Health and Safety policy
Health and Safety Policy for Man with Van North Harrow
Man with Van North Harrow is committed to providing a safe, healthy and secure environment for our customers, employees, contractors and the wider public. This Health and Safety policy sets out our approach to managing risks associated with removals, loading, unloading, transportation and associated services carried out in homes, offices and other premises across our operating area.
Our Health and Safety Objectives
Our primary objective is to prevent accidents, injuries and damage to property during all stages of a move. We aim to identify hazards in advance, control or eliminate risks, and promote safe working practices for every member of our team. We will comply with all applicable health and safety legislation and continuously improve our procedures as our services develop.
Responsibilities and Accountability
Overall responsibility for health and safety rests with the management of Man with Van North Harrow. Management will ensure that suitable resources, equipment, training and supervision are provided so work can be carried out safely and efficiently.
All employees and contractors have a duty to:
Work safely and follow the procedures and guidance provided.
Use equipment and personal protective equipment correctly.
Report hazards, near misses, incidents or unsafe conditions at the earliest opportunity.
Take reasonable care for their own safety and that of colleagues, customers and members of the public who may be affected by their actions.
Risk Assessment and Planning
Before each removal or transport job, we consider the specific risks associated with the property, access routes and items being moved. Where appropriate, we will carry out a documented risk assessment and plan the work to minimise risks. This may include evaluating stairways, lifts, parking and loading areas, as well as identifying fragile, oversized or heavy items that require special handling.
Our teams are instructed to adapt the plan on site if conditions change, and to stop work if they consider a situation unsafe until control measures are in place or further guidance is received.
Manual Handling and Safe Lifting
Manual handling is a core part of our removal services, and poor technique can cause serious injury. We therefore place strong emphasis on safe lifting and carrying practices. Staff receive guidance on correct posture, team lifting, use of trolleys and other handling aids, and the importance of working within personal limits.
Heavy or awkward items are assessed individually. Where manual handling alone is not safe, mechanical aids or additional personnel may be used, or the task may be declined if it cannot be carried out safely. Customers are asked to inform us in advance about exceptionally heavy items such as safes, pianos or large appliances so that we can plan secure handling and transport.
Vehicle Safety and Transport
Our vehicles are maintained in a roadworthy condition and are suitable for the loads they carry. Drivers are responsible for carrying out basic checks before use and reporting any defects immediately so they can be rectified promptly. Vehicles must never be overloaded and loads must be distributed and secured correctly to prevent movement during transit.
Drivers follow safe driving practices, obey speed limits and parking regulations, and take extra care when operating in residential streets, near schools and in busy commercial areas. Particular attention is given to safe reversing and manoeuvring, using banksmen where required, to protect pedestrians, cyclists and other road users.
Customer Premises and Public Safety
When working at customer premises, our teams take reasonable steps to protect people and property. This includes keeping access routes clear where possible, using floor protection where appropriate and handling furniture, appliances and personal belongings with care.
We take into account the presence of children, elderly persons, pets and neighbours, and we aim to minimise disruption to other occupants and nearby properties. Where there is a risk of tripping, slipping or falling due to equipment, cables or packaging, we seek to organise the work area to reduce these risks and to highlight any unavoidable hazards.
Equipment, PPE and Housekeeping
We provide appropriate equipment for moving and protecting goods, such as trolleys, dollies, lifting straps and blankets. All equipment is to be used only for its intended purpose and inspected regularly for signs of wear, damage or defects. Any faulty equipment must be taken out of use until repaired or replaced.
Where necessary, personal protective equipment such as gloves, safety footwear or high visibility clothing is provided and used as required by the task and environment. Good housekeeping is essential; therefore, we aim to keep work areas as tidy as reasonably practicable, reducing the build up of waste materials, strapping and packaging.
Training, Communication and Consultation
We promote a positive health and safety culture by providing information and guidance to our teams. New starters receive induction covering safe working practices, and ongoing guidance is provided as needed when new equipment or procedures are introduced.
Team members are encouraged to raise any health and safety concerns or suggestions for improvement. Management reviews incidents and near misses to learn from them and to strengthen procedures where required.
Incident Reporting and Emergency Procedures
All accidents, near misses, injuries and damage incidents must be reported to management without delay. Where necessary, details will be recorded and investigated so that underlying causes can be identified and corrective actions taken.
Our staff are instructed on the basic steps to take in an emergency, including summoning medical assistance, making an area safe, preserving access for emergency services and informing the customer. In the event of a serious incident, work may be suspended until it is safe to continue.
Review and Continuous Improvement
This Health and Safety policy is reviewed regularly and whenever there are significant changes to our services, vehicles, equipment or operating practices. We are committed to improving how we manage health and safety for every move, large or small, across our service area.
By working together with our customers, employees and partners, Man with Van North Harrow aims to ensure that every removal and transport job is carried out as safely and responsibly as possible.
