Health and Safety policy

Health and Safety Policy for Man With a Van Forest Gate

Man With a Van Forest Gate is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for our employees, contractors, customers and members of the public. This Health and Safety policy sets out our approach to managing risk and promoting safe practices across all our moving and removal services.

Our policy applies to all activities carried out in connection with our man and van and removal services, including domestic moves, commercial moves, packing and loading, transport, unloading and any associated on site work.

Health and Safety Responsibilities

Overall responsibility for health and safety within Man With a Van Forest Gate rests with the company management, who will ensure that adequate resources are provided to implement this policy. Managers and supervisors are responsible for day to day compliance, communication of safety procedures and monitoring of working practices.

All 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. They must follow all safety instructions, use equipment correctly and report hazards, incidents or near misses without delay.

Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices

We carry out regular risk assessments for our main activities, including lifting and carrying of items, use of vehicles, loading and unloading, working in stairwells, confined spaces and shared access areas. These assessments identify hazards and define control measures to reduce risks to an acceptable level.

Safe systems of work are developed from these assessments. Staff are trained in these procedures and are required to follow them at all times. Assessments are reviewed periodically and whenever there is a significant change in working methods, equipment or locations.

Manual Handling and Lifting

Manual handling is a core part of our removal work and is managed carefully to prevent injury. We provide training on correct lifting techniques, team lifting, use of mechanical aids and planning of moves to minimise unnecessary handling. Where possible, equipment such as trolleys, dollies and lifting straps is used to reduce strain.

Staff are instructed not to attempt to lift or move loads that are beyond their capability or which they consider unsafe. Particular attention is given to heavy, awkward or fragile items, which are assessed individually before being moved. Routes are checked for trip hazards, restricted access and uneven surfaces before items are carried.

Vehicle and Driving Safety

The safe operation of our vehicles is essential for protecting our drivers, passengers, customers and other road users. Vehicles are maintained in accordance with manufacturer guidelines and legal requirements, with regular checks on tyres, brakes, lights and securing points.

Drivers are required to hold the appropriate licence, follow road traffic laws and adhere to company procedures on safe driving, load restraint and journey planning. Loads must be evenly distributed and securely fastened to prevent movement during transit. Drivers must not operate vehicles if they are unfit due to tiredness, illness, alcohol or drugs.

Customer Premises and Public Safety

When working at customer premises or at public locations, our staff take care to minimise disruption and risk to others. Walkways are kept clear where possible, and equipment is positioned to avoid creating trip hazards. Where necessary, warning signs or verbal notices are used to alert people to ongoing work.

We aim to protect property as well as people. Corners, doorways, floors and staircases are checked before large items are moved, and protective coverings may be used where appropriate. Our team will work with customers to plan safe access routes and agree any necessary temporary restrictions while loading or unloading takes place.

Training, Information and Supervision

All staff receive health and safety induction training when they join the company, covering our policy, emergency procedures, manual handling, vehicle safety and site rules. Additional task specific training is provided where needed, including the use of lifting aids and specialist equipment.

Supervision is proportionate to the experience and competence of staff and the level of risk associated with the work. New or less experienced workers are closely supervised until they demonstrate safe and competent working practices.

Equipment and Personal Protective Equipment

We provide suitable tools and equipment for the tasks undertaken, and ensure that they are maintained in a safe condition. Staff must inspect equipment before use and report any faults immediately. Defective items are taken out of service until repaired or replaced.

Where required, personal protective equipment such as gloves, high visibility clothing or safety footwear is provided. Employees are expected to use such equipment correctly and look after it. Any loss or damage must be reported so that replacements can be arranged.

Accidents, Incidents and First Aid

All accidents, injuries, near misses and dangerous occurrences must be reported to management as soon as possible. This allows us to investigate causes, take corrective action and improve our procedures. Records are kept in accordance with legal requirements.

First aid provision is maintained appropriate to the size and nature of our operations. Staff are informed of the arrangements for first aid and how to obtain assistance if needed while on the road or at customer locations.

Occupational Health and Welfare

We recognise the physical nature of removal work and take steps to reduce the risk of musculoskeletal and other work related health issues. This includes appropriate work planning, rotation of tasks where possible, safe load limits and encouragement of early reporting of discomfort or symptoms.

We do not tolerate harassment, violence or abuse towards our staff or from our staff towards others. Any such behaviour will be dealt with through disciplinary or other appropriate action.

Consultation and Continuous Improvement

We consult with employees on health and safety matters and encourage suggestions for improving safety and working conditions. Feedback from staff and customers is used to review and refine our methods and standards.

This Health and Safety policy is reviewed regularly to ensure it remains relevant and effective for the services provided by Man With a Van Forest Gate and for the areas in which we operate.