prevent movement during transit, taking into account the size, weight and fragility of items. Overloading is strictly prohibited. Parking and loading will be conducted with regard to the safety of pedestrians, other road users and property, and in accordance with local traffic rules.

Customer Premises and Property Protection

When operating at customer premises, our staff will take reasonable steps to prevent damage and reduce risks, including protecting floors and walls where necessary, planning routes through the property, and keeping access areas clear of obstructions. Special care will be taken with fragile, high-value or bulky items. Any existing hazards identified within the premises will be discussed with the customer, and work may be adapted or postponed if the risk is considered unacceptable.

Training, Information and Supervision

We will provide workers with information and instruction relevant to their role, including safe loading practices, correct lifting methods, vehicle safety, incident reporting and customer care. New staff will receive an induction that includes health and safety expectations. Ongoing supervision and periodic refresher guidance will help ensure that safe practices are maintained and that any changes in procedures are understood and followed.

Accident Reporting and Emergency Procedures

All accidents, incidents, near misses and damage to property must be reported as soon as possible so that appropriate action can be taken. Where necessary, details will be recorded for investigation and used to improve our procedures. Workers must familiarise themselves with emergency arrangements for fire, first aid and evacuation at both company premises and customer sites. In the event of an emergency, safety will take priority over completion of the job.

Health, Welfare and Fitness for Work

We recognise that removal work can be physically demanding and will take steps to support the health and welfare of our workforce. Workers are expected to present themselves fit for work, free from the influence of alcohol or drugs, and to inform management of any medical condition that may affect their ability to carry out tasks safely. Reasonable measures will be considered to adjust work where appropriate.

Continuous Improvement and Policy Review

Man with Van Enfield Town is committed to continually improving health and safety performance. We will review this policy on a regular basis, or following any significant change in operations or relevant legislation. Feedback from workers and customers on health and safety matters is welcomed and will be considered as part of our ongoing efforts to maintain a safe and reliable removal service.