Health and Safety policy

Man with Van Hackney Marshes Health and Safety Policy

Man with Van Hackney Marshes is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for our workers, customers, visitors and members of the public who may be affected by our removal and transport activities. This Health and Safety Policy sets out our general approach, responsibilities and procedures to ensure that all work is carried out in a way that minimises risk and promotes safe conduct at all times.

Policy Statement and Objectives

Our objective is to manage our man and van services so that accidents, injuries, damage to property and harm to the environment are prevented as far as is reasonably practicable. This policy applies to all removal, packing, loading, transport and unloading activities carried out by Man with Van Hackney Marshes, including domestic and commercial moves and any short-term storage or delivery work we undertake.

We are committed to continually improving our health and safety performance by identifying hazards, assessing risks and implementing effective controls. We will comply with all relevant health and safety legislation and recognised industry standards that apply to moving and handling services in our operating area.

Management Responsibilities

Senior management is responsible for implementing and maintaining this Health and Safety Policy. Management will:

Provide clear instructions and guidance so that workers understand their duties and can carry out removal tasks safely and competently.

Ensure that vehicles, lifting equipment, trolleys, ramps, straps and other work equipment used in our moving operations are suitable, well maintained and safe to use.

Carry out or arrange regular risk assessments of our activities, including loading and unloading, driving, access to properties, stair work and handling of heavy or awkward items such as furniture and appliances.

Provide appropriate information and training on safe lifting techniques, traffic safety, use of protective equipment and emergency procedures.

Monitor incidents, near misses, damage and customer feedback so that we can learn from experience and improve our procedures.

Worker Responsibilities

Everyone working for or on behalf of Man with Van Hackney Marshes has a duty to look after their own health and safety and that of others affected by their actions. Workers must:

Follow all company safety procedures, instructions and risk assessments relevant to the job they are carrying out.

Use any equipment and protective gear properly and report defects or damage immediately so that unsafe equipment is taken out of use.

Apply safe manual handling principles at all times, including team lifting for heavy, long or awkward loads, and using trolleys, blankets and straps where appropriate.

Take reasonable care when entering and leaving properties, on stairs, ramps and uneven surfaces, and ensure that access routes are kept as clear as reasonably possible.

Report all accidents, injuries, near misses and hazards to management without delay so that corrective action can be taken.

Customer and Public Safety

We recognise our duty of care to customers, their families, neighbours, visitors and the wider public in areas where we operate our man and van services. To protect others, we will:

Plan loading and unloading so that disruption to pavements, entrances and shared areas is minimised and kept safe and orderly.

Use warning signals or verbal communication to make people aware when large items are being manoeuvred through confined or shared spaces such as corridors, stairwells and entrances.

Position vehicles with regard to other road users and pedestrians, taking care to avoid blocking access or creating unnecessary hazards.

Keep tools, packing materials and loose items stored safely and tidily during the move, and remove waste and packaging at the end of the job where agreed.

Safe Driving and Vehicle Use

Driving and vehicle operations form a key part of our work. All vehicles used by Man with Van Hackney Marshes must be driven safely and lawfully at all times. Our approach includes:

Ensuring that drivers are competent, appropriately licensed and familiar with safe loading, securing of loads and route planning.

Not exceeding the safe weight capacity of our vans and ensuring that loads are evenly distributed, properly restrained and protected to prevent movement and damage during transit.

Maintaining vehicles in a roadworthy condition through regular checks, servicing and prompt repair of defects.

Encouraging safe, considerate driving in all service areas, paying attention to speed limits, parking rules and local access requirements around residential and commercial properties.

Manual Handling and Use of Equipment

Manual handling is a core aspect of our services and presents significant risk if not managed properly. To reduce the risk of injury:

We train workers in correct lifting and carrying techniques, including assessing the weight and shape of items before attempting to move them.

Team lifting is required for heavy or bulky objects, and mechanical aids such as trolleys, dollies, moving straps or ramps are used wherever reasonably practicable.

Items are packed and wrapped in a way that supports safe handling, with sharp edges protected and fragile items clearly identified.

Workers are encouraged to speak up if a load is too heavy or awkward, and alternative methods of moving or additional manpower will be arranged.

Risk Assessment and Continuous Improvement

Risk assessments are completed for our typical man and van tasks and are reviewed regularly or when there are significant changes in the way we operate. For each job, workers are expected to review the surroundings on arrival, identify specific risks and take appropriate precautions.

We investigate all reportable incidents, near misses, damage and valid safety concerns raised by customers or workers. Findings are used to update this policy, improve training and, where necessary, change procedures to further reduce risk.

Policy Review and Communication

This Health and Safety Policy is communicated to all workers and made available to customers on request. The policy is reviewed periodically and updated in line with changes to legislation, industry best practice or the nature of our removal and transport services. Continued commitment from management and workers ensures that Man with Van Hackney Marshes delivers a reliable, safe and professional service across all areas in which we operate.