Man With a Van Beddington Health and Safety Policy

Man With a Van Beddington is committed to maintaining high standards of health and safety for our staff, customers, visitors and members of the public who may be affected by our removal and transport activities. This policy sets out our approach to identifying, managing and minimising risks associated with moving, lifting, loading, transportation and delivery of goods.

Our aim is to provide a safe and healthy working environment, prevent accidents and work-related ill health, and promote a positive safety culture across all aspects of our removal services.

Health and Safety Responsibilities

Overall responsibility for health and safety rests with the company management, who will ensure that appropriate resources, information, training and supervision are provided so that work can be carried out safely.

Supervisors and team leaders are responsible for implementing this policy on a day-to-day basis, including monitoring working practices, reporting hazards and ensuring that all staff follow agreed procedures.

All employees, drivers and operatives have a duty to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions. They must cooperate with the company by following safety instructions, attending training, using equipment correctly and reporting any concerns immediately.

Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work

Man With a Van Beddington will carry out risk assessments for key activities involved in our services, including domestic and commercial removals, loading and unloading vehicles, transporting goods and working at customers premises. These assessments will be reviewed regularly and whenever there is a significant change in work practices, equipment or locations.

From these assessments we will develop and implement safe systems of work to reduce risks as far as is reasonably practicable. Staff will be informed of the findings of risk assessments and trained in the safe methods they are required to follow.

Manual Handling and Lifting

Manual handling is a core part of our work and can present significant risks if not managed properly. To minimise the risk of injury when lifting, carrying and moving items, we will ensure that:

All staff receive appropriate training in safe manual handling techniques, including team lifting, posture, use of lifting aids and recognition of personal limits.

Heavy, bulky or awkward loads are assessed before being moved, and work is planned to avoid unnecessary lifting where possible.

Mechanical aids and equipment such as trolleys, dollies or lifting straps are used when appropriate and maintained in good working order.

Operatives are encouraged to ask for assistance when needed and to refuse any lift they believe to be unsafe.

Use of Vehicles and Driving Safety

Our vehicles are essential to the service we provide, and their safe operation is a priority. We will ensure that:

Vehicles are suitable for the tasks undertaken, are regularly inspected and maintained, and have appropriate safety features and load securing points.

Drivers hold the correct licences, are competent, and understand their responsibilities for safe driving and vehicle checks.

Loads are properly distributed, secured and covered where necessary to prevent movement or falling items during transit.

Drivers comply with road traffic laws, speed limits and parking rules, and plan routes to allow safe and timely arrival without undue pressure.

Working at Customer Premises

When working at customers homes, offices or other premises, our teams will act with care to protect both people and property. This includes:

Carrying out a brief on-site assessment to identify hazards such as narrow staircases, uneven surfaces, low ceilings, poor lighting or restricted access.

Using protective equipment such as floor covers or corner protectors where appropriate to reduce damage and trip risks.

Maintaining clear walkways and keeping tools and equipment tidy to avoid slips, trips and falls.

Communicating clearly with customers about the planned work, access arrangements and any limitations necessary for safety.

Equipment, Tools and Personal Protective Equipment

We will provide suitable equipment and tools for the work undertaken and ensure they are properly maintained, inspected and used in accordance with manufacturers instructions and company procedures.

Where identified by risk assessment, personal protective equipment such as gloves, high visibility clothing or safety footwear will be provided and must be worn as instructed. Staff are responsible for reporting any damage or defects to equipment or PPE immediately.

Training, Information and Supervision

Man With a Van Beddington will provide all employees with adequate health and safety training relevant to their roles. This may include induction training, manual handling, safe vehicle operation, use of equipment, hazard awareness and emergency procedures.

Training will be refreshed periodically and whenever there are changes to working practices, equipment or legislation affecting our activities. Supervisors will provide ongoing guidance and monitoring to ensure safe working methods are followed.

Accident, Incident and Near-Miss Reporting

All accidents, incidents, injuries, vehicle collisions and near-miss events must be reported as soon as possible to the responsible person. Accurate records will be kept and reviewed so that underlying causes can be identified and corrective action taken.

We will investigate relevant incidents in a fair and constructive manner, focusing on preventing recurrence and improving our systems, rather than attributing blame, except where there is clear evidence of willful disregard for safety procedures.

Health, Welfare and Fitness for Work

We recognise the importance of general health and fitness in physical work such as removals. Employees must not work if they are under the influence of alcohol, drugs or medication that could impair their ability to work safely.

Staff are encouraged to report any health conditions or concerns that may affect their ability to carry out tasks safely so that appropriate adjustments can be considered. Adequate rest breaks and access to drinking water will be provided during working days.

Review and Continuous Improvement

This Health and Safety Policy will be reviewed regularly and updated as necessary to reflect changes in our operations, best practice and applicable legal requirements. Feedback from employees and customers will be welcomed and considered as part of our commitment to continuous improvement.

By working together and following the principles set out in this policy, Man With a Van Beddington aims to provide a safe, reliable and professional removal service while protecting the wellbeing of everyone involved in or affected by our work.