Health and Safety Policy for Man with Van Norbiton

This Health and Safety Policy sets out how Man with Van Norbiton manages the safety and welfare of employees, contractors, customers, and members of the public during all removal and transport activities. Our aim is to provide a safe working environment, prevent injury and ill health, and promote a culture of continuous improvement in health and safety performance.

Policy Statement

Man with Van Norbiton is committed to conducting all operations in a way that protects people, property, and the environment. We will identify and control hazards arising from our activities, comply with all relevant health and safety legislation, and provide appropriate resources to ensure that safe working practices are implemented and maintained.

This policy applies to all members of staff, agency workers, subcontractors, and any other persons engaged in our removal and transport services, whether working on the road, at customer premises, at storage facilities, or in any associated location.

Management Responsibilities

Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining effective health and safety arrangements across the business. This includes:

Ensuring risk assessments are carried out for all key activities, such as lifting and carrying, loading and unloading vehicles, driving, parking, and working at customer premises.

Providing suitable equipment, including vehicles, trolleys, lifting aids, and personal protective equipment, and ensuring that all such equipment is maintained in safe working condition.

Ensuring that staff receive appropriate induction, training, and supervision so that they can carry out their roles safely and competently.

Reviewing incidents, near misses, and customer feedback to improve procedures and prevent recurrence.

Regularly reviewing this policy and associated procedures to ensure they remain effective, relevant, and compliant with applicable regulations.

Employee Responsibilities

Every employee and contractor has a duty to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions. All personnel must:

Follow the health and safety procedures set by Man with Van Norbiton and any site-specific rules at customer locations.

Use vehicles, tools, equipment, and protective gear correctly and report any faults or defects immediately.

Cooperate with management in implementing risk controls, attending training, and participating in safety briefings.

Report all accidents, incidents, near misses, and unsafe conditions as soon as possible, so that corrective action can be taken promptly.

Avoid taking unnecessary risks, shortcuts, or unsafe actions, especially when handling heavy or awkward loads or working in confined spaces or near traffic.

Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices

Man with Van Norbiton undertakes risk assessments for the main activities involved in removal and transport work. These assessments consider hazards such as manual handling, slips and trips, vehicle movement, working at height when accessing van loads, and interaction with members of the public.

Based on these assessments, we implement safe working practices, including:

Planning each move in advance, considering access, parking, stairways, lifts, and any site restrictions.

Using safe lifting techniques, team lifting for heavier items, and mechanical aids where reasonably practicable.

Securing loads properly in vehicles to prevent movement during transit and to protect both staff and customer property.

Maintaining clean and tidy working areas, keeping walkways clear of packaging, tools, and obstacles.

Ensuring that staff do not exceed safe working limits and that work is paced to avoid fatigue and overexertion.

Vehicle and Driving Safety

Safe driving and vehicle management are central to our operations. We will ensure that vehicles are suitable for their intended use, regularly inspected, serviced, and kept roadworthy. Drivers are expected to:

Hold the appropriate valid driving licence and be medically fit to drive.

Carry out pre-use vehicle checks, reporting any defects without delay and not using unsafe vehicles.

Drive in accordance with road traffic laws, observing speed limits, parking regulations, and safe loading rules.

Plan routes to minimise risks from congestion and difficult access points where possible, while maintaining customer service standards.

Avoid distractions while driving and never drive under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or any substances that may impair performance.

Manual Handling and Protection of Property

Manual handling is a core element of removal work and can present significant risks if not properly managed. Man with Van Norbiton will:

Provide guidance on correct lifting and carrying methods and the importance of assessing each load before attempting to move it.

Encourage staff to seek assistance for heavy, bulky, or awkward items, including the use of lifting aids and additional personnel.

Supply suitable protective materials, such as blankets, straps, and covers, to safeguard both staff and customer property from damage.

Ensure that items are stacked and stored in a stable manner inside vehicles and, where applicable, at storage locations.

Welfare, Training, and Information

We recognise that good welfare arrangements support safe working. Reasonable access to rest breaks, drinking water, and sanitary facilities will be provided or agreed with customers where appropriate.

All staff will receive information and training relevant to their roles, including induction on health and safety procedures, safe vehicle operation, manual handling, and emergency arrangements. Training needs will be reviewed periodically and whenever work practices or equipment change.

Accidents, Incidents, and Emergency Procedures

All accidents, incidents, and near misses must be reported to management as soon as practicable, regardless of severity. This enables prompt investigation, appropriate medical or first aid response, and the implementation of corrective actions.

Emergency arrangements, including what to do in the event of fire, collision, injury, or property damage, will be communicated to staff. Drivers and team members must follow these procedures, prioritising the safety of people before property and cooperating fully with emergency services when required.

Continuous Improvement and Policy Review

Man with Van Norbiton is committed to continual improvement in health and safety performance. We will monitor our operations, consult with staff, review risk assessments, and update procedures in response to legislative changes, operational developments, and lessons learned from incidents.

This Health and Safety Policy will be reviewed regularly and revised as necessary to ensure it remains appropriate to the scale and nature of our removal and transport services.