Health and Safety Policy for Man With a Van Eastcote

Man With a Van Eastcote is committed to providing safe, reliable removal services for households and businesses. The purpose of this Health and Safety policy is to protect our customers, employees, contractors, members of the public, and property during all removal and transportation activities. We aim to comply with all relevant health and safety legislation and to follow best practice within the removals industry.

Our Health and Safety Commitments

We recognise that the nature of removal work involves manual handling, vehicle use, access to various premises, and the handling of customers possessions. To manage these activities safely, Man With a Van Eastcote commits to:

Ensuring, so far as is reasonably practicable, a safe working environment for all team members engaged in our removal services. Identifying, assessing, and controlling risks associated with lifting, carrying, loading, and transporting goods. Providing clear instructions, information, and training to staff to help them work safely and competently. Supplying and maintaining appropriate equipment and vehicles in a safe condition. Promoting a culture where safety concerns can be raised and addressed promptly.

Responsibilities for Health and Safety

Health and safety is a shared responsibility. Man With a Van Eastcote management is responsible for implementing and reviewing this policy, ensuring that safe working procedures are in place, and that appropriate resources are provided. Supervisors and team leaders must ensure that daily operations are carried out in accordance with this policy and that any incidents, hazards, or near-misses are reported and recorded.

All employees and contractors working on behalf of Man With a Van Eastcote have a duty to take reasonable care of their own safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions. They must follow safe systems of work, use equipment correctly, report hazards, and cooperate fully with health and safety instructions and training.

Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices

Before beginning any removal job, our team considers the specific risks posed by the property, access routes, items to be moved, and any special requirements. Where appropriate, a formal risk assessment is carried out. Common risks include awkward or heavy loads, stairs, uneven surfaces, limited access, and traffic or parking challenges.

Our safe working practices may include planning the route for carrying items, agreeing lifting techniques, using appropriate lifting aids where available, and ensuring that doors, stairways, and pathways remain clear. When conditions change or new hazards are identified, work is paused while the risk is reassessed and suitable control measures are put in place.

Manual Handling and Load Safety

Manual handling is central to removal work. Man With a Van Eastcote takes steps to reduce the risk of strain, sprains, and other injuries by:

Encouraging team lifting for heavy or bulky items. Using safe lifting techniques, such as bending knees and keeping the back as straight as possible. Avoiding twisting motions while carrying loads. Planning lifts in advance, considering weight, size, and the route to be taken.

Loads are checked for stability before lifting, and breakable or hazardous contents are identified wherever possible. When loading vehicles, items are positioned securely to prevent movement during transit, and heavier items are placed lower to maintain stability.

Vehicle Safety and Driving Standards

Our vehicles are maintained in a roadworthy condition, with regular checks on brakes, tyres, lights, securing points, and other safety-related components. Drivers are required to hold the appropriate licences, follow the Highway Code, and drive responsibly to protect passengers, other road users, and goods in transit.

Safe loading limits are respected at all times. Loads are checked before departure to ensure that nothing obstructs the driver’s view and that doors and securing mechanisms are properly closed. Routes are planned with consideration for time of day, weather, and traffic to minimise risk.

Customer and Public Safety

During removals, we take reasonable steps to reduce risks to customers and the public. This may include keeping walkways clear, avoiding leaving items or equipment where they may cause a trip hazard, and communicating clearly when large or heavy items are being moved through shared spaces.

Where work takes place in communal areas, on pavements, or near roads, our staff remain vigilant and take care not to block entrances or emergency exits for longer than necessary. Where appropriate, customers may be asked to keep children and pets away from active work areas to prevent accidents.

Equipment, Personal Protective Equipment, and Maintenance

Equipment provided for use in removal work, such as trolleys, straps, and protective coverings, is inspected regularly and used in line with training and manufacturer guidelines. Damaged or defective equipment is taken out of service until repaired or replaced.

Where necessary, personal protective equipment may be used, for example gloves or safety footwear, to protect against foreseeable risks. Staff are instructed on proper use and care of such equipment, and it is replaced when worn or damaged.

Training, Information, and Supervision

Man With a Van Eastcote ensures that staff receive appropriate training for their roles, including induction training for new starters and refresher training when required. Training may cover manual handling, vehicle safety, use of equipment, hazard awareness, and emergency procedures relevant to removal work.

Supervision is provided to ensure that procedures are followed correctly and to offer guidance to less experienced team members. Information about job-specific risks and any special instructions from customers is communicated to the team before work begins.

Accident Reporting and Emergency Procedures

All accidents, injuries, near-misses, and damage to property or vehicles that occur during our work must be reported as soon as practicable. Incidents are recorded and reviewed to identify causes and to prevent recurrence wherever possible.

In the event of an emergency, such as a serious injury, fire, or road traffic collision, staff are expected to prioritise safety, call emergency services where necessary, and follow any relevant procedures. Customers are informed promptly of any incident that directly affects them or their property.

Policy Review and Continuous Improvement

This Health and Safety policy is reviewed regularly to ensure it remains effective, up to date, and suitable for the type of removal services we provide. Changes in legislation, industry guidance, or our working practices may trigger an earlier review. Feedback from staff and customers regarding safety issues is welcomed and used to support continuous improvement in our operations.

By maintaining this Health and Safety policy and applying it to all removal activities, Man With a Van Eastcote aims to deliver a professional, safe, and dependable service to every customer.