Man with Van Downe Health and Safety Policy
Man with Van Downe is committed to providing a professional and safe removal service for all customers and employees. This Health and Safety policy sets out how we manage risks, protect people, and maintain safe working practices during domestic and commercial moves. Our aim is to prevent accidents, reduce hazards, and ensure that every move is carried out with care and compliance.
Our Commitment to Health and Safety
The management of Man with Van Downe recognises its responsibility to safeguard the health, safety and welfare of employees, customers, contractors and members of the public who may be affected by our removal activities. We work to meet or exceed all relevant health and safety legislation and accepted industry standards.
Health and safety considerations are central to how we plan moves, load and unload vehicles, handle furniture and effects, and operate in homes, offices and public spaces. Every member of staff is required to follow this policy as a condition of their work.
Responsibilities and Management
Overall responsibility for health and safety rests with the company management, who ensure that adequate resources, training and supervision are provided. Supervisors and team leaders are responsible for implementing safe systems of work on each removal job and for monitoring working practices.
All employees have a duty to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions. Staff must cooperate with management, follow instructions and training, use equipment properly, report hazards, and not interfere with any safety measures provided.
Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work
Before starting any removal work, Man with Van Downe will assess the potential risks associated with the property, route, access, items to be moved, and any particular customer requirements. Where necessary, a site visit or pre-move survey will be carried out.
Risk assessments will consider factors such as manual handling demands, narrow stairways, long carrying distances, parking and loading restrictions, traffic risks, and the presence of vulnerable people or pets. Control measures will be put in place to manage these risks, for example by using additional staff, equipment or alternative access routes.
Manual Handling and Lifting Safety
Moving furniture, boxes and equipment is a core part of our service, and safe manual handling is essential. Man with Van Downe trains staff in correct lifting techniques, including assessing the load, working as a team, keeping the load close to the body, and avoiding twisting or overreaching.
Where possible, handling aids such as trolleys, dollies, lifting straps and blankets will be used to reduce strain and avoid damage to goods and property. Heavy or awkward items will only be lifted by trained staff in suitable numbers, and any item considered unsafe to move will be reassessed or refused if necessary for safety reasons.
Vehicle Safety and Loading Practices
Our vehicles are maintained in a roadworthy and clean condition. Drivers are responsible for carrying out pre-use checks and reporting any defects immediately so that they can be addressed before the vehicle is used.
Loads must be evenly distributed, properly secured and protected using appropriate equipment and packing materials. Overloading is strictly prohibited. Doors, ramps and tail lifts, where fitted, must be used according to training and manufacturer guidelines. Drivers must follow all road traffic laws and drive in a manner that is safe and considerate to other road users.
Protection of Customers, Property and Public Areas
Man with Van Downe is committed to protecting customers, their property and belongings, and members of the public. Our teams will take care when moving items through homes, offices and shared areas, and will use floor coverings, corner protectors and other protective measures where appropriate.
Access routes will be kept as clear as reasonably possible, and any unavoidable trip hazards will be highlighted and controlled. When operating in shared spaces, pavements or driveways, staff will be alert to pedestrians and other vehicles and will minimise obstruction and disruption.
Use of Personal Protective Equipment
Where risk assessments identify the need for personal protective equipment, such as gloves, safety footwear or high visibility clothing, Man with Van Downe will provide it and ensure that it is worn and maintained correctly. Employees are required to use all protective equipment supplied to them and to report any loss or damage so it can be replaced.
Training, Information and Supervision
All team members receive induction training that covers general health and safety responsibilities, safe lifting, safe use of equipment and vehicles, and the specific risks associated with removal work. Refresher training is provided when needed, and new procedures or equipment are explained before use.
Supervision is provided on all jobs to ensure that safe systems of work are followed and that any emerging risks are identified and managed. Employees are encouraged to raise any concerns about safety without fear of criticism.
Accidents, Incidents and Near Misses
All accidents, incidents and near misses that occur during removal activities must be reported to management as soon as possible. Details will be recorded, investigated and used to improve future safety performance.
Where necessary, we will seek medical assistance promptly and cooperate fully with any external investigation. Learning from accidents and near misses is a key part of our commitment to continual improvement.
Consultation and Continuous Improvement
Man with Van Downe values feedback from employees and customers on safety matters. Staff are consulted on practical aspects of health and safety, and their suggestions for improving procedures or equipment are considered carefully.
This policy is reviewed regularly to ensure it remains effective and appropriate to the nature and scale of our removal operations. Changes in legislation, industry guidance or our own working practices may lead to updates, which will be communicated to all employees.
Policy Availability and Review
This Health and Safety policy is available to employees, customers and other interested parties on request. It reflects our ongoing commitment to safe, reliable and professional removal services. Management will review this policy periodically and after any significant change in our work activities or any serious incident, updating it where necessary to maintain high standards of safety and care.
