Man with Van Abbey Wood Health and Safety Policy

Man with Van Abbey Wood is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for our team members, customers, visitors and members of the public who may be affected by our moving and transport activities. This policy outlines our approach to managing health and safety risks associated with domestic and commercial removals, loading and unloading vehicles, driving, and working at various premises.

Our objective is to prevent accidents, injuries and work-related ill health by identifying hazards, assessing risks and implementing effective control measures. We aim to continually improve our health and safety performance through regular review, staff training and open communication.

Scope of the Policy

This Health and Safety policy applies to all activities carried out by Man with Van Abbey Wood, including but not limited to home removals, office moves, student moves, furniture collection and delivery, packing and unpacking services, loading and unloading vehicles, and transport between locations within our service area.

The policy covers all employees, contractors, temporary workers and any other persons engaged to carry out work on behalf of Man with Van Abbey Wood, whether working on customer premises, in vehicles or in any other work location used for operational purposes.

Management Responsibilities

Management at Man with Van Abbey Wood accepts overall responsibility for ensuring that effective health and safety arrangements are in place. This includes providing suitable resources, information, instruction, training and supervision so that work can be carried out safely and without risk to health.

Specific management responsibilities include

Ensuring that risk assessments are carried out for key activities such as manual handling, working in and around vehicles, navigating stairs and tight spaces, and securing loads for transport.

Providing appropriate equipment, including moving trolleys, lifting aids, personal protective equipment and vehicle safety equipment, and ensuring it is maintained and used correctly.

Establishing safe systems of work for loading and unloading, route planning, parking, reversing and working in shared access areas or busy streets.

Investigating accidents, near misses and incidents to identify root causes and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence.

Reviewing this policy on a regular basis, and whenever there are significant changes in operations, legislation or industry best practice.

Employee Responsibilities

All employees and workers of Man with Van Abbey Wood share responsibility for maintaining a safe working environment and must take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions or omissions.

Employees are required to

Follow all safety procedures and instructions, including those related to manual handling, driving, parking, loading and unloading.

Use the equipment and personal protective equipment provided, and report any damage or defects immediately.

Report hazards, unsafe conditions, accidents and near misses as soon as reasonably practicable to their manager or supervisor.

Cooperate with any health and safety investigation, audit or inspection, and attend relevant training sessions.

Refrain from any behaviour that could compromise safety, including horseplay, ignoring instructions or working under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices

Man with Van Abbey Wood conducts risk assessments for the typical tasks involved in our removal and transport activities. These assessments identify significant hazards and set out the control measures required to reduce the risks to an acceptable level.

Safe working practices include

Planning routes and parking locations to minimise reversing, reduce time spent on the road and ensure safe access for loading and unloading.

Assessing access routes at collection and delivery sites, including stairs, corridors, doorways and outdoor areas, to identify any obstacles, trip hazards or structural risks.

Using safe lifting techniques and, where practicable, team lifting or mechanical aids for heavy, bulky or awkward items.

Securing loads inside vehicles to prevent movement during transit, using straps, blankets and other suitable equipment.

Taking precautions when working in shared spaces, on pavements or driveways, and ensuring that members of the public are kept at a safe distance from moving or carried items.

Manual Handling

Manual handling is a significant element of our work, and improper technique can lead to strains, sprains and other injuries. To manage this risk, Man with Van Abbey Wood

Provides guidance and training in correct lifting and carrying techniques, including posture, load assessment and team lifting practices.

Encourages workers to assess each load before lifting and to refuse to lift any item they consider unsafe without additional help or equipment.

Uses trolleys, dollies, sliders and other aids whenever appropriate to reduce manual effort and the risk of injury.

Avoids unnecessary carrying distances by planning the loading process and positioning vehicles as close as safely possible to the property entrance.

Vehicle Safety and Driving Standards

Safe driving and vehicle operation are essential to protecting our staff, customers and other road users. Man with Van Abbey Wood ensures that

Vehicles are properly maintained, inspected and kept in a roadworthy condition in line with legal and insurance requirements.

Drivers hold the appropriate driving licence and are competent to operate the vehicles used.

Loads are distributed and secured to maintain vehicle stability and prevent shifting during transit.

Drivers follow safe driving practices, respect speed limits, adjust driving according to weather and traffic conditions, and take adequate rest breaks to avoid fatigue.

Special care is taken when reversing or manoeuvring in tight streets or driveways, including the use of a banksman where appropriate.

Customer Premises and Public Safety

Our teams frequently work in customers homes, offices and shared access areas. Man with Van Abbey Wood is committed to minimising disruption and ensuring safety at these locations by

Identifying and communicating any access challenges or restrictions prior to the move where possible.

Keeping work areas as clear as possible, organising items to avoid trip hazards, and managing cables, tools and equipment safely.

Advising customers and other occupants to remain clear of active moving routes while heavy or bulky items are being carried.

Taking reasonable care to protect property, fixtures and fittings from damage that could create safety hazards, such as broken glass or exposed nails.

Training, Information and Consultation

Man with Van Abbey Wood provides relevant training and information so that workers understand the hazards associated with removal and transport activities and know how to work safely. Training may include manual handling practices, vehicle safety, use of equipment, incident reporting and emergency procedures.

We encourage staff to raise any concerns or suggestions related to health and safety, and we consult with workers when introducing significant changes to working methods or equipment that may affect their safety.

Monitoring and Review

We monitor compliance with this Health and Safety policy through supervision, periodic checks and review of accidents, near misses and customer feedback. Where shortcomings are identified, we take prompt action to address them.

This policy is reviewed regularly to ensure that it remains appropriate to the nature and scale of our removal and transport operations and reflects current legal standards and industry guidance. Updated versions will be communicated to all employees and those working on behalf of Man with Van Abbey Wood.