Man with Van Newington Health and Safety Policy
Man with Van Newington is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for employees, customers, contractors, and members of the public who may be affected by our removal and transportation activities. This Health and Safety Policy sets out our principles, responsibilities, and procedures to manage risk effectively and promote safe working practices across all services.
Policy Aims and Objectives
The aim of this policy is to prevent injury, ill health, property damage, and environmental harm arising from our operations. We will achieve this by assessing risks, implementing appropriate control measures, providing adequate training and supervision, and promoting a culture in which safety is everyone’s responsibility.
Our objectives include maintaining safe systems of work, properly planning each move and delivery, and ensuring that vehicles, equipment, and premises are maintained in a safe condition. We will review and update this policy periodically to reflect changes in legislation, industry standards, and our operating practices.
Management Responsibilities
Management at Man with Van Newington is responsible for implementing this policy and ensuring that effective arrangements are in place for the planning, organisation, control, monitoring, and review of health and safety measures. This includes allocating appropriate resources and providing clear direction on safe working expectations.
Managers will ensure that risk assessments are carried out for removal, loading, unloading, packing, and transportation activities. They will verify that staff are competent for the tasks they perform, that suitable personal protective equipment is available and used correctly, and that safe working procedures are communicated and followed.
Employee Responsibilities
All employees and regular workers have a duty to take reasonable care for their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their acts or omissions. Workers must follow company safety procedures, attend training sessions, and use equipment and vehicles in accordance with instructions and guidance provided.
Employees are required to report any hazards, near misses, incidents, or unsafe conditions to management without delay. They must not misuse or interfere with anything provided for health, safety, or welfare and must cooperate fully with any accident investigation or safety review.
Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work
Man with Van Newington undertakes risk assessments for its removal and transport operations, including but not limited to manual handling of furniture and boxes, use of lifting equipment, vehicle movements, work at height during loading, and access to customer premises. These assessments identify significant hazards and determine control measures to reduce risk to an acceptable level.
Safe systems of work are established and communicated for tasks such as lifting and carrying, use of trolleys and ramps, securing loads in vehicles, and operating in confined spaces such as stairwells and narrow corridors. Staff are instructed to stop work if a situation appears unsafe and to seek further guidance from management.
Manual Handling and Use of Equipment
Manual handling is a core part of our removal service, and we recognise the risks of strains, sprains, and other musculoskeletal injuries. Staff are trained in safe lifting techniques, team lifting, and the correct use of handling aids such as dollies, sack trucks, straps, and blankets.
Before lifting or moving items, the path must be checked for obstructions, tripping hazards, and unstable surfaces. Heavy or bulky items must only be moved by sufficient personnel or via appropriate equipment. Workers must not attempt to move loads beyond their capability and are encouraged to request assistance whenever necessary.
All equipment used for moving, lifting, and securing loads is inspected regularly and taken out of service if found to be defective. Only trained and authorised personnel may operate specialist equipment.
Vehicle Safety and Driving Standards
We are committed to operating vehicles safely and responsibly at all times. Drivers must hold the correct license and be medically fit to drive. Vehicles are maintained in a roadworthy condition, and regular checks are conducted on tyres, brakes, lights, securing points, and safety equipment.
Loads must be evenly distributed and secured to prevent movement during transit. Drivers must not overload vehicles and must adhere to all road traffic regulations and speed limits. Driving while under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or any substance that impairs performance is strictly prohibited.
Customer Premises and Public Safety
When working at customer locations, our staff will take all reasonable steps to protect occupants and visitors from risk. This includes careful positioning of vehicles, safe routing of items through the property, and minimising obstruction to entrances, pavements, and shared spaces.
Where necessary, staff will use warning signs, verbal communication, and practical measures to reduce risks to bystanders. Any accidental damage, near misses, or concerns about structural safety will be reported immediately and addressed as far as reasonably practicable.
Training, Information, and Supervision
Man with Van Newington provides appropriate health and safety training to all staff, tailored to the nature of their work. This may include induction training, manual handling instruction, safe use of equipment, vehicle safety, and emergency procedures. Refresher training is provided when required, and additional training is given when introducing new equipment, vehicles, or working methods.
Supervision levels are set proportionately to the experience of the workers and the level of risk involved. Clear instructions are given before the start of each job, and supervisors monitor compliance with safety procedures and standards.
Accident Reporting and Emergency Procedures
All incidents, accidents, near misses, and dangerous occurrences must be reported to management as soon as practicable. Records are kept and reviewed to identify trends and opportunities for improvement. Where needed, corrective and preventive measures will be implemented and communicated to staff.
Emergency procedures are in place for incidents such as fire, serious injury, road traffic accidents, and hazardous material spills. Staff receive guidance on how to respond, including when to stop work, who to inform, and how to assist emergency services safely.
Monitoring, Review, and Policy Communication
This Health and Safety Policy is monitored on an ongoing basis and formally reviewed at regular intervals or following significant changes in our operations. We are committed to continuous improvement in health and safety performance and will act on feedback from staff and customers to enhance our practices.
The policy is made available to all employees and interested parties. It is communicated during induction, through ongoing briefings, and by making it accessible as part of our standard documentation for removal and transportation services.
