Man and Van Highbury Health and Safety Policy

Man and Van Highbury is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for our employees, contractors, customers and members of the public. This policy sets out our approach to managing health and safety across all removal, packing, loading, transport and delivery activities.

We recognise that professional moving and transportation work involves manual handling, vehicle operations and work at customers premises, and we take all reasonable steps to minimise risks arising from these activities.

Health and Safety Responsibilities

The overall responsibility for health and safety within Man and Van Highbury rests with the management of the company. Management will ensure that appropriate resources, equipment and training are in place so that work can be carried out safely and in accordance with relevant legislation and industry best practice.

All employees and contractors have a duty to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of people who may be affected by their actions. Every team member is expected to follow safe systems of work, report hazards immediately and cooperate fully with health and safety procedures.

Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices

We carry out risk assessments for our typical man and van and removal services, including domestic moves, commercial moves, collection and delivery services, and short-notice transport. These assessments identify the significant hazards and outline control measures to reduce risk to an acceptable level.

Before starting a job, team leaders will consider access routes, parking, lifting requirements, stairways, lifts, floor conditions and any special items such as pianos, fragile furniture, appliances or bulky equipment. Where needed, work methods may be adjusted or additional equipment requested to ensure the task can be completed safely.

Manual Handling and Lifting Safety

Manual handling is a core part of man and van work, and we take particular care to prevent injuries from lifting, carrying and moving loads. Staff are trained in correct lifting techniques, including assessing the load, working as a team when required, and using handling aids where appropriate.

We encourage realistic assessment of what can be lifted safely. Where an item is too heavy, awkward or unstable for safe manual handling, we will use mechanical aids or additional manpower, or agree an alternative solution with the customer. Our priority is the safety of people, not speed of completion.

Use of Vehicles and Driving Standards

Our vehicles are maintained in a safe and roadworthy condition, and all drivers must hold valid and appropriate driving licences. Pre-use checks are carried out so that issues such as tyre condition, lights, brakes and securing points are identified and addressed promptly.

Drivers must follow all road traffic laws and drive in a manner that protects passengers, other road users and the load being transported. Overloading vehicles is not permitted, and loads must be secured correctly, using straps and other restraint systems. Journey planning will take account of time of day, parking limitations and access restrictions to minimise risks.

Safe Loading and Unloading

Safe loading and unloading is essential to prevent injuries and damage to property. Our teams will plan loading so that heavier items are placed first and at the bottom, and that the weight is distributed evenly within the vehicle. Walkways and doorways must be kept as clear as reasonably practicable to prevent slips, trips and falls.

When working at customers homes or business premises, our staff will take care to protect floors, walls and fixtures where possible, and will move carefully through shared areas such as corridors and stairwells. Particular caution is taken in wet or uneven conditions, and staff are encouraged to stop work if conditions become unsafe.

Equipment, Tools and Personal Protective Equipment

Man and Van Highbury provides appropriate equipment to support safe working, which may include moving trolleys, blankets, straps, ramps and other handling aids. All equipment must be used only for its intended purpose and inspected regularly for damage or defects.

Where required, personal protective equipment such as gloves, high visibility garments or safety footwear will be supplied. Staff must wear such equipment as instructed and report any issues with its condition or suitability so that it can be replaced or upgraded as necessary.

Health, Welfare and Fitness for Work

We recognise the physical nature of removal work and expect our staff to present fit for duty. Anyone suffering from illness, injury, fatigue or any condition that may affect their ability to work safely must inform management without delay. Driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs or any substance that impairs judgement or reaction time is strictly prohibited.

We encourage regular breaks during longer jobs and longer journeys to reduce the risk of fatigue. Drinking water and access to basic welfare facilities will be built into work planning as far as reasonably practicable.

Customer Premises and Public Safety

Many of our activities are carried out at customer locations and in public areas. We take care to work in a way that minimises disruption and risk to others. Where necessary, we will temporarily restrict access to specific areas during loading or unloading to prevent members of the public walking into hazardous zones.

We will act courteously and responsibly at all times, keeping noise, obstruction and disturbance to a minimum. Any incidents, near misses or damage to property will be reported to the customer and recorded internally so that we can learn and improve our practices.

Training, Communication and Continuous Improvement

Man and Van Highbury provides health and safety induction and on-the-job training for all new staff, with refresher training as needed. Key topics include manual handling, vehicle safety, hazard awareness, safe loading, use of equipment and emergency procedures.

We encourage open communication about safety concerns and will not penalise staff for raising issues or stopping work where they believe there is a serious and imminent danger. Health and safety performance is reviewed regularly, and this policy will be updated when necessary to reflect changes in legislation, work practices or risk assessments.

Policy Review and Availability

This health and safety policy is reviewed at regular intervals, or sooner if there are significant changes to our operations or relevant regulations. A current copy of the policy is made available to all employees and contractors of Man and Van Highbury, and to customers on request.

By following this policy and working together, we aim to deliver safe, reliable and professional removal and man and van services while protecting the wellbeing of everyone involved.