Man with Van Islington Health and Safety Policy

This Health and Safety Policy sets out how Man with Van Islington manages the safety and wellbeing of our employees, contractors, customers and members of the public during all removal and transport activities. Our aim is to provide a professional, secure and healthy working environment while delivering reliable moving services across our service area.

Policy Statement

Man with Van Islington is committed to operating in a way that prevents injury, ill health, and damage to property. We recognise our duty of care under applicable health and safety legislation and we actively promote safe working practices in every aspect of our removal operations, from initial planning to final delivery.

Health and safety considerations are central to how we plan removal jobs, load and unload vehicles, handle customer belongings and move items in homes, offices and communal spaces. Every member of our team is expected to follow this policy and the procedures that support it.

Responsibilities

The management of Man with Van Islington has overall responsibility for ensuring that this Health and Safety Policy is implemented and reviewed regularly. Management duties include providing suitable resources, equipment, information and training to enable safe working.

Supervisors and team leaders are responsible for day-to-day implementation of safe systems of work. They must communicate safety instructions clearly, monitor performance and take prompt action where improvements are needed.

All employees and contractors are required to:

Follow all safety instructions and procedures relevant to their work.
Use equipment and vehicles correctly and report any defects immediately.
Take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions.
Report accidents, incidents, near misses and hazards without delay.

Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices

Man with Van Islington undertakes ongoing risk assessments covering removal activities, including manual handling, loading and unloading, traffic movement, working in confined spaces, and operating on stairs and uneven surfaces. The findings of these assessments are used to implement control measures and safe systems of work.

Before each job, our teams consider key risks at the property, such as restricted access, parking arrangements, heavy or awkward items and any potential hazards inside or outside the premises. Where necessary, we adapt methods, allocate extra staff or use additional equipment to complete the work safely.

Manual Handling and Use of Equipment

Manual handling tasks are an essential part of removal services. To minimise the risk of injury, our staff are trained to:

Assess the load and route before lifting or moving items.
Use correct lifting techniques and team lifting where required.
Use appropriate equipment such as trolleys, dollies, straps and blankets to reduce strain and protect goods.

All handling equipment and removal vehicles are checked regularly for signs of wear or damage. Items found to be defective are taken out of service until they are repaired or replaced. Only trained personnel are permitted to use removal equipment.

Vehicle Safety and Driving Standards

Our vehicles are maintained in a roadworthy condition and are inspected routinely according to manufacturer guidance and legal requirements. Drivers must hold the appropriate licence and are expected to drive responsibly, with regard for road conditions, speed limits and the safety of other road users.

Loads are secured properly before vehicles are moved, reducing the risk of shifting items, damage or injury. Parking and access arrangements are planned to minimise disruption and to reduce risks when moving items between the property and the vehicle.

Customer and Public Safety

Man with Van Islington takes care to protect customers, visitors, neighbours and members of the public during removal activities. This includes:

Keeping walkways and exits as clear as reasonably practicable.
Using warning signs or verbal warnings where necessary.
Managing access points to reduce the chance of trips, slips or contact with moving items.

We ask customers to keep children and pets away from working areas whenever possible and to inform us of any known hazards at the property, such as fragile flooring, low ceilings or restricted staircases.

Work Environment and Welfare

We recognise the importance of a safe and healthy work environment. Our teams are encouraged to take appropriate breaks on longer jobs, stay hydrated and use suitable clothing and footwear for the conditions and tasks involved.

Where work involves challenging environments, such as multiple flights of stairs or long carries, we may adjust staffing levels or timings to ensure the job can be completed safely without excessive physical strain.

Training, Information and Supervision

All staff receive induction training that covers the key risks associated with removal work, relevant safety procedures and emergency arrangements. Additional training is provided on topics such as manual handling, equipment use, safe loading and unloading, and working in customer premises.

Supervision levels are appropriate to the experience of the team and the complexity of the job. Less experienced staff work under closer guidance until they are competent to undertake tasks safely and independently.

Accident, Incident and Near Miss Reporting

All accidents, incidents and near misses that occur during our operations must be reported promptly to management. These events are recorded and investigated to identify root causes and to prevent recurrence. Where necessary, we update procedures, risk assessments or training materials in response to findings.

Emergency Procedures

Our teams are briefed on appropriate actions to take in emergencies, such as fire, injury or collision. This may include evacuating the area, securing the vehicle, contacting relevant emergency services and providing first aid where trained and safe to do so.

Customers are asked to make our team aware of emergency exits and assembly points at their premises where applicable.

Continuous Improvement and Policy Review

Man with Van Islington is committed to continual improvement in health and safety performance. We regularly review our work practices, customer feedback, incident records and legal requirements to identify opportunities for safer and more efficient operations.

This Health and Safety Policy is reviewed periodically and whenever there are significant changes in our business activities, equipment, locations or applicable legislation. Updated versions are communicated to all staff and made available to customers on request.

By working together and following this policy, Man with Van Islington aims to provide safe, dependable and considerate removal services throughout our operating area.