Health and Safety policy
Health and Safety Policy for Man with Van Bellingham
Man with Van Bellingham 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 policy sets out our approach to managing health and safety during house moves, small removals, collections, deliveries, and related van services.
Our Health and Safety Commitment
We recognise our responsibility to protect the health, safety, and welfare of everyone involved with our services. We aim to prevent accidents, injuries, and work-related ill health by identifying hazards, assessing risks, and putting in place sensible control measures tailored to removal work and van operations.
We will comply with all relevant health and safety legislation and continually look for practical ways to improve how we plan and carry out our services.
Management Responsibilities
The management of Man with Van Bellingham is responsible for implementing this Health and Safety Policy and ensuring that:
Health and safety arrangements are suitable for the type of removal and transport work we carry out.
All workers are aware of their duties and receive appropriate information, instruction, and training.
Vehicles, tools, and moving equipment are maintained in a safe condition and used correctly.
Risk assessments are carried out for typical moving activities, and additional measures are considered where necessary, such as for heavy, fragile, or awkward items.
Incidents, near misses, and customer feedback are reviewed so that lessons can be learned and improvements made.
Employee Responsibilities
Everyone working for Man with Van Bellingham 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 workers are required to:
Follow the instructions, safe systems of work, and guidance given by management.
Use lifting and carrying techniques that reduce strain and avoid injury.
Wear appropriate clothing and footwear suitable for physical work and varying weather conditions.
Report hazards, unsafe conditions, damaged equipment, and any incidents or near misses to management as soon as possible.
Cooperate fully with any health and safety measures or investigations.
Safe Driving and Vehicle Use
As a removal and transport service, safe driving is central to our operations. We will ensure that:
Our vans are roadworthy, regularly inspected, and serviced in line with the manufacturer recommendations.
Loads are distributed evenly and secured using straps and other appropriate restraints to prevent movement during transit.
Drivers are competent, hold a valid driving licence, and follow road traffic laws and safe driving standards at all times.
Routes and schedules are planned to reduce unnecessary pressure on drivers, allowing for realistic travel times and rest breaks.
Driving in adverse weather or poor visibility is assessed on a case by case basis, and services may be delayed or rescheduled where safety is at risk.
Manual Handling and Lifting
Manual handling is a key part of our work and presents a risk of injury when not carried out safely. To reduce these risks:
Workers are instructed in good lifting technique, including assessing the load, planning the route, and lifting with the legs rather than the back.
Team lifting is used for heavy, bulky, or awkward items, and no one is required to lift more than they can manage safely.
Where possible, trolleys, dollies, and other handling aids will be used to limit manual lifting and carrying.
Access routes, stairs, and doorways are checked before moving items to identify trip hazards, low ceilings, or restricted spaces.
Customers are asked not to assist with heavy lifting, unless previously agreed and risk assessed, to protect them from injury.
Working at Premises and Customer Sites
Our teams work in a wide range of properties and premises. To help keep everyone safe on site:
We take care when moving items through entrances, communal areas, corridors, and stairwells to avoid damage and injury.
Floor coverings, steps, ramps, and surfaces are checked so that slips, trips, and falls are minimised.
Children, pets, and other occupants are asked to stay clear of working areas while items are being moved.
Any hazardous materials or items, such as fuel, chemicals, or pressurised containers, are identified and either handled according to guidance or refused if unsafe to transport.
Use of Equipment and Personal Protective Measures
We will provide and maintain appropriate equipment for the work undertaken. This may include trolleys, blankets, straps, and basic protective items. We will ensure that:
Equipment is inspected regularly and removed from use if found to be defective or unsafe.
Workers use available equipment correctly and do not improvise in ways that could cause harm.
Gloves or other basic protective items are used where suitable to protect hands and improve grip when handling goods.
Customer and Public Safety
We recognise that our work takes place in and around homes, businesses, and public spaces. To protect customers and the public:
We park and position vehicles with consideration for pedestrians, neighbours, and other road users, keeping access ways as clear as possible.
We communicate clearly with customers about where we will be working, how long it will take, and any access limitations.
Where there is a risk of falling items or moving equipment, we will restrict access to the immediate working area.
Health, Hygiene, and Welfare
We understand the importance of good hygiene and welfare standards when entering and working in customer properties. We will:
Maintain a clean and tidy working environment as far as reasonably practicable.
Follow any reasonable customer requests that relate to hygiene, such as removing or covering footwear where safe to do so.
Ensure workers have access to drinking water and rest periods appropriate to the work being carried out.
Training, Monitoring, and Review
We are committed to keeping our health and safety arrangements up to date. To achieve this:
Workers will receive initial and refresher guidance on safe lifting, driving, and on site behaviour relevant to their roles.
Work practices will be monitored to ensure procedures are followed and remain suitable for the type of jobs we undertake.
This Health and Safety Policy will be reviewed regularly and revised as necessary to reflect changes in legislation, our services, or any significant incidents.
Policy Availability
This Health and Safety Policy is made available to all workers and can be provided to customers on request. Everyone involved in the planning and delivery of our removal and van services is expected to support the implementation of this policy and to contribute to a culture of safety and respect.
