Health and Safety policy
Man and a Van Hackney Health and Safety Policy
Man and a Van Hackney is committed to providing removal and transport services in a manner that safeguards the health, safety and welfare of our workers, customers, contractors and members of the public. This policy sets out the principles and arrangements we follow to prevent injury, protect property and ensure our work is carried out safely and responsibly.
Policy Aims
The aim of this Health and Safety Policy is to:
Promote a positive safety culture throughout our removal operations.
Identify and control risks associated with lifting, carrying, loading, unloading and transporting goods.
Comply with all relevant health and safety legislation applicable to our activities.
Provide information, training and supervision so that work is carried out safely and efficiently.
Continually improve our health and safety performance and practices.
Management Responsibilities
Management at Man and a Van Hackney accepts overall responsibility for the implementation of this policy and for providing sufficient resources to maintain safe systems of work. Management will:
Ensure risk assessments are carried out, reviewed regularly and communicated to staff.
Provide and maintain vehicles, equipment and tools that are safe, suitable and properly serviced.
Set clear safety standards and monitor performance against them.
Ensure that staff receive appropriate induction, instruction and ongoing training.
Investigate accidents, incidents and near misses to identify causes and implement corrective actions.
Consult with workers on health and safety matters and encourage feedback and reporting of hazards.
Employee Responsibilities
Every worker engaged by Man and a Van Hackney has a duty to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions. Employees and regular contractors are expected to:
Follow all safety procedures, instructions and guidance provided.
Use vehicles, equipment, protective clothing and lifting aids correctly and for their intended purpose.
Report accidents, injuries, near misses, vehicle defects and unsafe conditions without delay.
Cooperate with management in implementing health and safety measures and attending training.
Refrain from horseplay, reckless behaviour or any act that could compromise safety.
Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices
We carry out risk assessments for our core activities, including packing, lifting, carrying, loading, unloading and transporting items in domestic and commercial removals. These assessments consider hazards such as manual handling, slips and trips, falls from vehicles, traffic movements, working in confined or shared spaces, and damage to property.
Safe systems of work and method statements are developed where appropriate, and control measures may include:
Planning access routes and parking to minimise reversing and vehicle movement risks.
Assessing loads for weight, shape and stability before lifting or moving.
Using trolleys, dollies, straps and other handling aids to reduce manual lifting.
Ensuring good housekeeping, with clear walkways free of obstructions.
Restricting work on steps and ramps to safe methods and adequate lighting conditions.
Manual Handling and Ergonomics
Manual handling is a key part of removal work, and poor technique can lead to strains, sprains and long-term injuries. To reduce these risks, Man and a Van Hackney will:
Provide training in safe lifting, carrying, team handling and use of handling aids.
Encourage workers to assess each load and request assistance where necessary.
Avoid, so far as is reasonably practicable, single-person handling of large or awkward items.
Rotate tasks where possible to reduce repetitive strain and fatigue.
Vehicle Safety and Driving Standards
Our vehicles are central to our services and must be operated safely at all times. We will:
Ensure vehicles are regularly serviced, inspected and maintained in roadworthy condition.
Check that drivers hold the appropriate licences and are fit to drive.
Require drivers to comply with road traffic laws, speed limits and parking rules.
Secure loads properly to prevent movement, damage or hazards during transit.
Discourage the use of mobile phones or other distractions while driving, except for lawful hands-free use where necessary.
Working at Customer Premises
Our teams often work in private homes, shared buildings and business premises. To protect customers, building occupants and the public we will:
Respect house rules, building regulations and any site-specific safety requirements notified to us.
Take care when moving items through doorways, corridors, stairwells and lifts to avoid damage or obstruction.
Use protective coverings where appropriate to minimise damage and slip risks.
Maintain clear access and emergency escape routes at all times.
Keep tools and equipment under control so that they do not present trip or impact hazards.
Personal Protective Equipment
Where risks cannot be eliminated or adequately reduced by other means, suitable personal protective equipment will be provided. This may include safety footwear, gloves, high-visibility clothing and other protective items appropriate to the task. Workers must use such equipment as instructed and report any defects for repair or replacement.
Training, Information and Supervision
Man and a Van Hackney will provide health and safety induction for new staff, along with task-specific training covering manual handling, vehicle safety, loading techniques and customer site conduct. Refresher training will be given when needed. Supervisors and experienced team members will monitor working practices, offer guidance and correct unsafe behaviour.
Incident Reporting and Emergency Arrangements
All accidents, injuries, vehicle incidents, property damage and near misses arising from our work must be reported promptly. Records will be kept and reviewed to identify patterns and opportunities for improvement. Emergency procedures, including what to do in the event of fire, serious injury, spillage or collision, are communicated to staff so that they can respond calmly and effectively.
Monitoring, Review and Continuous Improvement
This Health and Safety Policy is monitored on an ongoing basis and formally reviewed at regular intervals, or sooner if there are significant changes to our operations, equipment or legal requirements. Lessons from incidents, feedback from staff and customers, and changes in best practice are used to update our procedures. Our goal is to continually improve the safety and quality of our removal and transport services.
Policy Implementation
This policy applies to all workers and activities under the control of Man and a Van Hackney. Compliance with the policy is a condition of working with or for the company. Everyone has a part to play in maintaining a safe working environment, and we expect all personnel to support and uphold the standards set out in this document.
