Health and Safety policy
Health and Safety Policy for Man with Van Totteridge
Man with Van Totteridge is committed to providing a safe, healthy and secure environment for our customers, workers, subcontractors and members of the public who may be affected by our removals and transport activities. This Health and Safety policy sets out our approach to managing risks and promoting safe working practices across all moving, loading, unloading and transportation services.
Health and Safety Objectives
Our primary health and safety objectives are to prevent injury, protect property and minimise disruption during every removal job. We aim to reduce hazards associated with lifting, carrying, vehicle movements and working in and around homes, offices, stairwells, driveways and shared spaces. We continually review our practices to improve safety standards, training and supervision.
Management Responsibilities
The management of Man with Van Totteridge accepts overall responsibility for health and safety performance. This includes ensuring that appropriate procedures, resources and guidance are in place so that workers can safely carry out moving and delivery work within our service area. Management will review this policy regularly, communicate any changes to workers and take reasonable steps to ensure that health and safety requirements are followed at all times.
Worker Responsibilities
All workers and subcontractors performing removal services on behalf of Man with Van Totteridge must take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions. Workers must follow safety instructions, use equipment correctly, report hazards or incidents promptly and cooperate with any training or supervision provided. No worker is expected to carry out any lifting, driving or access task that they believe to be unsafe.
Risk Assessment and Planning
Before starting any removal or delivery, we assess the risks associated with access routes, stairs, narrow hallways, heavy or awkward items and vehicle positioning. Where appropriate, a more detailed site-specific risk assessment may be completed. We consider environmental conditions, such as poor lighting or wet surfaces, and take proportionate measures to reduce the risk of slips, trips, falls and manual handling injuries.
We encourage customers to inform us in advance of any known access issues, restricted parking, fragile structures, or items requiring special handling. This allows us to plan the job safely, allocate sufficient staff and equipment and minimise the risk of damage or injury.
Manual Handling and Lifting
Manual handling is a significant element of our work, and we recognise the importance of safe lifting techniques. Our approach includes the use of appropriate handling aids and team lifting where necessary. Workers are instructed to:
Assess the weight, size and stability of items before lifting; avoid twisting while carrying; keep loads close to the body; and take regular breaks during heavy or prolonged lifting tasks. Where an item is too heavy, large or awkward to move safely by hand, mechanical assistance, additional manpower or alternative methods will be considered.
Use of Vehicles and Driving Safety
Safe operation of vehicles is essential to our removals and transport services. Only competent and authorised drivers may operate our vans. Drivers must comply with road traffic laws, drive at safe speeds, and take account of local conditions around residential streets and commercial premises.
Vehicles are to be kept in a roadworthy condition, with regular checks on tyres, brakes, lights, mirrors and securing points for loads. Loads will be distributed evenly and secured appropriately to prevent movement during transit. Drivers must not operate vehicles under the influence of alcohol, drugs or any substance that could impair judgment or reaction time.
Safe Loading and Unloading
Loading and unloading activities will be planned to avoid unnecessary manual handling and to reduce the risk of items shifting in transit. Workers should maintain clear access routes, avoid blocking pavements or entrances wherever possible, and use safe techniques when moving items between the property and vehicle. Where ramps or steps are used, care is taken to ensure they are stable, secure and suitable for the intended use.
Protection of Customers, Public and Property
Man with Van Totteridge recognises its duty to protect customers, members of the public and their property. We aim to organise work in a way that minimises disruption to neighbours and other road users. Where there is a risk that work may affect shared areas, we will take appropriate steps such as using warning signs, maintaining clear walkways and controlling the movement of large items.
Protective coverings, such as blankets or floor protection, may be used where reasonable to reduce the risk of damage. Particular care is taken with fragile items, glass, mirrors and easily marked surfaces. We expect customers to keep children and pets away from active work areas to help prevent accidents.
Equipment and Personal Protective Measures
Where necessary, workers will be provided with appropriate equipment and protective measures to carry out tasks safely. This may include handling straps, trolleys, gloves and suitable footwear. Equipment must be used as instructed and maintained in good condition. Defective or damaged equipment should be reported immediately and taken out of use until repaired or replaced.
Training, Information and Supervision
Man with Van Totteridge provides workers with information on health and safety expectations, including safe manual handling, vehicle safety, customer property protection and emergency procedures. New workers are introduced to our safety standards and working practices. Ongoing supervision helps ensure that agreed methods are followed, and any safety concerns are addressed promptly.
Accident, Incident and Near Miss Reporting
All accidents, incidents, injuries and near misses occurring during the course of removals or transportation work must be reported as soon as practicable. Details will be recorded and reviewed with the aim of identifying root causes and implementing improvements to prevent recurrence. We will cooperate with any reasonable investigations by relevant authorities if required.
Continuous Improvement and Policy Review
This Health and Safety policy forms an integral part of the way Man with Van Totteridge operates within its removal and transport service area. We are committed to continuous improvement and will review this policy periodically, particularly following significant changes in operations, new legislation or notable incidents. Updated versions will be communicated to workers, and customers may request to view the current policy at any time.
By engaging Man with Van Totteridge, customers can be assured that health, safety and the protection of people and property are central to the planning and delivery of every move.
