Health and Safety policy

Man and Van Holland Park Health and Safety Policy

Man and Van Holland Park is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for our employees, customers, contractors and members of the public who may be affected by our man and van and removal activities. Our aim is to prevent injury, ill health and damage to property throughout every stage of the moving process, from initial loading to final delivery.

Our Health and Safety Commitments

We recognise our responsibility to manage health and safety as an integral part of our removal operations. We are committed to:

Identifying and assessing the risks arising from our work, particularly those associated with manual handling, driving, loading and unloading, use of equipment and working in and around domestic and commercial premises.

Implementing suitable control measures to reduce risks as far as is reasonably practicable, and reviewing those controls regularly.

Complying with applicable health and safety laws, regulations and approved codes of practice relevant to the removal and transport industry.

Providing information, instruction, training and supervision to ensure that employees are competent to carry out their tasks safely.

Consulting with staff on health and safety matters and encouraging suggestions for improvement.

Promoting a positive health and safety culture where safe working is the normal way of operating.

Management Responsibilities

Management at Man and Van Holland Park has overall responsibility for ensuring that this policy is implemented and maintained. Management will ensure that:

Clear lines of responsibility and authority for health and safety are established within the company.

Risk assessments are carried out for typical removal tasks and that findings are communicated to relevant employees.

Suitable vehicles, tools and equipment are provided, maintained in safe condition and used in accordance with manufacturer instructions.

Any incidents, near misses or hazards reported by staff or customers are investigated promptly and corrective actions taken.

Health and safety performance is monitored and reviewed regularly to support continuous improvement.

Employee Responsibilities

Every employee and operative of Man and Van Holland Park has a duty to care for their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions. Employees are expected to:

Follow all safety instructions, procedures and training provided by the company.

Use vehicles, tools, lifting equipment and personal protective equipment correctly and only for their intended purpose.

Plan each lift and move carefully, using safe manual handling techniques and seeking help or mechanical assistance when required.

Report all accidents, near misses, unsafe conditions or damaged equipment to management as soon as practicable.

Refrain from working under the influence of alcohol or drugs and inform management of any health issues that may affect safe working.

Safe Manual Handling and Lifting

Manual handling is a core part of our removals service. To reduce the risk of back injuries and strains, we will:

Assess loads before lifting, considering weight, shape, stability and the surrounding environment.

Encourage the use of team lifts for heavy or awkward items and the use of trolleys, dollies and other handling aids where appropriate.

Train staff in safe lifting techniques, including correct posture, keeping loads close to the body and avoiding twisting movements.

Discourage staff from attempting to lift or move items that exceed safe limits or cannot be handled safely with the resources available.

Vehicle Safety and Driving Standards

Our vehicles are essential to our man and van operations and must be operated safely at all times. Man and Van Holland Park will:

Ensure that drivers hold appropriate licences and are competent and medically fit to drive.

Carry out regular checks and maintenance on all vehicles, including tyres, brakes, lights, securing points and loading areas.

Require drivers to comply with road traffic laws, respect speed limits and drive in a manner appropriate to conditions and load.

Ensure loads are properly distributed, secured and covered where necessary to prevent movement, spillage or damage during transit.

Discourage the use of mobile phones or other distractions while driving, except with legally compliant hands free equipment where safe to do so.

Safe Working at Customer Premises

Our teams often work in homes, offices and shared buildings. To protect customers, neighbours and the public, we will:

Plan access routes for moving items, checking for obstructions, fragile surfaces, trip hazards and restricted spaces.

Use protective coverings where appropriate to minimise damage and slipping risks on floors and stairs.

Keep working areas as tidy as possible, avoiding blocking exits and emergency escape routes.

Take particular care when handling large items in communal areas, stairwells, narrow corridors and near glass or delicate fixtures.

Communicate clearly with customers and others nearby when manoeuvring heavy or bulky items.

Equipment and Personal Protective Equipment

We provide appropriate equipment to support safe removals, such as moving blankets, straps, trolleys and ramps. Where required, personal protective equipment may include safety footwear, gloves and high visibility garments. Staff are responsible for using and caring for this equipment as instructed and for reporting defects immediately.

Accident Reporting and Emergency Procedures

All accidents, incidents and near misses must be reported to management. This enables us to learn lessons, prevent recurrence and, where necessary, update our risk assessments and procedures. In the event of an emergency, our staff must prioritise the safety of people, follow site specific instructions where present and contact the appropriate emergency services as needed.

Training, Review and Continuous Improvement

Man and Van Holland Park provides initial and refresher training to ensure staff remain aware of safe working practices. This policy will be reviewed regularly, and whenever there are significant changes to our operations or relevant legislation. We are committed to continually improving our health and safety performance to support a reliable, professional and safe removal service in our operating area.