Health and Safety policy

Health and Safety Policy for Man with Van Parsons Green

Man with Van Parsons Green 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 risk, preventing accidents and promoting safe working practices across all moving and delivery services.

Policy Aims and Responsibilities

The primary aim of this policy is to prevent injury, ill health and damage to property during all stages of our work, including packing, loading, transportation and unloading. Health and safety is a core management responsibility and an integral part of how we operate our man and van and removal services.

Overall responsibility for health and safety rests with company management, who will ensure that appropriate resources, information and supervision are provided. Day-to-day implementation of this policy is the responsibility of our team leaders and drivers, who must follow company procedures and promote safe working methods on every job.

All employees and contractors have a duty to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions. Every member of the team is expected to cooperate fully with this policy, follow instructions and training, and report hazards or incidents without delay.

Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work

We will carry out suitable and proportionate risk assessments for our removal and transport activities and for the environments in which we work. These assessments will identify potential hazards such as manual handling risks, slips and trips, vehicle movements, working in confined or shared spaces, and handling fragile or heavy items.

Based on these assessments, we will implement safe systems of work, including agreed methods for lifting and carrying, loading and securing items in vehicles, working on staircases and in narrow access points, and managing work on busy streets and shared driveways. Risk assessments will be reviewed periodically and whenever there is a significant change in our operations, equipment or work locations.

Manual Handling and Use of Equipment

Manual handling is a key element of our removal services and presents significant risk if not managed correctly. We will minimise manual handling where reasonably practicable by planning jobs carefully, using appropriate equipment and ensuring sufficient manpower for heavy or awkward items.

All staff involved in lifting and carrying will receive instruction on correct techniques, including team lifts, use of trolleys, dollies, straps and other moving aids. Equipment will be inspected regularly and any defective items taken out of use immediately. Staff must not attempt to move loads that exceed their own capabilities and must request assistance or alternative solutions when required.

Vehicle Safety and Driving Standards

Our vehicles are central to the services we provide, and their safe operation is a priority. Vehicles will be maintained in a roadworthy condition, with regular checks on tyres, brakes, lights, securing points and doors. Drivers are responsible for completing pre-use inspections and reporting defects promptly.

Loads must be distributed and secured safely to prevent movement during transit and to protect both our staff and other road users. Drivers must comply with traffic regulations, drive at safe speeds appropriate for the conditions and plan routes to minimise unnecessary risk. The use of mobile devices while driving is strictly prohibited except when using approved hands-free operation in line with legal requirements.

Work at Customers Premises

Our removal work often takes place at customers premises, including homes, offices and storage locations. On arrival, the team will assess the working environment for hazards such as uneven surfaces, poor lighting, obstructions, shared access points, pets and children on site.

Where necessary, the team will agree safe access routes, clear working areas and discuss any particular risks with the customer before work begins. Items will be moved in a manner that protects both the property and the safety of everyone present. If conditions are considered unsafe, work may be paused until appropriate control measures are in place.

Training, Information and Supervision

We will provide our staff with appropriate information, instruction and training so they can carry out their duties safely and competently. This includes induction training, instruction on manual handling and use of equipment, guidance on safe driving and vehicle checks, and information on reporting procedures for accidents and near misses.

New or less experienced staff will be supervised as necessary to ensure they follow safe working practices. Refresher training and updates will be given when new equipment, vehicles or procedures are introduced, or when risk assessments indicate additional training is required.

Accident Reporting and Investigation

All accidents, incidents, near misses and cases of work-related ill health must be reported to management as soon as reasonably practicable. Accurate records will be kept of all reported incidents, along with any action taken to prevent recurrence.

Incidents will be investigated to identify underlying causes rather than to assign blame. Lessons learned will be used to improve our risk assessments, procedures and training. Where necessary, we will cooperate with any external authorities and follow applicable reporting requirements.

Welfare, Health and Wellbeing

We recognise that removal work can be physically demanding and may involve variable hours and environments. We will take reasonable steps to support the health and wellbeing of our staff by promoting sensible workloads, encouraging adequate rest breaks and providing access to drinking water and suitable welfare facilities where possible.

Staff are encouraged to highlight any health conditions that may affect their ability to safely perform certain tasks, so that adjustments can be considered. We will not permit staff to work under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or while impaired by fatigue or illness to an extent that could endanger themselves or others.

Consultation and Continuous Improvement

We are committed to continuously improving our health and safety performance. We will consult with employees on health and safety matters and encourage feedback on how our procedures operate in practice during day-to-day removal and man and van work.

This Health and Safety Policy will be reviewed regularly to ensure it remains effective, up to date and aligned with our services and responsibilities. Any changes will be communicated to all staff, and everyone is expected to read, understand and comply with the policy as part of delivering a safe, reliable and professional removal service.