Man with Van Thornton Heath Health and Safety Policy

This Health and Safety Policy sets out the commitment of Man with Van Thornton Heath to provide a safe and healthy working environment for our workers, customers, visitors, and members of the public who may be affected by our removal and transport activities. Our services include household and office removals, collection and delivery, and related loading and unloading activities across our service area.

We recognise our responsibilities under applicable health and safety legislation and industry best practice. The management team will ensure that health and safety is given equal priority to other business objectives and that appropriate resources are allocated to maintain and improve safety standards.

Health and Safety Objectives

Our key objectives are to prevent injury and ill health, protect property, and minimise risks arising from our work. We aim to:

Identify and control hazards associated with lifting, carrying, driving, loading, unloading, and working in and around customers premises. Provide clear guidance, information, and instruction to workers so they can carry out their tasks safely. Maintain our vehicles and equipment in a safe, roadworthy, and fit-for-purpose condition. Communicate openly with customers and workers about health and safety requirements and responsibilities. Continually review and improve our health and safety performance.

Management Responsibilities

Management is responsible for implementing this policy, monitoring its effectiveness, and ensuring compliance. This includes:

Assessing risks arising from removal and transport activities and implementing suitable control measures. Providing appropriate training and supervision for workers, including new starters and temporary staff. Ensuring vehicles, lifting aids, and any equipment used are regularly inspected and maintained. Encouraging workers to report hazards, near misses, and incidents promptly so that corrective action can be taken. Reviewing this policy periodically, and when there are changes in activities, legislation, or incident trends.

Employee Responsibilities

Every worker has a duty to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions or omissions. All workers are required to:

Follow the instructions, procedures, and training provided by the company. Use vehicles, equipment, and any protective gear correctly and report defects immediately. Avoid taking unnecessary risks when lifting, carrying, or operating in confined or busy areas. Report all accidents, injuries, near misses, and unsafe conditions without delay. Co-operate fully in accident investigations, training sessions, and safety briefings.

Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work

Before removal or delivery work is carried out, risks are assessed to identify any specific hazards, such as restricted access, stairways, heavy or awkward loads, traffic conditions, or environmental factors. Where needed, a site-specific approach will be taken to ensure the job can be carried out safely.

Safe systems of work will be developed and applied, including:

Planning access routes for loading and unloading. Confirming parking and loading areas to reduce reversing and traffic risks. Determining the number of workers required for heavy or bulky items. Using appropriate lifting techniques and equipment where available. Stopping work if conditions become unsafe, such as severe weather or obstructed access.

Manual Handling and Lifting

Manual handling is a core part of our business and a key focus of our safety policy. To reduce the risk of injury:

Workers are trained in safe lifting and carrying techniques. Loads are assessed for weight, size, and stability before being moved. Heavy or awkward items are shared between workers or moved using trolleys or other aids where appropriate. Items are carried in a way that maintains good posture and clear visibility. Workers are encouraged to refuse unsafe lifts and request assistance when necessary.

Vehicle and Driving Safety

Our vehicles are central to our service and are managed with safety as the top priority. We will:

Ensure that vehicles are regularly serviced, maintained, and inspected. Check tyres, lights, securing points, and load areas before use. Make sure loads are evenly distributed, secured, and do not exceed safe capacity. Require drivers to follow all road traffic laws and to drive considerately. Plan routes to minimise unnecessary reversing and avoid unsafe stopping or parking.

Customer Premises and Public Safety

We aim to protect customers, their property, and members of the public while work is being carried out. To achieve this, we will:

Take care to avoid damage to floors, walls, doorways, and fixtures when moving items. Keep access routes as clear as reasonably possible to reduce trip and fall risks. Use caution when operating on pavements, in shared entrances, and near busy roads. Position vehicles and equipment so as not to block emergency exits or create avoidable hazards. Communicate with customers about any concerns regarding access or safety before and during the job.

Training, Information, and Supervision

All workers will receive appropriate training relevant to their role, which may include manual handling, vehicle safety, the safe use of equipment, and customer care. Refresher training and toolbox talks will be provided as needed, especially after incidents or changes in procedures.

Supervision will be proportionate to the experience of the worker and the complexity or risk level of the task. New or less experienced staff will be supervised more closely until they are assessed as competent to work more independently.

Accidents, Incidents, and First Aid

All accidents, injuries, near misses, and damage to property or vehicles must be reported as soon as possible. This enables the company to investigate causes, take corrective action, and prevent recurrence.

Basic first aid supplies will be available in vehicles or at the main operating base. Workers should familiarise themselves with the location of first aid materials and the procedures for obtaining medical help if required.

Consultation and Continuous Improvement

Man with Van Thornton Heath is committed to consulting with workers and, where appropriate, customers on health and safety matters. Feedback, suggestions, and reports of hazards are encouraged and will be taken seriously.

This policy will be reviewed regularly to ensure it remains effective and relevant to the nature and scale of our removal services. We are committed to continuous improvement in health and safety performance, recognising that safe working benefits our workers, our customers, and the wider community.

This Health and Safety Policy applies to all activities carried out by Man with Van Thornton Heath and all persons engaged by the company in delivering removal and transport services across our operating area.