Man with Van The Hale Health and Safety Policy
Man with Van The Hale 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 moving, loading, transporting and unloading goods, as well as working in homes, offices and other premises within our service area.
Our Health and Safety Objectives
Our main objectives are to prevent injury and ill health, protect property, and ensure that all removal and delivery tasks are carried out as safely as is reasonably practicable. We aim to continually improve our health and safety performance by identifying hazards, assessing risks and implementing suitable control measures in line with relevant legislation and best practice for the removals industry.
Management Responsibilities
The management of Man with Van The Hale has overall responsibility for ensuring that this policy is implemented and maintained. Management will:
Provide appropriate resources, equipment and training so that work can be carried out safely and efficiently. Regularly review working practices related to lifting, carrying, loading, driving and customer interaction to reduce risks. Ensure that vehicles and equipment are maintained in a safe, roadworthy and fit-for-purpose condition. Monitor compliance with this policy and take corrective action where necessary. Keep this policy under review so it remains current and suitable for our operations.
Employee Responsibilities
All staff working for Man with Van The Hale, whether full-time, part-time or temporary, share responsibility for maintaining safe working conditions. Employees are expected to:
Follow all safety procedures and instructions given during training or by supervisors. Use provided equipment, such as trolleys, straps and protective gloves, correctly and for their intended purpose. Report accidents, near misses, unsafe conditions or damaged equipment to management without delay. Take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions, including customers and bystanders. Refrain from working under the influence of alcohol, drugs or any substance that may impair safe performance of duties.
Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices
Man with Van The Hale undertakes risk assessments for typical moving and transport tasks carried out within our service area. These assessments consider manual handling, access to premises, working in confined or cluttered spaces, vehicle movement, traffic conditions and weather. Based on these assessments, we establish safe systems of work, including:
Planning routes and schedules to allow sufficient time for safe driving and loading. Using proper manual handling techniques when lifting and carrying items, including team lifts for heavy or bulky goods. Securing loads safely in vehicles using straps, blankets and other protective materials to prevent shifting or damage in transit. Assessing access points, stairs and narrow corridors before moving large items and using appropriate equipment where needed. Avoiding unsafe short cuts such as overreaching, rushing or carrying loads beyond individual capability.
Manual Handling and Lifting
Manual handling is central to our work and is managed carefully to reduce the risk of strains and injuries. Our approach includes:
Providing manual handling guidance and on-the-job instruction to all staff engaged in lifting and carrying. Encouraging staff to assess each load before moving it and to request help or equipment whenever needed. Using mechanical aids such as sack trucks or dollies where reasonably practicable. Ensuring that items are packed, wrapped and handled in a way that maintains stability and reduces awkward grips or postures.
Vehicle Safety and Safe Driving
Man with Van The Hale recognises that driving and vehicle operations present significant risks. To manage these risks we:
Ensure that drivers are competent, hold the correct licences and are familiar with the vehicles they operate. Carry out routine checks on brakes, tyres, lights, securing points and other safety-related features. Promote defensive driving techniques, compliance with speed limits and adherence to road traffic laws. Prohibit the use of handheld mobile phones while driving and discourage any behaviour that may cause distraction. Plan journeys to minimise fatigue and encourage appropriate rest breaks.
Customer, Public and Property Protection
We recognise our duty to protect customers, neighbours and the general public during moves. Our teams will:
Work tidily to keep access routes, stairs and entrances as clear as possible. Use floor coverings and protective materials where appropriate to reduce the risk of slips and property damage. Position vehicles and equipment so as not to block essential access, emergency routes or public pathways where this can reasonably be avoided. Communicate with customers about any particular hazards identified at the property and agree safe arrangements for the move.
Training, Information and Supervision
Man with Van The Hale provides staff with information and guidance relevant to their roles. This may include induction training, practical demonstrations of safe lifting, guidance on the use of moving equipment, and updates on any changes to procedures. New or inexperienced staff will be supervised until they are assessed as competent to carry out tasks independently. We encourage ongoing communication, so that staff can raise health and safety concerns and contribute suggestions for improvement.
Accident, Incident and Near Miss Reporting
All accidents, incidents and near misses that occur during our removal or transport activities, whether on the road or at customer premises, must be reported to management as soon as possible. We will investigate these events to identify root causes and implement corrective measures. Where required, incidents will be recorded in appropriate internal records and, if applicable, reported to the relevant authorities in line with legal obligations.
Consultation and Continuous Improvement
Man with Van The Hale values the input of employees and customers in improving our standards of health and safety. We consider feedback, review patterns in reports and adapt our procedures to reflect lessons learned, changes in legislation and developments in safe working practices. This policy will be reviewed regularly and updated when necessary to ensure it remains effective and relevant to the services we provide.
By working together and following this Health and Safety Policy, Man with Van The Hale aims to deliver efficient, reliable and safe removal and transport services throughout our operating area.
