Health and Safety policy
Health and Safety Policy for Man with Van De Beauvoir Town
Man with Van De Beauvoir Town is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for all employees, contractors, customers and members of the public who may be affected by our removals and transport activities. This policy sets out our approach to managing health and safety risks associated with domestic and commercial moves, collections and deliveries.
Our Health and Safety Commitment
We recognise our responsibilities under relevant health and safety legislation and industry best practice. Our aim is to prevent accidents, injuries and work-related ill health by identifying hazards, assessing risks and putting effective control measures in place. We will continually review and improve our procedures to ensure that our man and van services are carried out as safely as reasonably practicable.
Responsibilities
Overall responsibility for health and safety rests with the company management, who will ensure that appropriate systems, resources and training are provided. Management will:
Ensure risk assessments are completed and kept up to date for key activities such as lifting, loading, unloading, driving and working at customers premises. Provide suitable equipment, vehicles and protective measures to reduce risk. Investigate accidents and near misses and take corrective action where necessary. Review this policy regularly and communicate any changes to staff.
Employees and contractors have a duty to:
Take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions. Follow all safety instructions, training and company procedures. Use equipment, vehicles and protective gear properly and report any defects immediately. Report accidents, incidents, hazards or concerns without delay so that they can be addressed.
Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices
Before starting any removal or delivery, we assess the potential risks relating to access routes, stairways, lifts, parking and loading areas, the nature of items being moved and any special customer requirements. Where significant risks are identified, we plan the work to minimise those risks, including using additional staff, equipment or alternative methods of handling.
Our teams are instructed to avoid shortcuts that compromise safety, such as unsafe lifting techniques, overloading vehicles or attempting to move items that are too heavy or awkward without assistance. Work is scheduled, where possible, to avoid unnecessary time pressure that can lead to unsafe practices.
Manual Handling and Lifting
Manual handling is a core part of our removal services and is carefully managed to reduce strain and injury. Staff receive guidance on correct lifting and carrying techniques, including assessing the weight of items, keeping loads close to the body, avoiding twisting while lifting and asking for help with heavy or bulky objects.
Where appropriate, trolleys, dollies, straps, blankets and other handling aids are used to minimise manual effort and protect both people and property. Staff are instructed never to exceed their individual physical limits and to refuse any task that cannot be carried out safely.
Vehicle Safety and Driving Standards
Our vehicles are maintained in a roadworthy condition and inspected regularly. Defects or safety concerns must be reported immediately so that vehicles can be repaired or taken out of service if necessary.
Drivers must hold the appropriate licence, comply with road traffic laws and follow safe driving practices at all times. Loads must be distributed correctly and secured to prevent movement during transit. Drivers are instructed to plan routes sensibly, allow sufficient travel time, and avoid driving while fatigued or unwell.
Customer Premises and Public Safety
When working at customer homes, offices or other premises, our staff will take care to protect both the occupants and the public. This includes keeping access routes as clear as reasonably possible, using safe lifting paths, and positioning vehicles to minimise obstruction and risk.
Where there are shared entrances, pavements or other public spaces, we take steps to reduce trip hazards from equipment, boxes or furniture. If a task cannot be carried out safely due to conditions at the premises, our team will discuss alternatives with the customer and may postpone or adjust the work.
Equipment, Tools and Protective Measures
Equipment used during moves, such as ramps, trolleys and securing straps, is inspected regularly and used only for its intended purpose. Staff are responsible for checking equipment before use and reporting any issues.
Where necessary, staff may use protective measures such as gloves or safety footwear. These are selected based on the nature of the work, including handling heavy furniture, appliances or items with sharp edges.
Training, Information and Supervision
All staff receive appropriate information on our health and safety arrangements, including this policy and relevant safe working practices. Induction and ongoing guidance cover topics such as manual handling, vehicle safety, customer interaction and incident reporting.
Supervision is provided to ensure that procedures are followed and to support newer team members as they gain experience. When changes are made to equipment, vehicles or working methods, additional instruction is provided as needed.
Accident, Incident and Near Miss Reporting
All accidents, incidents and near misses must be reported to management as soon as possible, whether they involve staff, customers or members of the public. Details are recorded so that we can understand the causes and take preventative action.
We encourage open reporting and do not tolerate any form of retaliation for raising health and safety concerns. Lessons learned from incidents are used to improve our practices and update risk assessments.
Health, Welfare and Fitness for Work
We recognise that removal work can be physically demanding. Staff are encouraged to inform management if they have any health issues that may affect their ability to carry out tasks safely, so that suitable adjustments can be considered.
Employees must not work under the influence of alcohol, drugs or any substance that impairs judgment or coordination. If a member of staff is deemed unfit for work, they will not be allowed to undertake driving or handling duties.
Review of this Policy
This Health and Safety Policy is reviewed regularly and whenever there are significant changes to our operations, the nature of our services or applicable regulations. Updated versions are communicated to all staff to ensure that our man and van removal services continue to be delivered safely and responsibly.
