Health and Safety policy

Man with Van Coombe Health and Safety Policy

Man with Van Coombe 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 removal and transport activities. This policy sets out our approach to managing health and safety risks associated with home and office removals, loading and unloading, driving, and on-site activities at properties and premises we attend.

Health and safety is a core part of how we operate our man and van and removals services. Every member of our team is expected to follow this policy, and management is responsible for ensuring that suitable systems are in place to maintain high safety standards at all times.

Health and Safety Responsibilities

The management of Man with Van Coombe has overall responsibility for implementing and reviewing this Health and Safety Policy. Supervisors and senior drivers are responsible for day-to-day health and safety arrangements, including monitoring safe working practices during loading, unloading, packing, and transport.

All employees and contractors are required to:

Take reasonable care for their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions or omissions.

Follow all safe systems of work, instructions, and training provided by the company.

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

Report any accidents, incidents, hazards, or near misses as soon as possible to management.

Cooperate with the company on all health and safety matters, including participation in training and risk assessments.

Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work

We carry out ongoing risk assessments relevant to our removals and man and van services. These assessments identify hazards and appropriate control measures, including when working in residential properties, commercial premises, shared access spaces, stairwells, and loading areas.

Typical risks assessed include manual handling of heavy and awkward items, use of trolleys and lifting equipment, slips, trips and falls, vehicle movements, loading and unloading operations, use of ramps and tail lifts, and work in confined or cluttered spaces.

From these risk assessments we develop safe systems of work and provide guidance to staff on safe lifting techniques, team lifting, route planning through properties, securing loads within vehicles, and working carefully around customers, neighbours, and the public.

Manual Handling and Use of Equipment

Manual handling is a key part of any removal service, and we recognise the potential for injury if not managed correctly. Our approach includes:

Training staff in correct lifting and carrying techniques and safe use of trolleys, straps, and other aids.

Encouraging team lifting of heavy, bulky, or awkward items such as furniture, appliances, and large boxes.

Planning access routes in advance, including checking staircases, doorways, lifts, corridors, and external paths for obstacles and hazards.

Using suitable equipment, such as dollies, protective blankets, and securing straps, to minimise strain and reduce the risk of damage or injury.

Refusing unsafe lifts or movements where the risk is unacceptable, and seeking alternative methods where necessary.

Vehicle Safety and Driving Standards

Our vehicles are essential to our removals work, and their safe operation is a priority. We ensure that vehicles are regularly inspected and maintained, and any defects are reported immediately and rectified promptly.

Drivers must be competent, licensed, and medically fit to drive. They are required to follow road traffic laws, observe speed limits, drive defensively, and adapt to weather, traffic, and site conditions.

Safe loading and unloading procedures are followed at all times, including:

Ensuring loads are evenly distributed and securely fastened within the vehicle.

Using ramps, tail lifts, and other access equipment safely and in line with training.

Keeping loading areas as clear as possible and using safe reversing and parking practices.

Taking care when operating in residential streets, car parks, and shared access routes, with particular attention to pedestrians and other road users.

Working at Customer Premises

Our staff regularly work inside customers homes, offices, and other premises. We aim to complete all work with minimum risk and disruption. This includes:

Conducting a visual check of the property on arrival to identify potential hazards such as loose carpets, poor lighting, clutter, pets, and children in work areas.

Communicating clearly with customers about the planned work, access routes, and any temporary restrictions on movement during carrying or loading.

Using floor protection and furniture covers where appropriate, and keeping routes as tidy and unobstructed as possible.

Maintaining professional conduct at all times and respecting customer property, neighbours, and shared spaces.

Training, Information, and Supervision

We provide appropriate training and information so that staff can carry out their roles safely. This may include induction training, on-the-job instruction, toolbox talks, refresher training, and specific instruction on manual handling, use of equipment, and safe driving.

Supervisors and experienced staff are expected to lead by example, monitor compliance with safety procedures, and intervene if unsafe practices are observed. New or less experienced staff receive closer supervision until they are assessed as competent to work more independently.

Accident, Incident, and Near Miss Reporting

All accidents, incidents, and near misses must be reported promptly to management. We maintain records of such events and investigate them to identify root causes and prevent recurrence.

Where appropriate, we review risk assessments, procedures, or training and make improvements. We encourage open reporting and do not tolerate any victimisation of employees who raise safety concerns or report incidents.

Welfare, Health, and Wellbeing

We recognise the physical nature of removals work and the importance of staff welfare. We aim to schedule work to minimise excessive fatigue, allow for appropriate breaks, and avoid unnecessary time pressures that could lead to unsafe practices.

Staff are encouraged to report any health concerns that may affect their ability to undertake lifting or driving tasks safely. We will consider reasonable adjustments and ensure that employees are not placed in situations that could compromise their wellbeing.

Continuous Improvement and Policy Review

This Health and Safety Policy is reviewed regularly and whenever there are significant changes to our operations, legislation, or industry guidance. We seek to improve our safety performance through ongoing training, consultation with staff, and learning from experience.

By working together and following the principles set out in this policy, Man with Van Coombe aims to provide a safe, reliable, and professional removal service for all customers and communities in our service area.