Health and Safety Policy for Man with Van Pratts Bottom

Man with Van Pratts Bottom is committed to providing a safe and healthy 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 outlines our approach to managing risks associated with moving, loading, transporting, and unloading goods in our local service areas.

We recognise our responsibility to comply with relevant health and safety legislation and to follow recognised good practice in the removals and transport sector. We continually review and improve our working methods to reduce the likelihood of accidents, injuries, and damage to property.

Policy Aims and Objectives

The main aims of this policy are to:

Identify and assess risks associated with our man and van removal services, including manual handling, driving, loading and unloading, and working at customers premises. Implement practical control measures to minimise the risk of injury, ill health, and property damage. Provide clear instructions and information to workers and customers to promote safe working practices. Ensure that vehicles, equipment, and materials used in the course of our work are suitable, well maintained, and used safely. Promote a positive health and safety culture where concerns are reported promptly and incidents are investigated to prevent reoccurrence.

Management Responsibilities

Management is responsible for implementing this Health and Safety policy and ensuring that adequate resources are in place to support safe working. This includes:

Carrying out and reviewing risk assessments for typical removal tasks and specific jobs that present higher risk. Providing appropriate training, information, and supervision so that workers are competent to carry out their roles safely. Ensuring that vehicles used for removals and transport are roadworthy, regularly inspected, and suitable for the loads they carry. Supplying and maintaining any necessary equipment, such as trolleys, straps, blankets, and protective gear. Responding to reported hazards, incidents, and near misses and taking corrective action where required. Reviewing this policy on a regular basis and updating it when there are changes in our activities or in relevant legislation.

Worker Responsibilities

All workers, including drivers, porters, and any contracted assistants, have a duty to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others affected by their actions. Workers are expected to:

Follow the safe working procedures and instructions provided by the company. Use vehicles, tools, and equipment only for their intended purpose and in a safe manner. Avoid taking unnecessary risks when lifting, carrying, loading, or unloading items. Report any hazards, defects, or incidents immediately to management. Wear appropriate clothing and, where supplied, personal protective equipment such as gloves or safety footwear. Co operate with any health and safety inspections, investigations, or training activities.

Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices

Before undertaking removal work, an assessment of the main risks is carried out. This includes considering the type and weight of items to be moved, access routes at collection and delivery addresses, parking arrangements, traffic conditions, and any specific customer requirements.

Where potentially hazardous tasks are identified, a safe method of work is agreed. Steps may include using more than one person for heavy or awkward loads, making additional trips instead of overloading, using equipment such as trolleys or sliders where practical, and planning routes through properties to avoid tripping hazards or damage.

Manual Handling and Lifting

Manual handling is a core part of our removal activity and presents a risk of strains and injuries if not managed correctly. To reduce these risks, we:

Encourage workers to assess each item before lifting, considering weight, size, shape, and grip. Use team lifting for heavy, large, or awkward items such as furniture and appliances. Avoid twisting, overreaching, and sudden movements while carrying loads. Break down loads into smaller, manageable units wherever possible. Use handling aids such as dollies or trolleys when suitable and available. Take regular short breaks during intensive lifting to reduce fatigue.

Vehicle Safety and Driving Standards

Safe driving is essential for protecting our workers, customers, and other road users. We are committed to ensuring that:

Vehicles are regularly serviced, inspected, and maintained so they remain safe and reliable. Loads are distributed evenly, secured with straps or restraints, and kept within the vehicles safe working limits. Drivers plan routes to minimise unnecessary risks and allow sufficient time for journeys. Drivers comply with road traffic laws, speed limits, and parking restrictions. Mobile phones or other devices are not used while driving, unless operated safely and legally via hands free systems. Weather and traffic conditions are considered when planning each job so that driving remains safe.

Customer Premises and Public Safety

Our work often involves operating at domestic and commercial premises and in public spaces. To safeguard customers and the public, we:

Take care when parking vehicles so as not to obstruct footpaths, driveways, or emergency access routes. Identify potential hazards such as uneven surfaces, narrow staircases, or low ceilings and adapt working methods accordingly. Keep access routes as clear as possible during loading and unloading to reduce the risk of trips and falls. Use caution when moving items through shared areas such as corridors, entrances, and pavements. Treat customers property with respect and take reasonable steps to avoid damage to walls, floors, and fixtures.

Equipment and Personal Protective Measures

Where appropriate to the task, we use handling equipment and protection to support safe working. This may include removal blankets, straps, and covers to protect goods and reduce the need for excessive handling, trolleys and other handling aids to move heavier items when the environment allows, and gloves and suitable footwear to improve grip and reduce the risk of minor injuries.

All equipment used must be maintained in good condition and removed from service if found defective.

Training, Information, and Consultation

We provide workers with information on this Health and Safety policy and on the specific procedures relevant to their roles. Informal training and guidance are given on safe lifting techniques, vehicle loading, customer communication, and the reporting of hazards.

Workers are encouraged to raise health and safety concerns, suggest improvements to working methods, and share learning from previous jobs. Feedback is considered when reviewing risk assessments and procedures.

Accident, Incident, and Near Miss Reporting

All accidents, injuries, damage to property, and near miss events related to our removal and transport activities must be reported to management as soon as possible. Reports are reviewed to identify underlying causes and any required improvements to equipment, training, or safe systems of work.

Where applicable, significant incidents will be recorded in an internal log and may be reported to relevant authorities in line with legal obligations.

Policy Review and Continuous Improvement

This Health and Safety policy is reviewed regularly to ensure it remains appropriate to the scale and nature of our man and van removal operations. Reviews also take account of changes in legislation, industry guidance, and the feedback we receive from workers and customers.

By following this policy and working together, Man with Van Pratts Bottom aims to deliver reliable local removal services while maintaining a strong focus on the safety, health, and wellbeing of everyone involved.