Health and Safety Policy for Man with Van Emerson Park
This Health and Safety Policy sets out how Man with Van Emerson Park manages the safety and wellbeing of employees, customers, contractors and members of the public during all removal and transport activities. Our aim is to deliver a reliable man and van and removals service while preventing injury, ill health, damage to property and harm to the environment.
Our Health and Safety Objectives
Man with Van Emerson Park is committed to maintaining high standards of health and safety across all services, including home removals, office moves, furniture transport and delivery assistance. We work to identify hazards, assess risks and put in place safe systems of work so that all jobs are carried out as safely as is reasonably practicable.
We will regularly review this policy and our procedures to ensure they remain suitable, effective and in line with current legislation and best practice for the removals and transport industry.
Responsibilities and Management
Overall responsibility for health and safety lies with the management of Man with Van Emerson Park. Management will provide the leadership, resources and support necessary to implement this policy, and will ensure that health and safety considerations are integrated into planning, scheduling and delivery of all moves.
All employees, drivers and porters are responsible for taking reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions. This includes following instructions, using equipment properly and reporting hazards, near misses and incidents immediately to management.
Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices
Before starting any removal, we assess the potential risks associated with the property, access routes, items to be moved, parking, loading and unloading, and any special requirements. Where necessary, site-specific risk assessments and method statements are prepared to ensure suitable control measures are in place.
Our safe working practices for man and van removals include planning routes, checking access points, assessing stairways and lifts, and identifying fragile, heavy or awkward items. We take steps to minimise manual handling risks, trips, slips, falls, vehicle movements and damage to customer property.
Manual Handling and Lifting Safety
Manual handling is a key part of removal work, and we take special care to control the risk of injury. Staff are trained in correct lifting and carrying techniques, team lifting, use of moving equipment and safe stacking within vehicles. Heavy or bulky items such as appliances, wardrobes and large sofas are handled using appropriate equipment and sufficient personnel.
Workers are encouraged to stop and reassess any lift they believe to be unsafe, request assistance where needed, and use mechanical aids whenever reasonably practicable. We expect our team to avoid overreaching, twisting while lifting or carrying, and rushing tasks.
Use of Equipment and Protective Measures
Man with Van Emerson Park provides equipment that is suitable for removal activities and maintained in safe working condition. This may include sack trucks, trolleys, dollies, straps, blankets, covers and basic tools as required. Equipment is inspected regularly, and any defects are reported and addressed promptly.
Where necessary, staff may be provided with personal protective equipment such as gloves, safety footwear or high-visibility clothing. Employees must use protective equipment correctly and report any loss or damage without delay.
Vehicle Safety and Driving Standards
We operate our vans and vehicles in a safe and responsible manner. Drivers must hold appropriate licences, follow road traffic laws and drive with consideration for passengers, other road users and pedestrians. Vehicles are maintained and inspected regularly to ensure they are roadworthy and properly loaded.
Loading and unloading are carried out in a controlled and safe way, with attention to securing loads to prevent shifting in transit. We plan routes and schedules to reduce unnecessary time pressure, and we encourage safe driving behaviours at all times.
Customer and Public Safety
During collections, removals and deliveries, we take reasonable steps to protect customers, visitors and members of the public. This includes managing parking and access, avoiding blocking walkways and exits, and using clear verbal communication when moving large or heavy items through shared spaces and communal areas.
We handle customers belongings with care and take precautions to reduce the risk of damage to doors, walls, floors and fixtures. Where possible, protective materials such as blankets, covers or corner protectors are used to safeguard property.
Training, Information and Supervision
All staff receive appropriate information, instruction and training relevant to their roles. This may include induction training, manual handling guidance, equipment use, vehicle safety, customer care and emergency procedures. Refresher training is provided as needed to maintain competence and awareness.
Supervision is provided to ensure that safe systems of work are followed, particularly for new or inexperienced staff. Management will monitor working practices on removals jobs to identify improvements and reinforce positive safety behaviours.
Accident Reporting and Incident Investigation
All accidents, near misses, injuries and unsafe conditions must be reported as soon as reasonably practicable. Man with Van Emerson Park records and investigates incidents to determine root causes and identify any corrective or preventive actions required.
Where necessary, we will review our risk assessments, equipment, training or working methods in response to incidents, with the aim of preventing recurrence and continuously improving our health and safety performance.
Health, Welfare and Fitness for Work
We recognise the importance of physical and mental wellbeing in delivering a safe and reliable removals service. Staff are expected to present for work in a fit state, free from the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs, and to inform management of any health issues that may affect their ability to work safely.
Breaks and rest periods are encouraged, particularly during longer moves or busy periods, to help reduce fatigue and maintain concentration.
Review and Continuous Improvement
This Health and Safety Policy will be reviewed regularly and following any significant change in our operations, legislation, industry guidance or incident findings. Man with Van Emerson Park is committed to ongoing improvement and to maintaining a safe, professional and respectful removals service for all customers.
