Man with Van Yeading Health and Safety Policy

Man with Van Yeading 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 delivery operations. This Health and Safety policy explains how we manage risks associated with moving, loading, transporting and unloading goods, and how we expect everyone involved in our activities to behave responsibly.

Policy Statement

Our policy is to conduct all removal and transport services in a way that prevents injury, ill health, property damage and unnecessary disruption. We will comply with relevant health and safety laws and recognised industry best practices. Health and safety considerations will never be compromised for speed or convenience. Every worker has a duty to work safely and to stop or refuse any work they believe cannot be carried out safely.

Responsibilities

Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining effective health and safety arrangements, including suitable risk assessments, safe systems of work, training and supervision. Management will review this policy regularly and whenever there are significant changes in our work activities or legislation.

Workers are responsible for following training and instructions, using equipment correctly, reporting hazards, and cooperating fully with all health and safety measures. Workers must not engage in horseplay, misuse equipment, or undertake tasks for which they are not trained or physically capable.

Customers also play a part in maintaining safety. We ask customers to provide clear information about access, parking, heavy or fragile items, and any known hazards at collection and delivery addresses. Customers must ensure that children, pets and other residents keep clear of moving vehicles and lifting operations.

Risk Assessment and Planning

We identify and assess risks associated with our services, including manual handling, vehicle movements, loading and unloading, working in confined or shared spaces, and adverse weather conditions. Where appropriate, we will carry out site-specific assessments, particularly for large or complex moves, or where access is restricted.

Work will be planned to minimise risks by considering the number of workers required, the suitability of vehicles, the need for lifting aids, and the safest routes for carrying and transporting items. If conditions are unsafe, our team is authorised to delay, rearrange or refuse work until hazards are properly controlled.

Manual Handling and Lifting

Manual handling is a core part of removal work and is a significant source of potential injury. All workers must follow the principles of safe lifting, including assessing the weight and shape of the load, using correct posture, and keeping the load close to the body. Where possible, mechanical aids such as trolleys and dollies should be used to reduce strain.

Heavy, awkward or bulky items must be lifted by more than one person where needed, and carried using agreed commands and coordinated movements. Workers must not attempt to lift items that are beyond their capability. Customers must inform us in advance about especially heavy items such as large appliances, safes, pianos or machinery so that adequate resources can be arranged.

Vehicle Safety and Driving Standards

Our vehicles are to be maintained in a roadworthy condition and used only by authorised, competent drivers. Drivers must comply with road traffic laws, follow company procedures, and drive with consideration for other road users, pedestrians and property. Aggressive or unsafe driving is not tolerated.

Loads must be evenly distributed, properly secured and checked before departure. Overloading is strictly prohibited. Doors, ramps and tailgates must be closed and locked before moving the vehicle. Parking must be carried out in a way that minimises risk to the public and workers, using hazard lights and warning signs where appropriate.

Safe Loading and Unloading

Loading and unloading will be planned to avoid unnecessary manual handling and to keep walkways clear. Workers should maintain good housekeeping, keeping routes free from discarded packaging, loose straps, tools and debris. Items must be stacked securely and handled with care to avoid crushing injuries, trips and falls.

When working near roads or in shared driveways, workers must remain alert to moving vehicles and other hazards. Where necessary, a worker may act as a guide or banksman to direct vehicle movements or assist with reversing.

Use of Equipment and Personal Protective Equipment

Any equipment provided, such as trolleys, straps and protective materials, must be inspected before use and used only for its intended purpose. Defective or damaged equipment must be taken out of service and reported immediately. Workers are not to modify equipment or improvise solutions that could introduce new risks.

Personal protective equipment, such as gloves, safety footwear or high-visibility clothing, will be provided where a risk assessment identifies a need. Workers are required to wear such equipment as instructed and to look after it properly.

Working in Customers Homes and Premises

When working inside homes, offices or other premises, our workers will take reasonable steps to protect floors, walls and fixtures and to prevent slips, trips and falls. Cables, ramps and equipment should be laid out to reduce tripping risks. Where possible, one worker should monitor entryways and stairs when large items are being moved.

Customers are asked to keep access routes clear of personal belongings, to secure pets, and to avoid entering areas where lifting and carrying is in progress. Our team may pause work if the environment becomes unsafe or overly congested.

Training, Information and Supervision

Workers will receive training appropriate to their role, including manual handling techniques, vehicle safety, use of equipment and emergency procedures. Information on hazards and safe systems of work will be communicated clearly and updated whenever there are changes in our operations.

Supervision will be proportionate to the complexity and risks of the job. New or inexperienced workers will be monitored more closely until they demonstrate that they can work safely and competently.

Accidents, Incidents and Near Misses

All accidents, injuries, near misses and hazardous situations must be reported to management as soon as possible. We will investigate such events to understand what happened and to identify improvements in our working methods. First aid arrangements will be made available and workers will be informed of the procedures to follow in the event of an emergency.

Monitoring and Review

Man with Van Yeading is committed to continuous improvement in health and safety performance. This policy will be reviewed periodically and updated to reflect changes in legislation, industry guidance and our own working practices. Feedback from workers and customers is welcomed and will be considered when developing safer, more efficient ways of working.

Policy Acceptance

By engaging Man with Van Yeading to provide removal and transport services, customers acknowledge the importance of this Health and Safety policy and agree to cooperate with our team in maintaining a safe environment for everyone involved. All workers are required to read, understand and follow this policy as a condition of their work with the company.