Health and Safety policy

Health and Safety Policy for Man with Van Holland Park

Man with Van Holland Park is committed to maintaining the highest standards of health and safety for our employees, clients, contractors, visitors and members of the public who may be affected by our removal and transport activities. This policy sets out our objectives, responsibilities and working practices to ensure a safe and healthy environment during all stages of house moves, flat moves, office relocations and related services.

Our Health and Safety Objectives

We aim to prevent injury, ill health, property damage and disruption arising from our operations. To achieve this, we will identify and control risks associated with lifting and carrying, loading and unloading, driving and parking, working in homes and offices, and handling customers belongings. Health and safety considerations will be given equal priority to service quality, scheduling and cost.

Legal Duties and Standards

Man with Van Holland Park will comply with all applicable health and safety legislation, regulations and recognised industry standards relevant to removal and transport services. We will monitor developments in best practice for manual handling, driving safety and workplace welfare and will update our procedures when needed.

Management Responsibilities

Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining an effective health and safety management system. This includes setting clear procedures, providing suitable equipment, ensuring that staff are trained and competent, and monitoring performance. Managers will regularly review incident reports, customer feedback and operational checks to identify opportunities for improvement.

Employee Responsibilities

Every employee has a duty to take reasonable care for their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions. Staff must follow all safety instructions, use equipment correctly, report hazards or incidents without delay and participate in training and risk assessments. No employee is required or permitted to undertake a task that they consider unsafe or for which they have not been properly trained.

Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices

Systematic risk assessments will be carried out for our core activities, including surveys of properties when possible, handling heavy or bulky items, negotiating stairs and narrow access, use of trolleys and ramps, and vehicle loading and unloading. Where specific risks are identified, control measures will be implemented, such as using additional staff, planning alternative routes, or adjusting lifting techniques and equipment.

Safe systems of work will be communicated to all staff. These include guidance on safe lifting, communication between team members, dealing with unexpected hazards on site and protecting both people and property during moves.

Manual Handling and Use of Equipment

Manual handling is a key part of our service and presents potential risks to staff and customers. We will provide appropriate handling equipment such as trolleys, straps, blankets and ramps wherever required and ensure it is properly maintained. Staff will receive training in correct lifting techniques and in planning lifts, including assessing the load, the route and the destination before moving items.

No employee should attempt to lift or carry an item that is beyond their capability or that requires more people or specialised equipment. Teamwork is expected when handling large, awkward or heavy belongings, particularly during flat and office moves where access may be restricted.

Vehicle Safety and Driving Standards

Our vehicles will be maintained in a roadworthy condition and subject to regular checks. Drivers must hold the appropriate licence, obey road traffic laws and operate vehicles responsibly at all times. Loads will be secured safely to prevent movement or damage while in transit. Drivers are expected to plan routes sensibly, allow sufficient time for journeys and respect parking and loading restrictions when operating in residential streets and busy commercial areas.

Client Premises and Public Safety

During work at client homes, apartments and business premises, our teams will take steps to minimise risks to occupants, visitors and neighbours. This includes using safe access routes, keeping walkways as clear as reasonably practicable, and placing equipment where it does not create trip or impact hazards. Where necessary, staff will communicate with clients about temporary restrictions on access while loading or unloading is in progress.

We recognise our responsibility to safeguard the public when operating in shared spaces such as communal hallways, stairwells, pavements and building entrances. Our teams will work with heightened awareness in these environments and will cooperate with building managers, neighbours and other users of the space.

Training, Information and Supervision

All staff will receive appropriate induction and ongoing training relevant to their role, including manual handling, safe use of equipment, safe driving, hazard awareness and emergency procedures. Supervisors are responsible for ensuring that team members apply this training on site and for intervening where unsafe practices are observed.

Health and safety information will be communicated clearly and regularly, including updates to procedures, learning from incidents and reminders about seasonal risks such as poor weather and reduced visibility.

Accident, Incident and Near Miss Reporting

All accidents, injuries, near misses and cases of damage to property or vehicles must be reported as soon as reasonably practicable to management. Details will be recorded, investigated and reviewed to identify root causes and preventive measures. We encourage open reporting and will not penalise staff for raising genuine safety concerns or highlighting potential risks.

Wellbeing and Fitness for Work

We recognise that removal work can be physically demanding. Staff are expected to present for work fit to carry out their duties and to notify management of any health condition that may affect their ability to perform tasks safely. We will take reasonable steps to adjust work where appropriate and will never knowingly require staff to carry out duties that place them at unacceptable risk.

Continuous Improvement and Policy Review

Man with Van Holland Park is committed to continual improvement in health and safety performance. We will review this policy on a regular basis and following any significant change in our operations, an accident or incident, or relevant changes in law or best practice. Feedback from employees and clients will be considered as part of this review, and any necessary updates will be communicated promptly.

This policy is approved by the management of Man with Van Holland Park and applies to all aspects of our home, flat and office removal services across our operating area.