Man with Van Leamouth Health and Safety Policy

Man with Van Leamouth is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for our team members, customers, contractors and members of the public who may be affected by our removal and delivery activities. This Health and Safety Policy sets out the principles and procedures we follow to manage risks associated with transport, loading, unloading and moving goods.

Our Health and Safety Commitments

We are dedicated to maintaining high standards of health and safety throughout all stages of our man and van and removals services. Our commitments include identifying and managing hazards, providing appropriate training and equipment, and continuously improving our safety practices. Everyone working with or for Man with Van Leamouth is expected to take personal responsibility for their own safety and for the safety of others.

Legal Compliance and Responsibilities

Man with Van Leamouth complies with applicable health and safety legislation, road traffic laws and relevant guidance for transport and manual handling. Management is responsible for ensuring that appropriate systems are in place to meet these duties, and that staff understand and follow them. Every worker has a duty to work safely, follow instructions, use equipment correctly, report hazards and incidents, and not engage in behaviour that could endanger themselves or others.

Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices

We assess risks associated with our services, including home and office moves, furniture transport and collection and delivery jobs. Before work is undertaken, staff are encouraged to consider access routes, parking arrangements, lifting requirements, stairways, doorways, floor surfaces and weather conditions. Where particular risks are identified, suitable control measures are put in place, such as using additional staff, mechanical aids or adjusting the method of work.

We promote safe systems of work which include clear communication between team members, planning the order of loading and unloading, and taking extra care in busy residential streets and commercial areas. Work is scheduled, where reasonably practicable, to avoid unnecessary time pressure that could encourage unsafe shortcuts.

Manual Handling and Lifting

Manual handling is a core part of removal work and is managed carefully to reduce the risk of injury. Staff are trained to use correct lifting techniques, including assessing the weight and shape of an item before lifting, keeping loads close to the body, avoiding twisting movements and working in pairs or teams for heavy or bulky items.

Where practical, trolleys, skates, straps and other handling equipment are used to minimise strain. Items are packed and secured to make them easier and safer to move. Staff are instructed not to attempt lifts that they consider unsafe or beyond their capability and to request assistance where needed.

Vehicles, Equipment and Maintenance

Our vehicles are maintained in a roadworthy condition and are suitable for the type of removal and transport work we undertake. Regular checks are carried out on tyres, brakes, lights, securing points, loading ramps and other key components. Any defects or concerns are reported promptly so they can be addressed before the vehicle is used again.

Removal equipment such as blankets, straps, trolleys and ramps is inspected regularly for wear and damage. Only equipment that is in good working order will be used on jobs. All items are stored safely within the vehicle to prevent movement during transit and to avoid trip or crush hazards when the doors are opened.

Safe Loading, Unloading and Driving

We take care to load and unload vehicles safely to protect both people and property. Loads are distributed evenly and secured using appropriate restraints to prevent shifting in transit. Heavy items are placed low and to the front where possible, with lighter or more fragile items above.

Drivers are responsible for driving safely, following speed limits and adapting their driving to road, traffic and weather conditions. Particular care is taken when reversing, manoeuvring in tight spaces, operating near pedestrians or cyclists, and parking near customer premises. Where possible, a second person will assist the driver by acting as a guide in restricted or busy areas.

Customer, Public and Property Protection

We recognise our duty to protect customers, visitors and members of the public from risks arising from our activities. Routes are planned within properties to minimise disruption and avoid hazards. Protective coverings, such as floor runners and blankets, are used where appropriate to safeguard surfaces and furniture.

Staff are instructed to be mindful of doorways, walls, fixtures and surrounding vehicles when moving large items in confined spaces. Obstructions and trip hazards such as loose packaging are kept to a minimum and cleared regularly. We aim to complete all work in a considerate and respectful manner, ensuring that properties are left in a safe condition.

Training, Information and Supervision

All staff receive information and guidance relevant to their roles, including manual handling techniques, vehicle safety, customer care and incident reporting. New team members are introduced to our health and safety procedures and are supervised until they are competent to work independently.

We reinforce safe behaviours through ongoing communication and on-the-job coaching. If work methods change or new equipment is introduced, additional training will be provided. Staff are encouraged to share suggestions for improving safety and to raise any concerns without hesitation.

Accident, Incident and Near-Miss Reporting

All accidents, incidents and near misses, however minor, are to be reported to management as soon as possible. This allows us to investigate what happened, identify root causes and put measures in place to prevent recurrence. Records of incidents are kept and reviewed regularly to identify patterns or areas needing improvement.

Where damage to property occurs, it will be recorded and handled in line with our customer service and insurance arrangements. We aim to deal with any such matters promptly and fairly.

Health, Welfare and Fitness for Work

We recognise that the physical nature of removal work requires staff to be fit for duty. Team members are expected to report any health conditions, injuries or fatigue that could affect their ability to work safely. Breaks are taken as needed to manage tiredness, particularly on longer jobs or driving assignments.

We do not tolerate the use of drugs or alcohol while working, driving or being on duty. Anyone suspected of being unfit for work will be removed from duties and appropriate action will be taken.

Continuous Improvement and Policy Review

This Health and Safety Policy is reviewed regularly to ensure that it remains suitable, effective and aligned with current legislation and best practice in the removals and transport sector. Feedback from staff and customers, as well as learning from incidents, is used to improve our procedures and standards over time.

By working together and following this policy, Man with Van Leamouth aims to deliver a reliable, efficient and safe man and van service for all customers across our operating area.