Man with Van Hook Health and Safety Policy

Man with Van Hook is committed to maintaining high standards of health and safety in all removal and transportation activities. This policy sets out how we protect our workers, customers, members of the public, and property while delivering man and van and removal services. Health and safety are integral to the planning, organisation, and delivery of every job we carry out.

Policy Aims and Scope

The aim of this Health and Safety Policy is to prevent accidents, injuries, and damage by identifying and managing risks associated with moving, carrying, loading, transporting, and unloading goods. It applies to all staff, contractors, and any other individuals engaged in work on behalf of Man with Van Hook, across all service areas and locations.

We aim to continually improve our safety performance and integrate health and safety considerations into everyday decisions, from booking and route planning to completion of each removal or delivery.

Management Responsibilities

Management at Man with Van Hook is responsible for providing a safe working environment, suitable equipment, and clear procedures for all removal tasks. They will ensure that:

Health and safety risks are identified through regular assessments and that appropriate control measures are put in place. Vehicles and equipment used for moving and lifting are maintained in a safe and roadworthy condition. Safe working procedures are documented, communicated, and reviewed when work practices or legislation change. Time and resources are allocated for training, supervision, and safety monitoring. Accidents, near misses, and incidents are investigated so that lessons can be learned and standards improved.

Employee Duties

All employees and operatives of Man with Van Hook have a legal and moral duty to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others affected by their work. They must:

Follow all safety instructions, procedures, and training provided. Use equipment, vehicles, and personal protective equipment correctly. Report hazards, defects, and unsafe conditions immediately to management. Inform management promptly of any accident, incident, or near miss, however minor. Co operate with any investigation, training, or corrective actions designed to improve safety.

No employee is expected to carry out work that they consider unsafe or for which they have not received adequate training or information.

Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices

Before each removal or transportation job, Man with Van Hook assesses the likely risks associated with access, parking, loading, unloading, lifting, carrying, and travel. Where appropriate, site specific risks are discussed with customers in advance so that safe access and working arrangements can be agreed.

Risk control measures may include planning safe lifting routes, using team lifting techniques, use of trolleys, straps, and covers, and allowing sufficient time for loading and unloading to avoid rushing. When required, we may adapt our approach or recommend additional resources to ensure work can proceed safely.

Manual Handling and Lifting

Manual handling is a core part of removal services, and poor practices can lead to strains and injuries. Man with Van Hook is committed to safe manual handling, including:

Assessing the weight, shape, and stability of items before lifting or moving them. Using appropriate lifting techniques, team lifts, and mechanical aids where necessary. Refusing to move items that are unsafe to handle or beyond safe weight limits without additional help or equipment. Planning the route in advance to avoid slips, trips, and obstructions.

Staff receive guidance and training on correct posture, safe team handling, and recognising their own physical limits.

Vehicle Safety and Loading

All vehicles operated by Man with Van Hook are maintained and inspected regularly to ensure they are roadworthy and suitable for the loads carried. Drivers are responsible for daily basic checks and reporting defects.

During loading and unloading, we ensure that:

Loads are distributed evenly and secured using appropriate restraints to prevent movement in transit. Heavy or bulky items are placed in stable positions to avoid shifting. Access to doors and emergency exits in the vehicle is not obstructed. Doors are opened carefully to prevent items from falling when the vehicle is parked or on a slope.

Drivers adhere to road safety regulations and drive in a manner suited to the load and conditions.

Customer and Public Safety

Protecting customers, their property, and members of the public is a priority for Man with Van Hook. We will:

Keep work areas as clear and organised as possible while moving items in and out of properties. Use safe parking and loading locations, so far as reasonably practical, to reduce risks to pedestrians and other road users. Take care to avoid damage to buildings, fixtures, and belongings by using blankets, coverings, and protective equipment where appropriate. Provide clear communication to customers about any risks or limitations affecting the service.

Personal Protective Equipment

Where necessary, Man with Van Hook provides personal protective equipment such as gloves, high visibility garments, or safety footwear. Staff are required to use this equipment correctly and report any loss or damage so it can be replaced.

Training, Information, and Supervision

All staff receive appropriate information and instruction relevant to their role, including safe lifting, load security, vehicle checks, and emergency procedures. Additional training is provided when new equipment, vehicles, or working methods are introduced.

Less experienced workers are supervised until they are competent to work safely on their own or as part of a team. Safety expectations are reinforced during briefings and internal communications.

Accident Reporting and Emergency Procedures

All accidents, injuries, incidents, and near misses must be reported to management as soon as possible. This enables us to provide support, record details, and make improvements where required. Emergency procedures, including in the event of fire, road traffic collision, or serious injury, are communicated to staff. Drivers and team members must follow these procedures and co operate with emergency services.

Review and Continuous Improvement

This Health and Safety Policy is reviewed regularly and whenever changes to our services, vehicles, equipment, or relevant legislation occur. Man with Van Hook is committed to listening to feedback from staff and customers and using it to improve safety practices. By working together and maintaining a strong safety culture, we aim to deliver reliable, efficient, and safe removal services in every area we cover.