Health and Safety policy

Man With a Van Harrow Health and Safety Policy

Man With a Van Harrow is committed to providing removal and transport services in a way that safeguards the health, safety and welfare of our employees, contractors, customers and the general public. This policy sets out our approach to managing risks during domestic and commercial removals, deliveries and related services.

Our objective is to prevent injury, ill health, property damage and environmental impact arising from our activities. Health and safety is an integral part of our planning and decision‑making, and we expect everyone working with us to share this commitment.

Scope and Responsibilities

This policy applies to all activities carried out by Man With a Van Harrow, including packing, loading, unloading, lifting, transportation, and storage of furniture, boxes and other items. It covers all workers engaged by us, whether permanent, temporary, or subcontracted, while they are undertaking work on our behalf.

Management is responsible for implementing this policy, providing information and resources, and ensuring that safe systems of work are in place. Supervisors and team leaders must make sure agreed procedures are followed, risks are assessed, and corrective actions are taken where necessary.

All workers have a duty to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions. They must cooperate with Man With a Van Harrow in meeting legal and policy requirements, including following instructions, using provided equipment correctly, and reporting hazards or incidents immediately.

Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices

We identify and assess risks associated with our removal and transport operations, with particular attention to manual handling, lifting heavy or awkward items, working in confined spaces such as stairwells, vehicle movements, and work in public areas.

Risk assessments are carried out periodically and whenever there are significant changes to work methods, equipment or service types. Results are used to develop and update safe working practices, which are communicated to all relevant staff.

Safe working practices for removal operations include, but are not limited to:

Using appropriate lifting techniques and team lifting for heavy or bulky items.

Planning the route of removal to avoid obstructions, trip hazards and unnecessary manual handling.

Using handling aids such as trolleys and straps where appropriate.

Maintaining clear communication between team members during loading and unloading.

Securing loads in vehicles to prevent shifting during transit.

Manual Handling and Use of Equipment

Manual handling is a key element of our work and a main focus of our safety measures. We seek to minimise the need for manual lifting where reasonably practicable by using equipment and safe systems of work.

All staff involved in lifting and carrying activities receive guidance and training appropriate to their role. This includes correct posture, assessment of weight and stability of loads, recognising limitations, and asking for assistance when needed.

Any handling aids, ramps, straps or other equipment provided by Man With a Van Harrow must be used in accordance with training and instructions. Defective or damaged equipment must not be used and must be reported immediately so that it can be repaired or replaced.

Vehicle Safety and Driving Standards

Our vehicles are essential to our removals and delivery services and are maintained in a roadworthy condition. Regular checks and servicing are carried out in line with legal requirements and industry best practice.

Drivers are required to carry out pre‑use checks, report defects without delay, and operate vehicles in a safe and courteous manner. All loads must be evenly distributed, suitably secured, and within permitted weight limits.

Drivers must comply with traffic laws, speed limits and parking regulations, and plan routes to minimise risks to themselves, our customers and other road users. Engine idling is kept to a minimum to reduce environmental impact and improve air quality for workers and the public.

Customer Premises and Public Safety

Work often takes place in and around customer homes, offices and other premises. Our teams take care to protect both occupants and visitors from potential hazards during removals.

Where reasonably practicable, walkways are kept clear and trip hazards such as loose packaging, tools or trailing straps are removed or controlled. When carrying items through shared areas, stairways or pavements, staff remain alert to other people and take steps to avoid collisions or obstruction.

Protective coverings may be used to reduce slip and trip risks and to protect floors and surfaces. Doors, gates and lifts are used safely, taking account of their load capacity and operating instructions.

Training, Information and Supervision

Man With a Van Harrow provides its workers with information, instruction and training to enable them to perform their duties safely and responsibly. This may include induction training, on‑the‑job coaching, toolbox talks and refresher sessions.

Topics covered include safe lifting and carrying, use of handling equipment, vehicle safety, working on stairs and at height, hazard awareness, and emergency procedures. Additional training is provided when new equipment is introduced or when roles and responsibilities change.

Supervision is proportionate to the level of risk and the competence of the individuals involved. Less experienced personnel are monitored closely until they demonstrate a suitable level of awareness and capability.

Incident Reporting and Emergency Procedures

All accidents, injuries, near misses and unsafe conditions must be reported as soon as possible to a supervisor or the responsible manager. We investigate incidents to identify root causes and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence.

Emergency procedures are in place for dealing with injuries, vehicle incidents, fire, and other unforeseen events. Staff are expected to follow these procedures, prioritise personal safety, and cooperate with emergency services where involved.

First aid arrangements are maintained in line with legal and operational requirements. Workers must know how to access first aid supplies and who to contact for assistance when needed.

Wellbeing and Occupational Health

Removal work can be physically demanding. We recognise the importance of protecting workers from musculoskeletal strain, fatigue and other work‑related health issues. Tasks and schedules are organised, where possible, to allow for adequate breaks and to avoid excessive working hours.

We encourage staff to report any health concerns that may affect their ability to perform their work safely, including injuries, medical conditions or the effects of medication. Suitable adjustments or alternative duties will be considered where appropriate.

Consultation and Continuous Improvement

Man With a Van Harrow is committed to ongoing improvement in health and safety performance. We actively encourage feedback from staff and customers about safety concerns, suggestions and good practices.

We review this policy and our procedures regularly, and particularly following any significant incident, operational change or update in legal requirements. Lessons learned are communicated to relevant staff and incorporated into training and daily working practices.

By working together and applying this policy consistently, Man With a Van Harrow aims to ensure that all removal and transport activities are carried out safely, responsibly and with respect for the people and properties we serve.