Man with Van Vauxhall Health and Safety Policy

Man with Van Vauxhall is committed to providing removal and transport services in a manner that protects the health, safety and welfare of our customers, employees, contractors, and members of the public. This policy sets out our approach to managing risks associated with moving, loading, unloading and transporting goods in domestic and commercial environments.

Policy Statement

Our objective is to prevent accidents, injuries and damage by planning work carefully, using safe systems of work, and ensuring all personnel understand their responsibilities. Health and safety considerations form an integral part of our decision making, service planning and day-to-day operations.

We aim to continually improve our health and safety performance by reviewing our practices, learning from experience and keeping up to date with relevant guidance for the removals and transport sector.

Roles and Responsibilities

Management is responsible for implementing this policy, providing appropriate resources, and ensuring that safe working procedures are developed, communicated and reviewed. Management must ensure that staff are trained, competent and equipped to carry out their duties safely.

Employees and contractors are required to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions. They must follow all safety guidance provided, use the equipment supplied, and report hazards, near misses, accidents or unsafe practices without delay.

Customers are requested to cooperate with safety measures, follow any reasonable instructions provided by our staff during a move, and inform us in advance of any known hazards at the collection or delivery address.

Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work

Before each removal or transport job, we assess foreseeable risks, taking into account building layout, access routes, parking arrangements, load weights, fragile items and any special handling requirements. Where particular risks are identified, we adapt the plan, allocate appropriate staff, use suitable equipment and agree safe methods of working.

Risk assessments are reviewed when circumstances change, such as adverse weather, restricted access, or where additional information about the premises or items becomes available. Our teams are authorised to stop work if they consider the situation unsafe and to seek guidance before proceeding.

Manual Handling and Use of Equipment

Manual handling is a core part of removal work, and we place strong emphasis on safe lifting techniques and the use of handling aids. Staff are trained to evaluate the weight, size and shape of items, and to decide whether they can be safely lifted manually, should be moved with equipment, or require additional personnel.

We use appropriate equipment such as trolleys, dollies, lifting straps, blankets and securing devices to minimise strain and reduce the risk of injury and damage. Equipment is inspected regularly and removed from service if found to be defective or unsafe.

Staff are instructed not to attempt to move items that are too heavy, awkward or unstable, and to request assistance or alternative arrangements where necessary.

Vehicle Safety and Loading

Our vehicles are maintained in a roadworthy condition and are inspected routinely. Drivers are responsible for basic daily checks and for reporting any defects or concerns without delay.

Safe loading practices are followed to ensure the stability of the vehicle and protection of the load. Items are distributed evenly, properly stacked, and secured using straps and other restraints where required. We take care to avoid overloading and to comply with applicable weight limits.

Drivers must obey traffic laws, drive responsibly, and adapt their driving to weather, road and traffic conditions. They must not drive under the influence of alcohol, drugs or any substances that impair their ability to operate a vehicle safely.

Working at Height and Property Protection

Where work at low heights is necessary, for example when loading upper sections of a vehicle or navigating staircases, staff must take extra care to maintain balance, use handrails where available, and avoid overreaching. The use of any step equipment must be in accordance with training and manufacturer guidance.

We take reasonable measures to protect customer property, including walls, floors, doors and fixtures, by planning access routes, using coverings and taking care when manoeuvring large or heavy items. Where conditions present a higher risk of damage or injury, staff will adjust the method of work or seek alternative solutions.

Housekeeping and Site Safety

Good housekeeping is essential to safe removals. Staff are required to keep walkways, stairs and access points as clear as practicable, and to manage packing materials, tools and equipment so they do not create trip or slip hazards.

Particular care is taken in shared spaces such as corridors, entrances, car parks and communal areas, where members of the public or other building users may be present. Where necessary, staff may restrict access temporarily while heavy or awkward items are being moved.

Training, Information and Supervision

All staff receive appropriate induction and ongoing training relevant to their role, including manual handling techniques, safe loading procedures, use of equipment, and awareness of common hazards in domestic and commercial moves.

Supervision is provided to ensure work is carried out in line with training and company procedures. Instructions and safety information are communicated clearly, and staff are encouraged to ask questions and raise concerns.

Incident Reporting and Continuous Improvement

All accidents, injuries, near misses and significant incidents must be reported to management as soon as possible. Reports are reviewed to determine causes and to identify any corrective or preventive measures.

Where necessary, we will update risk assessments, procedures or training in response to incidents, feedback from staff or customers, or changes in best practice guidance.

Policy Review

This health and safety policy is reviewed regularly and whenever there are significant changes to our operations, legal requirements or industry standards. Updates are communicated to all staff, and revised procedures are implemented as needed to maintain a safe working environment.

By engaging Man with Van Vauxhall, customers can expect that health and safety considerations are integrated into the planning and delivery of our removal and transport services.