Health and Safety policy
Man with Van Cricklewood Health and Safety Policy
Man with Van Cricklewood is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for our employees, contractors, customers, and members of the public who may be affected by our removal and transport activities. This Health and Safety Policy sets out our objectives, responsibilities, and procedures to manage risks associated with moving, handling, loading, unloading, and transporting goods.
Policy Statement
Our objective is to prevent injury, ill health, and damage to property arising from our work. We will identify and control risks related to manual handling, driving, use of equipment, access to premises, and any other activities carried out during our man and van and removal services. We comply with relevant health and safety legislation and continually strive to improve our standards.
Scope of the Policy
This policy applies to all employees of Man with Van Cricklewood, as well as any temporary staff, subcontractors, and individuals working on our behalf. It also sets out expectations for customers in relation to safe access, parking, and preparation of items for removal. The policy covers work carried out at customers premises, in transit, at storage locations, and at any other site where our services are provided.
Responsibilities
The management of Man with Van Cricklewood has overall responsibility for health and safety, including the implementation, monitoring, and review of this policy. Management will ensure that resources are available to maintain high safety standards and that health and safety considerations are integrated into planning and decision making.
Supervisors and team leaders are responsible for communicating safe working procedures, assessing risks before work begins, and ensuring that staff follow agreed practices. They must report hazards, incidents, and near misses so that appropriate actions can be taken.
All employees have a duty to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions. Staff must follow training and instructions, use equipment properly, wear any required personal protective equipment, and report unsafe conditions or practices to management.
Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work
Before starting any removal or transport task, an assessment of risks will be carried out. This may be a formal written assessment for larger or more complex jobs, or a dynamic on-the-spot assessment for routine tasks. The risk assessment will consider factors such as access routes, stairs, lifts, parking, weather conditions, the weight and shape of items, and any special handling requirements.
Safe systems of work will be developed and followed to reduce risks to an acceptable level. These may include using additional staff for heavy items, employing trolleys or lifting aids where reasonably practicable, disassembling furniture when necessary, and planning the sequence of loading and unloading to minimise manual handling risks.
Manual Handling and Lifting
Manual handling is a core part of removal activities and is a significant source of potential injury. Man with Van Cricklewood will ensure that staff receive appropriate training in safe lifting and carrying techniques, including team lifting and communication when handling large or awkward loads.
Wherever possible, mechanical aids will be used to reduce strain on workers. Staff must not attempt to lift items beyond their individual capability and should always seek assistance rather than risking injury. Heavy or fragile items will be moved according to specific handling plans, taking into account customer requirements as well as safety considerations.
Vehicles, Driving, and Road Safety
Our vehicles will be maintained in a safe and roadworthy condition, with regular inspections and servicing. Drivers are required to hold the correct licence and to follow all road traffic laws. They must not drive while tired, under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or when unfit due to illness.
Loads will be secured properly to prevent movement during transit, reducing the risk of injury during unloading and preventing damage to goods. Routes will be planned to allow safe access to customer locations and to reduce unnecessary time on the road. Drivers must report any vehicle defects, incidents, or near misses to management immediately.
Customer Premises and Site Safety
Safe access to and from customer premises is essential for the health and safety of our staff and others. Customers are asked to ensure that access routes are as clear as reasonably possible, that pets and children are kept safely away from moving operations, and that any known hazards, such as loose flooring or low ceilings, are pointed out to our team on arrival.
Where access is restricted or presents particular risks, our staff will discuss safe alternatives, which may include using different entry points, adjusting the work method, or in some cases not proceeding if the risk cannot be controlled to an acceptable level.
Equipment and Personal Protective Equipment
Man with Van Cricklewood will provide suitable tools and equipment for the work, including trolleys, straps, blankets, and other protective materials. All equipment will be maintained, inspected, and used in line with manufacturer instructions and company procedures.
Where necessary, personal protective equipment such as gloves, safety footwear, and high visibility clothing will be provided. Staff are required to use this equipment correctly, to keep it in good condition, and to report any loss or damage so that it can be replaced.
Training, Information, and Supervision
We will provide employees with the information, instruction, and training they need to work safely and competently. This includes induction training for new staff, job specific training in manual handling and vehicle safety, and refresher training when required.
Supervision will be provided appropriate to the level of risk and the experience of staff. Less experienced workers will be supported by more experienced colleagues or supervisors when undertaking higher risk tasks or working at unfamiliar locations.
Accidents, Incidents, and Near Miss Reporting
All accidents, injuries, incidents, and near misses must be reported to management without delay. Records will be kept and investigated to identify causes and determine whether additional control measures, training, or changes to procedures are needed.
Where required by law, incidents will be reported to the relevant authorities. We will learn from all events and use them to improve our health and safety performance.
Consultation and Continuous Improvement
Man with Van Cricklewood encourages open communication about health and safety matters. Employees are invited to raise concerns, suggest improvements, and participate in the development of safer working methods. Management will review this policy regularly and whenever there are significant changes to our operations, legislation, or identified risks.
By working together and following this Health and Safety Policy, we aim to protect our staff, customers, and the wider community while delivering reliable and professional removal and man and van services.
