Man with Van Tower Hill Health and Safety Policy

This Health and Safety Policy sets out how Man with Van Tower Hill manages health, safety, and welfare in all removal, transport, and handling activities. Our aim is to provide a safe and healthy working environment for our workers, customers, and members of the public who may be affected by our operations.

We are committed to complying with all relevant health and safety legislation and recognised best practice in the removals and transport sector. This policy applies to all employees, contractors, temporary workers, and any other persons engaged to carry out work on our behalf.

Health and Safety Responsibilities

Overall responsibility for health and safety rests with the company management, who ensure that suitable arrangements, resources, and training are in place. Supervisors and team leaders are responsible for implementing this policy on site, monitoring working practices, and ensuring that safety procedures are followed.

All workers have a duty to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions or omissions. Workers must follow safety instructions, use equipment correctly, and report hazards, near-misses, or incidents without delay.

Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work

We carry out risk assessments for our removal and transport activities, including lifting and carrying, use of vehicles, loading and unloading, and work in and around customer premises. These risk assessments identify potential hazards, who might be harmed, and the control measures required to manage the risks.

Findings from risk assessments are used to develop safe systems of work and clear instructions for staff. These include safe manual handling techniques, use of trolleys and lifting aids, safe loading practices, and measures to reduce slips, trips, and falls. Risk assessments are reviewed regularly, and whenever there are significant changes in work activities, equipment, or locations.

Manual Handling and Use of Equipment

Manual handling is a core part of our business, and we place strong emphasis on safe lifting and carrying. Staff receive training in correct manual handling techniques, including assessing the load, planning the route, working as a team, and avoiding awkward postures or sudden movements.

Where practicable, mechanical aids such as sack trucks, dollies, straps, and ramps are used to reduce the need for manual lifting. Equipment is inspected regularly to ensure it is in good condition and fit for purpose. Damaged or defective equipment is taken out of service immediately until repaired or replaced.

Larger or heavier items are only moved by suitably trained staff and, where required, with additional team members to maintain a safe working method. No worker is required to lift or carry items that they consider unsafe for their capability or the conditions on site.

Vehicle Safety and Driving Standards

Our vehicles are maintained in a roadworthy condition and subject to regular checks, servicing, and inspections. Drivers must complete basic pre-use safety checks before starting work, including tyres, lights, mirrors, and securing equipment in the load area.

All drivers must hold an appropriate, valid driving licence and obey road traffic laws at all times. Safe driving practices are required, including adherence to speed limits, avoidance of distractions, and maintaining safe following distances. Drivers must not operate vehicles while under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or any medication that may impair driving ability.

Loads are secured properly to prevent movement during transit, including the use of straps, blankets, and suitable positioning of items within the vehicle. Special attention is given to heavy, fragile, or irregularly shaped items to prevent damage and ensure safety on the road.

Safety at Customer Premises

Our removal teams work in a variety of indoor and outdoor settings, including homes, offices, and commercial premises. On arrival, the team will assess the work area for hazards such as narrow staircases, uneven surfaces, poor lighting, or restricted access, and adjust working methods accordingly.

We take care to protect customer property by using appropriate protective materials where needed and by planning the route of removal to avoid unnecessary risks. Where access is limited, items may be dismantled or moved in smaller parts to maintain safe handling practices.

We ask customers and visitors to keep walkways clear during removal operations, supervise children and pets away from work areas, and inform us of any known hazards or restrictions at the property.

Personal Protective Equipment

Personal protective equipment is provided where necessary based on risk assessment. This may include safety footwear, gloves, high-visibility clothing, and other protective items appropriate to the task and working environment.

Workers are required to wear and use any issued protective equipment correctly and to report any loss, damage, or defect so that replacements can be arranged without delay.

Incident Reporting and Emergency Procedures

All accidents, injuries, near-misses, and dangerous occurrences must be reported promptly to the responsible supervisor or manager. We maintain records of incidents and investigate them to identify root causes and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence.

Our teams are briefed on basic emergency procedures, including what to do in the event of fire, serious injury, or sudden illness while on a job. Emergency exits and escape routes at customer premises are identified where reasonably practicable, and vehicles are parked in a way that does not obstruct access for emergency services.

Health, Welfare, and Fitness for Work

We recognise the physical nature of removal work and encourage staff to maintain good fitness, hydration, and rest. Workers must not report for duty if they are unfit to work safely, whether due to illness, injury, fatigue, alcohol, drugs, or other circumstances that could compromise safety.

Any pre-existing medical conditions that may affect safe working should be declared in confidence so that reasonable adjustments and appropriate duties can be arranged where possible.

Training, Consultation, and Continuous Improvement

Health and safety training is provided as part of induction and ongoing development. This includes safe lifting and handling, vehicle and equipment use, hazard awareness, and emergency procedures relevant to removal work.

We consult with workers about health and safety matters, inviting feedback on any concerns, suggested improvements, or issues encountered on jobs. Lessons learned from incidents, near-misses, and customer feedback are used to refine our procedures and promote a culture of continuous improvement.

Policy Review

This Health and Safety Policy is reviewed regularly to ensure it remains effective, up to date, and appropriate for the scale and nature of our removal operations. Revisions are communicated to all relevant personnel, and updated working practices are implemented as required.

By following this policy, Man with Van Tower Hill aims to conduct all moving and transport activities in a manner that protects our staff, customers, and the wider community while delivering a reliable and professional service.