Man with Van Burnt Oak Health and Safety Policy
This Health and Safety Policy sets out how Man with Van Burnt Oak manages the safety and wellbeing of customers, employees, subcontractors and the public during all removal and transport activities. Our services include household moves, office removals, student moves, deliveries and collections across our operating area. We are committed to providing a professional man and van service that prioritises safe working practices at every stage of a job.
Our Health and Safety Commitment
Man with Van Burnt Oak is committed to preventing injury, ill health, damage to property and avoidable disruption during removal and delivery work. We aim to maintain a safe working environment in vehicles, at customers premises, in shared spaces such as stairwells, and in any external loading areas we use. Health and safety considerations are integrated into planning, supervision and day-to-day operations.
Roles and Responsibilities
The management of Man with Van Burnt Oak holds overall responsibility for implementing and reviewing this policy. Management will:
Ensure that work is properly planned and resourced so that tasks can be carried out safely. Provide information and guidance to workers on safe lifting, loading, driving and customer site conduct. Maintain vehicles and equipment to a safe standard. Review accidents, near misses and concerns to prevent recurrence.
All staff and subcontractors engaged by Man with Van Burnt Oak must:
Take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions. Follow the safety procedures and instructions set out in this policy and any job-specific briefings. Use equipment correctly and report any defects or hazards immediately. Cooperate with any investigation or review following an incident or near miss.
Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices
We carry out proportionate risk assessments for our typical removal and transport activities, including house moves, flat moves, office relocations and furniture transport. For more complex jobs, such as moves involving restricted access, heavy or fragile items, or multi-van operations, an additional site-specific assessment may be carried out before work begins.
Risk assessments consider hazards such as manual handling, slips and trips, falls from height on stairs or steps, vehicle movement, loading and unloading, use of equipment, and interaction with customers and members of the public. Control measures are identified and implemented as part of normal working procedures.
Manual Handling and Lifting
Manual handling is a key part of removals work. To reduce the risk of injury, Man with Van Burnt Oak applies the following principles:
Loads are assessed before lifting, with weight, size and access routes considered. Two-person lifts are used for heavy or bulky items wherever practical. Lifting is carried out using proper technique, keeping the load close to the body and avoiding twisting. Trolleys, skates or other suitable moving aids are used where possible. Items that are too heavy or unsafe to lift manually will not be moved without appropriate equipment or additional assistance.
Use of Equipment and Vehicles
All vehicles used by Man with Van Burnt Oak must be maintained in a roadworthy condition and kept clean, tidy and free from loose objects that may create hazards. Loads are secured using straps or other restraints so that items do not move during transit. Weight limits for vehicles are respected and loads are distributed evenly.
Removal equipment such as sack trucks, dollies, ramps and protective coverings are checked regularly. Any damaged or unsafe equipment is taken out of use until repaired or replaced. Staff are expected to use equipment only for its intended purpose and according to training or instructions provided.
Working at Customer Premises
When operating at homes, offices, storage units or other premises, our teams will work in a way that protects both occupants and property. This includes planning safe access routes, taking care on stairs, steps and uneven surfaces, and keeping passageways as clear as reasonably possible while loading and unloading.
Where necessary, protective measures such as floor coverings, corner protectors or bannister protection may be used to reduce the risk of damage and trips. Drivers and loaders will communicate clearly with customers and with each other to coordinate movement of items and avoid congestion in narrow spaces.
Driving and Road Safety
Only competent and authorised drivers may operate vehicles on behalf of Man with Van Burnt Oak. Drivers must obey all traffic laws, drive courteously and plan routes to allow safe journey times. Driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or while excessively fatigued, is strictly prohibited.
During loading and unloading on the roadside, drivers will position vehicles safely, use hazard lights where appropriate, and take care when opening doors into traffic or pedestrian areas. Extra attention is given when working in busy streets, residential areas and near schools or workplaces.
Personal Protective Equipment
Where a risk assessment shows that it is necessary, suitable personal protective equipment may be used, such as protective gloves, safety footwear and high-visibility clothing. Staff are responsible for wearing any provided equipment correctly and reporting loss or damage so that it can be replaced without delay.
Training, Information and Supervision
Man with Van Burnt Oak ensures that workers receive appropriate information on safe working practices relevant to their role, including manual handling techniques, vehicle safety, load securing and safe conduct at customer premises. Less experienced staff may work under the supervision of more experienced colleagues until they are competent to work independently.
Accidents, Incidents and Near Misses
All accidents, injuries, damage incidents and significant near misses occurring during our work must be reported to management as soon as practicable. Details are recorded and reviewed so that underlying causes can be identified and measures introduced to prevent recurrence. Where appropriate, findings are shared with the team so that lessons are learned across the business.
Consultation and Policy Review
Man with Van Burnt Oak encourages feedback from workers and customers on health and safety matters. Concerns, suggestions and observations about unsafe conditions or practices are taken seriously and investigated. This policy is reviewed periodically, and whenever there are significant changes in our services, working methods, vehicles or legal requirements. Updated versions will replace previous versions from the date of issue.
By instructing Man with Van Burnt Oak, customers can expect our team to act with reasonable care to protect health, safety and property while carrying out removal and transport services across our service area.
