Health and Safety policy
Health and Safety Policy for Man with Van Forest Hill
Man with Van Forest Hill is committed to providing a safe, healthy and secure environment for our employees, contractors, customers and members of the public who may be affected by our removal and transport activities. This Health and Safety policy sets out our principles and practical measures to prevent injury, ill health and damage to property during all moving and delivery operations.
Policy Statement and Objectives
Our objective is to manage health and safety effectively so that all work is carried out without risk, so far as is reasonably practicable. We aim to identify, assess and control hazards associated with lifting, loading, driving, handling goods and working in domestic and commercial premises across our service area.
We will provide and maintain safe systems of work, suitable equipment and a working environment that supports the physical and mental wellbeing of our workers. Health and safety considerations will be integrated into planning and decision making for all removal jobs, from small van loads to larger property moves.
Responsibilities
The company management has overall responsibility for implementing this Health and Safety policy, ensuring that adequate resources, training and supervision are provided. Management will regularly review procedures, accident reports and working practices, and will update this policy as required.
Supervisors and team leaders are responsible for day-to-day control of health and safety on each job. This includes conducting on-site checks, monitoring manual handling practices, ensuring vehicle safety and confirming that staff follow agreed risk control measures.
Every employee and contractor has a duty to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions or omissions. All workers must cooperate with the company by following instructions, using equipment correctly, reporting hazards and participating in training.
Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work
We carry out risk assessments for our activities, including handling heavy or awkward items, operating in confined spaces such as stairwells, loading and unloading vehicles, and working in varying weather and traffic conditions.
Where risks are identified, we introduce control measures such as team lifting, use of trolleys and lifting aids, route planning, safe parking and controlled access to work areas. Standard operating procedures are developed for common tasks and are communicated clearly to all staff.
Manual Handling and Lifting
Manual handling is a core part of our removal work and is recognised as a key risk area. We aim to minimise manual handling wherever possible by using equipment and planning jobs to reduce unnecessary lifting or carrying.
All staff receive training in safe lifting techniques, team handling, assessment of load weight and stability, and recognition of personal limits. Heavy or bulky items will be moved by at least two people or with appropriate mechanical aids. No worker is required to lift or carry a load that they reasonably believe to be unsafe.
Vehicle Safety and Driving Standards
Our vehicles are maintained in a roadworthy condition and are subject to regular checks, servicing and cleaning. Drivers must carry out basic safety inspections before use, including tyres, lights and load security.
Safe driving practices are mandatory at all times. Drivers must obey speed limits, adapt their driving to weather and traffic conditions and avoid any form of distracted driving. Loads must be evenly distributed, appropriately secured and checked at regular intervals. No vehicle is permitted to operate if there are concerns about safety or maintenance status.
Workplace and Customer Premises Safety
Our teams often work in and around customer homes, offices, storage facilities and public spaces. We take care to protect both people and property in all these environments.
At each job, the team will assess access routes, staircases, lifts, doorways and outside areas for potential hazards. Where reasonable, we will control these risks by clearing obstructions, agreeing safe routes, using warning signs where appropriate and communicating clearly with customers about safe distances and restricted areas during loading and unloading.
Personal Protective Equipment
We provide suitable personal protective equipment where identified by risk assessment. This may include safety footwear, gloves, high-visibility clothing and other items relevant to specific tasks or environments.
Employees must wear and use personal protective equipment as instructed and must take reasonable care to keep it in good condition. Any loss or defect must be reported immediately so that it can be repaired or replaced.
Training, Information and Supervision
We ensure that all workers receive appropriate health and safety induction and job-specific training. This includes manual handling, vehicle loading, customer property protection and emergency procedures. Refresher training is provided when necessary or when work processes change.
Supervision levels will be appropriate to the experience and competence of staff and the complexity or risk of the job. New or less experienced workers will be closely supervised until they can demonstrate safe and competent performance.
Accidents, Incidents and Near Misses
All accidents, injuries, vehicle incidents, property damage and near misses must be reported promptly to management. We maintain records of such events and investigate them to identify root causes and implement corrective actions.
We encourage open reporting without blame, focusing on learning and improvement. Where necessary, work practices, equipment or training will be revised to prevent recurrence.
Wellbeing and Fitness for Work
We recognise the physical demands of removal work and the importance of staff wellbeing. Workers must present fit for duty, not under the influence of alcohol, drugs or any substance that may impair judgement or performance.
Anyone who feels unfit for a specific task, for example due to injury, fatigue or health concerns, should inform their supervisor so that work can be adjusted. We promote regular breaks, hydration and sensible workload planning, particularly during busy periods or in extreme weather.
Continuous Improvement and Policy Review
Man with Van Forest Hill is committed to continuous improvement in health and safety performance. We will review this policy periodically, and in response to significant changes in our operations or relevant guidance, to ensure it remains effective and appropriate.
All employees, contractors and customers are encouraged to share feedback about safety concerns or suggestions for better practice. By working together, we aim to deliver reliable, efficient and safe removal services across our operating area.
