Health and Safety policy
Health and Safety Policy for Man with Van Hornsey
Man with Van Hornsey is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for our team, our customers and any other persons affected by our removal and transport services. This Health and Safety Policy sets out our approach to managing risks associated with moving, loading, unloading and transporting goods in homes, offices and commercial premises.
Policy Statement and Objectives
Our objective is to prevent accidents, injuries and damage to property by identifying hazards, assessing risks and implementing effective control measures. Health and safety are integral to the planning and delivery of every removal job we undertake, irrespective of size or location within our service area.
We comply with relevant health and safety legislation and industry best practice and seek continuous improvement through regular review and staff training.
Responsibilities
Overall responsibility for health and safety within Man with Van Hornsey rests with company management, who ensure that suitable resources, training and equipment are provided to carry out work safely.
Supervisors and team leaders are responsible for implementing this policy on each job, including delivering site briefings, allocating tasks appropriately and monitoring safe working practices.
All employees and subcontractors must take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions. They must follow the instructions in this policy, use equipment correctly and report hazards, near misses or incidents without delay.
Risk Assessment and Planning
Before starting any removal or transport task, we undertake a risk assessment that considers the nature of the premises, access routes, parking arrangements, manual handling requirements, environmental conditions and any special customer requirements.
The risk assessment informs our choice of equipment, staffing levels, route planning and time allowed for the job. Where we identify significant hazards, such as restricted access, heavy or awkward loads, high-value items or shared public spaces, we implement specific controls and brief the team accordingly.
Manual Handling and Lifting
Manual handling is a core part of our operations and a key focus of our safety management. We aim to eliminate or reduce manual lifting wherever reasonably practicable through the use of equipment such as sack trucks, dollies, moving straps and ramps.
Our staff receive instruction in safe lifting techniques, including assessing the load, using team lifts for heavy or bulky items, maintaining good posture, avoiding twisting while carrying and taking rest breaks where necessary.
We do not expect staff to lift items they consider unsafe to handle, and we reserve the right to refuse the movement of items that pose an unacceptable risk to health and safety.
Use of Vehicles and Driving Safety
Our vehicles are maintained in a roadworthy condition, with regular checks on brakes, tyres, lights, securing points and safety equipment. Drivers must hold the appropriate licence, follow traffic regulations and drive in a manner that prioritises safety over speed or convenience.
Loads are distributed and secured to prevent movement in transit. Care is taken when parking and operating near driveways, pavements, shared access points and loading bays, with particular attention to pedestrians, cyclists and other road users.
Working at Height and Use of Equipment
Where access involves stairs, steps, ramps or loading from raised areas, we assess the risk of falls and implement suitable precautions, including the use of handrails, securing ramps and controlling movement on narrow or uneven surfaces.
Any equipment provided, such as lifting aids or ramps, is used only by trained staff and in line with manufacturer instructions. Defective equipment is removed from service immediately and reported for repair or replacement.
Customer Premises and Public Safety
We take care to protect customer premises, shared corridors and public areas. This includes maintaining clear walkways, keeping doors and gates secure where appropriate and using protective coverings where there is a risk of damage to floors, walls or fixtures.
We aim to minimise disruption to neighbours and other building users by planning access routes, managing noise and coordinating our movements in communal spaces. Where necessary, we may control entry to loading areas to prevent unauthorised persons entering potentially hazardous zones.
Housekeeping and Control of Hazards
Good housekeeping is essential to safe working. Our teams keep work areas as tidy and organised as possible, promptly stacking boxes, coiling or removing loose straps and disposing of packaging materials during and after a job.
We take particular care to avoid trip hazards from tools, equipment, cables or personal belongings and to ensure that exits and escape routes remain unobstructed at all times.
Incident Reporting and Emergency Procedures
All accidents, injuries, near misses or damage to property are recorded and investigated to identify root causes and corrective actions. Staff are encouraged to report concerns without fear of blame so we can improve safety for everyone.
Our teams are briefed on basic emergency procedures, including how to respond in the event of fire, injury, collision or sudden illness. On arrival at a new location, we identify key safety information such as exits, assembly points and any building-specific rules.
Training, Information and Supervision
We provide our staff with information, instruction and training relevant to their roles, including manual handling, vehicle safety, use of equipment and customer care. New team members receive an introduction to this Health and Safety Policy and are supervised until they are competent to work independently.
Where necessary, we provide additional training or refresher sessions in response to changes in legislation, industry guidance, equipment or the nature of our work.
Review and Continuous Improvement
This Health and Safety Policy is reviewed regularly to ensure it remains suitable and effective for our removal and transport activities and the areas in which we operate. We take into account feedback from staff and customers, lessons learned from incidents and developments in best practice.
By maintaining a strong safety culture and embedding health and safety into every stage of our services, Man with Van Hornsey aims to safeguard people, protect property and deliver a reliable, professional moving experience.
