Health and Safety Policy for Man with Van Gospel Oak
Man with Van Gospel Oak is committed to providing a safe, healthy and secure working environment for our team members, customers, visitors and members of the public who may be affected by our work. This Health and Safety Policy sets out our approach to managing risks associated with removals, collection and delivery services, and related van operations.
Policy Aims
The aim of this policy is to prevent accidents, injuries and work-related ill health, and to promote safe working practices in all aspects of our moving and transport activities. We will take all reasonably practicable steps to:
Identify and control hazards associated with lifting, loading, driving and working in and around customer premises and vehicles.
Ensure that staff are competent, properly trained and appropriately supervised.
Protect the health and safety of customers, the public and anyone else affected by our operations.
Comply with all relevant health and safety legislation and recognised industry standards.
Management Responsibilities
Management is responsible for implementing this policy and for ensuring that health and safety is an integral part of planning and delivering removal and transport services. This includes:
Carrying out and maintaining risk assessments for core tasks such as lifting and carrying goods, loading and unloading vehicles, and driving.
Providing guidance, training and information to staff on safe working techniques and the correct use of equipment.
Ensuring that vehicles, lifting aids and other equipment used in the course of our work are suitable, maintained and safe to use.
Investigating accidents, incidents and near misses in order to identify root causes and implement corrective actions.
Employee Responsibilities
All staff, including drivers, porters and any contractors working on our behalf, have a duty to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions. Staff are required to:
Follow the procedures, training and instructions provided by the company.
Use equipment, vehicles and protective gear correctly and report any defects immediately.
Adopt safe manual handling techniques at all times and request assistance or additional equipment where an item is too heavy or awkward to move alone.
Refrain from horseplay, unsafe shortcuts or any behaviour that could endanger themselves or others.
Report hazards, near misses, accidents or concerns about health and safety as soon as they become aware of them.
Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices
Man with Van Gospel Oak carries out regular risk assessments for the typical tasks involved in home and office moves, collections and deliveries. These assessments consider hazards such as manual handling, slips and trips, working in confined spaces like stairwells, vehicle movements and adverse weather conditions.
Safe working practices will be developed from these assessments and communicated to all staff. These include, but are not limited to:
Planning access routes before moving items and ensuring pathways are kept clear.
Using team lifting and mechanical aids for large or heavy items whenever practicable.
Securing loads safely in the van to prevent shifting during transport.
Avoiding overloading vehicles and observing weight limits at all times.
Manual Handling and Loading
Manual handling is a significant part of removal work and must be carried out with care. Our approach includes:
Providing training on correct lifting techniques, posture and team coordination.
Assessing each item before moving it to consider weight, size, shape and potential hazards.
Using appropriate equipment such as trolleys, straps or blankets where available.
Encouraging staff to refuse to lift or carry any item they believe may put them or others at risk and to seek alternative methods or assistance.
Vehicle Safety and Driving Standards
We recognise that driving and vehicle operations present specific risks. To manage these, we will:
Ensure that all drivers are competent to drive the vehicles they operate and hold the appropriate valid licences.
Maintain vehicles in a roadworthy condition, with regular checks on brakes, lights, tyres, securing points and other safety-critical components.
Require drivers to adhere to road traffic laws, speed limits and parking restrictions, and to drive with due care and attention at all times.
Discourage the use of mobile phones or any device that could cause distraction while driving, except where used hands-free and legally permitted.
Customer and Public Safety
Our work often takes place in and around homes, offices and public areas. We will take steps to minimise disruption and risk to customers and the public by:
Communicating clearly with customers about planned work, access requirements and any temporary restrictions needed during loading and unloading.
Organising work areas to avoid trip hazards caused by tools, packing materials and equipment.
Monitoring entrances, stairways and pavements when moving large items to prevent accidental contact with passers-by.
Health, Welfare and Fitness for Work
We expect all staff to present for work in a fit state to carry out their duties safely. This includes:
Prohibiting the use of drugs or alcohol during working hours or at any time that could impair performance.
Encouraging staff to report any health conditions that may affect their ability to lift, carry or drive safely so that adjustments can be considered.
Providing reasonable breaks, especially during physically demanding work or in extreme temperatures, to reduce fatigue.
Training, Information and Supervision
Man with Van Gospel Oak will provide appropriate induction and ongoing training related to health and safety. This may include manual handling, safe loading, vehicle checks and general risk awareness. Supervisors will monitor working practices and provide guidance and correction where necessary to maintain safe standards.
Monitoring, Review and Continuous Improvement
This Health and Safety Policy will be monitored and reviewed regularly to ensure it remains effective and relevant to our services. We will review the policy following any serious incident, significant change in operations or introduction of new equipment. Feedback from staff and customers is welcomed, as it helps us to improve our approach to safety.
By working together and following this policy, Man with Van Gospel Oak aims to provide reliable removal and transport services while protecting the health, safety and welfare of everyone involved.
