Health and Safety policy
Man with Van Sudbury Health and Safety Policy
This Health and Safety Policy sets out the commitment of Man with Van Sudbury to provide a safe and healthy working environment for our workers, customers and members of the public affected by our removal and transport services. Our aim is to prevent accidents, protect property and ensure that all work is carried out safely and responsibly.
Policy Statement
Man with Van Sudbury is committed to complying with all relevant health and safety legislation and recognised industry best practice. We will provide suitable information, instruction and supervision to enable our team members to perform their duties safely when carrying out moves, collections, deliveries and related removal services.
Health and safety is a core part of our decision making. We expect everyone working with us to take reasonable care of themselves and others, to follow safe systems of work and to report any concerns or incidents immediately.
Management Responsibilities
Management is responsible for implementing this Health and Safety Policy and for ensuring that appropriate procedures are in place. This includes:
Carrying out and reviewing risk assessments for typical removal and transport tasks. Providing suitable equipment, vehicles and protective measures. Ensuring workers are competent for the tasks they undertake. Monitoring compliance with safe working practices. Investigating accidents, near misses and incidents, and taking corrective action where necessary.
Management will review this policy regularly, and whenever there are significant changes to our services, equipment or working practices.
Employee and Contractor Responsibilities
Everyone working for or on behalf of Man with Van Sudbury, including drivers, porters and contractors, has a duty to:
Take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions. Co operate with the company on all health and safety matters. Use vehicles, equipment and tools only as instructed and for their intended purpose. Follow manual handling guidelines and safe systems of work. Report accidents, near misses, unsafe conditions or equipment defects without delay. Never work under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or in a way that could endanger themselves or others.
Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work
We assess foreseeable risks associated with our removal and transport activities, including loading and unloading, carrying items, moving goods through properties and operating vehicles. Identified risks are controlled through procedures, training and the use of appropriate equipment.
Before each job, the team will consider access routes, parking arrangements, loading areas, stairways, lifts and any specific hazards at the property. Where necessary, work methods will be adjusted to ensure safety, including using extra team members, breaking down loads, or using handling aids.
Manual Handling and Lifting Safety
The nature of removal work means that manual handling is a key risk. To minimise the risk of strains, sprains and other injuries, Man with Van Sudbury will:
Provide guidance on safe lifting techniques. Encourage the use of team lifting for heavy or bulky items. Use trolleys, dollies and other handling aids where appropriate. Avoid unnecessary carrying by planning loading and unloading routes carefully. Remind workers to avoid twisting, overreaching or rushing when carrying items.
No individual should attempt to lift or move a load they feel is beyond their capability. Heavy, awkward or fragile items must be assessed on a case by case basis to determine the safest handling method.
Vehicle Safety and Driving Standards
Our vehicles are essential to our services, and their safe operation is a priority. We will ensure that vehicles used for removal work are roadworthy, regularly inspected and maintained, with defects reported and addressed promptly.
Drivers must hold the appropriate licence, follow road traffic law and drive with consideration for other road users. Loads must be secured correctly to prevent movement or damage during transit. Doors, ramps and tailgates must be used safely, and parking should always be arranged to minimise risk when loading and unloading.
Safety at Customer Properties and Sites
Our work often takes place at customer homes, business premises and shared spaces. We will always aim to work safely and respectfully, taking into account the presence of residents, employees, visitors and the general public.
We will keep walkways clear where reasonably possible, avoid blocking fire exits, and use caution when moving items through tight spaces, on stairs or in areas with limited visibility. Where our activities could briefly create a hazard, for example when carrying items through doorways or shared corridors, our team will maintain awareness of others and communicate clearly.
Equipment and Personal Protective Measures
Man with Van Sudbury will provide or specify suitable equipment and protective measures that are appropriate to the job. This may include handling aids, protective gloves and suitable footwear with good grip. Equipment must be inspected before use and not used if damaged or faulty.
Team members are expected to dress appropriately for physical work and to follow any protective equipment guidance given by the company.
Incident Reporting and Investigation
All accidents, injuries, near misses and significant incidents that occur during our work must be reported to management as soon as possible. This allows us to investigate the circumstances, identify any root causes and, where needed, improve our procedures or training.
We encourage open reporting of safety concerns without fear of blame, so that issues can be addressed before they lead to harm.
Training and Continuous Improvement
We provide ongoing guidance to ensure that workers are aware of the health and safety requirements relevant to their duties. As our services, equipment and working environments evolve, we will review and, where needed, update our procedures and training.
Feedback from workers and customers about safety is welcomed and used to help us improve. By working together and following this policy, Man with Van Sudbury aims to provide safe, efficient and reliable removal services across our operating area.
