Man with Van Stanmore Health and Safety Policy
Man with Van Stanmore is committed to carrying out all removal and transport services in a way that safeguards the health, safety, and wellbeing of our customers, employees, contractors, and members of the public. This Health and Safety Policy sets out our responsibilities, arrangements, and standards for managing risks associated with moving, loading, transport, and delivery of goods.
Policy Statement and Objectives
Our objective is to prevent injury, ill health, and damage to property while providing reliable man and van and removal services. We seek to identify and control hazards in all aspects of our activities, from initial planning and packing through to loading, transit, and unloading at the destination address.
Senior management is responsible for ensuring this policy is implemented, maintained, and periodically reviewed so that it remains suitable for our operations, reflects current legislation, and supports continual improvement of safety performance.
Legal Compliance and Standards
Man with Van Stanmore will comply with all applicable health and safety legislation and recognised industry best practice. We will ensure that our work methods, vehicles, and equipment are safe and do not pose unnecessary risk when operated in accordance with our training and procedures.
Where regulations or guidance change, we will update our procedures, risk assessments, and training materials as soon as reasonably practicable.
Roles and Responsibilities
Management is responsible for:
Ensuring appropriate health and safety arrangements are in place and communicated to all workers.
Providing suitable resources, training, and supervision to maintain safe operations.
Reviewing risk assessments and monitoring compliance with this policy.
All employees and regular contractors are responsible for:
Taking reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions.
Following all safe systems of work, instructions, and training provided.
Immediately reporting hazards, accidents, near misses, and unsafe conditions to management.
Customers are requested to support safe working by:
Providing clear access for removal teams and vehicles.
Informing us of any known hazards at the property, such as structural issues, restricted access, or hazardous materials.
Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices
We carry out risk assessments for our core activities, including home and office moves, furniture transport, and loading and unloading of goods. These assessments identify significant hazards and determine control measures to reduce risks to an acceptable level.
Safe working practices include, but are not limited to:
Assessing access routes, staircases, and lifts before moving items.
Using correct manual handling techniques and mechanical aids where possible.
Ensuring loads are stable, secure, and within safe weight limits for individuals and teams.
Maintaining good housekeeping to keep working areas free from tripping and slipping hazards.
Manual Handling and Lifting
Manual handling represents a significant part of removal work. To reduce the risk of injury, Man with Van Stanmore:
Provides guidance and instruction on safe lifting, carrying, and team handling.
Encourages workers to assess each load, use correct posture, and request assistance when required.
Uses equipment such as sack trucks, dollies, and lifting straps where appropriate.
We will not require staff to lift or move items that are beyond safe handling limits or that present an unreasonable risk to health.
Use of Vehicles and Driving Safety
Our vehicles are central to our removal and man and van services. To maintain safe vehicle operations, we:
Ensure vehicles are roadworthy, regularly inspected, and appropriately maintained.
Require drivers to hold a valid licence and follow all road traffic laws.
Instruct drivers to plan routes that consider time, distance, weather conditions, and local traffic restrictions.
Ensure loads are correctly distributed, secured, and covered where necessary to prevent movement or loss of items in transit.
Drivers must not operate vehicles under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or any substance that may impair their ability to drive safely.
Work Environment, Access, and Public Safety
We recognise our duty to protect members of the public and other third parties who may be affected by our work. During loading and unloading, we:
Position vehicles and set up working areas to minimise obstruction and risk to pedestrians and other road users.
Take care when moving large or bulky items through shared spaces, corridors, and entrances.
Use caution on public pavements, in communal areas, and near residential parking areas.
Where appropriate, we may temporarily restrict access to certain areas while heavy items are being carried.
Equipment, Tools, and Personal Protective Equipment
All tools, trolleys, and moving equipment used by Man with Van Stanmore must be suitable for their intended purpose, kept in good working condition, and inspected regularly. Any defective equipment must be removed from service immediately and reported to management.
Where required, workers will be provided with, or instructed to use, appropriate personal protective equipment, such as safety footwear and gloves, to reduce the risk of injury from handling or accidental impact.
Training, Information, and Supervision
We are committed to providing adequate health and safety training and information to all staff and, where necessary, regular contractors. This may include induction training, task-specific instructions, refreshers, and toolbox talks focusing on topics such as manual handling, vehicle safety, and incident reporting.
Supervision will be provided in proportion to the level of risk and the experience of staff carrying out the work.
Accident, Incident, and Near Miss Reporting
All accidents, incidents, and near misses that occur during our removal and man and van operations must be reported to management as soon as possible. This allows us to:
Provide any necessary first aid or support.
Investigate the causes and implement corrective actions.
Review and, if needed, update our risk assessments and procedures.
Records of reportable incidents will be maintained in accordance with legal and company requirements.
Health, Welfare, and Fitness for Work
We recognise the physical nature of removal work and the importance of fitness for duty. Employees are encouraged to inform management of any health conditions that may affect their ability to work safely, so that reasonable adjustments can be considered.
Workers must not engage in unsafe practices, including working when fatigued, under the influence of intoxicating substances, or otherwise unfit to perform their duties.
Continuous Improvement and Policy Review
Man with Van Stanmore is committed to continuous improvement in health and safety. We will periodically review this policy and our procedures, considering feedback from staff and customers, operational experience, and any changes in applicable legislation or industry guidance.
This Health and Safety Policy is approved by management and applies to all activities carried out in connection with our removal and man and van services. All staff and contractors are expected to be familiar with it and follow its requirements at all times.
