Man with Van Harrow Health and Safety Policy

Man with Van Harrow is committed to providing removal and moving services in a manner that safeguards the health, safety and welfare of our employees, customers, contractors and members of the public. This Health and Safety Policy sets out our approach to managing risks, maintaining safe working practices and continually improving our performance in all service areas.

Our Health and Safety Commitments

We recognise our responsibility to conduct our activities in a way that prevents injury, ill health, property damage and environmental harm. To achieve this, Man with Van Harrow will

assess health and safety risks associated with our removal services and implement effective control measures

comply with all relevant health and safety laws, regulations and approved codes of practice

provide appropriate information, instruction, training and supervision to support safe working

ensure that vehicles, equipment and tools are maintained in a safe and serviceable condition

consult with staff and contractors on health and safety matters and encourage feedback

review this policy regularly and update it in line with changes in legislation, best practice or our operations.

Responsibilities for Health and Safety

Health and safety is a shared responsibility. Clear roles are essential for effective risk management.

Management Responsibilities

Management at Man with Van Harrow will

lead by example and promote a positive health and safety culture

ensure risk assessments are in place for key tasks such as lifting, loading, driving and working at height when required

provide and maintain suitable work equipment and personal protective equipment

ensure that drivers and removal staff are competent and appropriately trained

allocate sufficient resources to meet our health and safety commitments

investigate accidents, incidents and near misses, and implement corrective actions.

Employee and Contractor Responsibilities

All employees and contractors working with Man with Van Harrow must

take reasonable care for their own health and safety and that of others

follow safe systems of work, procedures and instructions provided

use tools, vehicles and protective equipment correctly and report any defects

avoid taking shortcuts that could compromise safety or damage property

report accidents, incidents, near misses and unsafe conditions promptly.

Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices

We identify hazards and assess risks associated with our removal services to reduce the likelihood of injury or damage. Risk assessments are carried out for core activities and reviewed periodically.

Manual Handling and Lifting

Manual handling is a key aspect of a man and van removal service. To minimise the risk of musculoskeletal injuries, we

train staff in correct lifting and carrying techniques

encourage planning of lifts, including assessing weight, shape and route

use suitable handling aids where possible, such as sack trucks or trolleys

avoid single-person lifting of heavy or awkward items where a team lift is safer

take particular care when moving items up or down stairs, through narrow access points or over uneven surfaces.

Vehicle Safety and Driving

Safe driving and loading are central to our work. Man with Van Harrow will

ensure vehicles are checked regularly, maintained and inspected

verify that drivers hold the appropriate licence and are medically fit to drive

ensure loads are distributed evenly and secured to prevent movement in transit

remind drivers to obey speed limits, parking rules and road regulations

plan routes where possible to allow for safe access and loading.

Customer Premises and Site Safety

Our teams often work in domestic and commercial premises. To protect everyone on site, we

assess access routes, stairways, doorways and loading areas before starting work

identify potential hazards such as loose flooring, poor lighting, or obstructions

take care to prevent damage to property, fixtures and fittings while moving items

keep walkways as clear as reasonably possible during loading and unloading

use caution when operating in shared areas, public spaces or car parks.

Equipment, Tools and Personal Protective Equipment

We provide appropriate equipment and tools to support safe working, including handling aids, straps and protective coverings. All equipment must be used in line with training and manufacturer guidance.

Where necessary, personal protective equipment such as gloves, safety footwear or high visibility garments will be provided. Staff are responsible for wearing such equipment when required and reporting any damage or defects.

Training, Information and Supervision

Man with Van Harrow provides training and information relevant to the tasks carried out by our teams. This may include

manual handling and lifting techniques

safe loading and unloading of vehicles

vehicle checks and basic maintenance awareness

use of handling equipment and protective equipment

emergency procedures and incident reporting.

Supervision is provided appropriate to the experience and competency of staff and the complexity of the task.

Accident, Incident and Near Miss Reporting

We encourage open reporting of all accidents, incidents and near misses. This allows us to learn and continually improve our working practices. All incidents will be recorded and, where necessary, investigated to identify root causes and implement corrective measures.

Emergency Procedures

Our teams are briefed on appropriate actions to take in an emergency, including fire, serious injury, road traffic accidents or hazardous situations. This can include raising the alarm, contacting emergency services, securing the area and cooperating fully with any subsequent investigation.

Monitoring, Review and Continuous Improvement

Man with Van Harrow monitors health and safety performance through incident records, staff feedback, vehicle checks and periodic reviews of risk assessments. This Health and Safety Policy is reviewed regularly to ensure it remains effective, relevant and aligned with current legislation and best practice. Revisions are communicated to all relevant personnel.

By working together and following this policy, Man with Van Harrow aims to deliver reliable, efficient and safe removal services for customers while protecting the wellbeing of everyone involved.