Man with Van Hornchurch Health and Safety Policy

Man with Van Hornchurch is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for our customers, our workers and any third parties who may be affected by our removal and transportation services. This Health and Safety Policy sets out the principles and procedures we follow to minimise risk and promote safe working practices during collections, loading, transport and deliveries.

Our Health and Safety Objectives

Our primary objective is to prevent injury, ill health and damage to property arising from our operations. We aim to achieve this by planning our work carefully, providing appropriate training and equipment, and continually reviewing and improving our procedures. Health and safety is an integral part of our daily operations and is given equal priority with service quality and customer care.

Legal Responsibilities

Man with Van Hornchurch complies with relevant health and safety legislation and associated regulations that apply to removal and transportation activities. We monitor changes in legal requirements and adjust our processes as needed to remain compliant. All workers are expected to cooperate fully with these requirements and follow the guidance given in this policy and any related procedures.

Management Responsibilities

Management is responsible for implementing this policy, providing suitable resources and ensuring that health and safety standards are maintained. This includes:

Conducting and reviewing risk assessments for typical moving activities, including lifting, carrying, loading, unloading and driving. Providing suitable vehicles, equipment and personal protective equipment where required. Ensuring that workers receive appropriate information, instruction and training for the tasks they perform. Investigating accidents, incidents and near misses to identify causes and prevent recurrence. Encouraging open communication so that workers can raise safety concerns without fear of disadvantage.

Employee Responsibilities

All workers engaged by Man with Van Hornchurch have a duty to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions. This includes:

Following all safety instructions, procedures and guidance. Using equipment correctly and only for its intended purpose. Reporting hazards, accidents, incidents and near misses immediately to management. Refusing to undertake work that they believe to be unsafe until it has been reviewed and controlled. Maintaining a professional standard of driving and conduct when representing the company.

Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work

We carry out risk assessments for our removal and man and van services to identify potential hazards and implement control measures. Typical risks include manual handling injuries, trips and falls, vehicle related incidents and damage to property. We plan each job with regard to access, parking, building layout, item size and weight, and any special customer requirements. Where necessary, we may adjust staffing levels, use additional equipment or modify the approach to ensure the work can be completed safely.

Manual Handling and Lifting Safety

Manual handling is a core part of our work and presents a significant risk if not managed correctly. We minimise manual handling injuries by:

Training workers in safe lifting techniques, including correct posture, team lifting and recognition of personal limits. Using lifting aids such as trolleys, dollies and straps where appropriate. Assessing the weight, size and shape of items before lifting or moving them. Avoiding unnecessary carrying distances by planning loading and unloading routes. Encouraging workers to ask for assistance when moving heavy or awkward items.

Vehicle Safety and Driving Standards

Our vehicles are maintained in a roadworthy condition and are regularly inspected. Drivers must hold a valid licence suitable for the vehicle they operate and must comply with road traffic laws at all times. We promote safe driving behaviours including correct loading and securing of items, adherence to speed limits, consideration for pedestrians and other road users, and avoidance of distractions while driving. Drivers must not operate vehicles under the influence of alcohol, drugs or any substance that could impair their ability to drive safely.

Use of Equipment and Protective Measures

Where required, workers are provided with suitable equipment and personal protective items such as gloves, high visibility garments or safety footwear. All equipment must be inspected before use and any defects reported immediately. Workers must not use equipment for which they have not been trained, and must follow the manufacturer instructions and company procedures at all times.

Customer Premises and Public Safety

We recognise that our work often takes place in and around customer homes, offices and public areas. We take reasonable steps to protect customers, visitors and members of the public by:

Keeping walkways and access routes as clear as practicable. Using safe lifting and carrying routes to reduce congestion and avoid unnecessary risk. Taking care when moving large items through doorways, corridors and stairwells. Being mindful of noise, disruption and parking to limit inconvenience. Handling customer property with care to prevent damage and associated hazards such as broken glass or exposed sharp edges.

Training, Information and Supervision

Man with Van Hornchurch provides workers with information and training appropriate to their roles. This may include induction training, manual handling guidance, safe vehicle operation and site specific instructions when relevant. Supervisors and experienced staff support newer workers to ensure tasks are carried out safely and in accordance with this policy. We encourage ongoing learning and feedback so that health and safety knowledge remains current.

Accident Reporting and Emergency Procedures

All accidents, injuries, near misses and dangerous occurrences must be reported to management as soon as reasonably practicable. This allows us to provide appropriate support, record what happened and investigate the causes. Where needed, emergency services will be contacted without delay. Workers are expected to cooperate with any investigation and to follow emergency procedures, including evacuation routes and first aid arrangements, at customer premises or other locations.

Monitoring, Review and Continuous Improvement

This Health and Safety Policy is monitored on an ongoing basis and formally reviewed at regular intervals, or following any significant change in our operations or relevant legislation. We consider feedback from workers and customers, and we review incident reports and risk assessments to identify areas for improvement. Where necessary, we update our procedures, training and resources to ensure that health and safety standards are maintained and enhanced over time.

Policy Communication and Availability

This policy is communicated to all workers and is available to customers on request. By engaging Man with Van Hornchurch, customers can be confident that health and safety is taken seriously and that every reasonable effort is made to carry out removal and transportation services in a safe, responsible and professional manner.