Health and Safety policy
Health and Safety Policy for Man and a Van Finsbury Park
Man and a Van Finsbury Park is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for all employees, contractors, customers and members of the public who may be affected by our removal and delivery services. This policy sets out the principles and procedures that guide our approach to health, safety and welfare in all areas of our operations.
Our Health and Safety Objectives
Our objectives are to prevent injury and ill health, comply with relevant health and safety legislation, and continually improve our safety performance. We aim to identify hazards associated with moving, transporting and delivering goods, and to manage those risks so far as is reasonably practicable. Everyone working with or for Man and a Van Finsbury Park is expected to support these objectives and to act with care and responsibility at all times.
Management Responsibilities
Management is responsible for implementing and maintaining this Health and Safety Policy. This includes assessing risks, providing resources for safe equipment and training, monitoring performance and ensuring that safety procedures are understood and followed. Managers will regularly review working practices, especially in relation to manual handling, loading and unloading, driving activities and work at or near customer premises.
Management will ensure that the policy is reviewed periodically, and whenever there are significant changes to our services, working methods or relevant legislation. Any updates will be communicated to all workers and, where appropriate, to customers and contractors.
Employee Responsibilities
All employees and regular contractors of Man and a Van Finsbury Park have a duty to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions. This includes following safe systems of work, using equipment correctly, cooperating with management on safety matters and reporting hazards, near misses or incidents promptly.
Employees must not misuse or interfere with anything provided in the interests of health and safety, such as personal protective equipment, lifting aids or vehicle safety features. Everyone working on removals, collections and deliveries is expected to maintain high standards of housekeeping, keeping work areas, vehicles and access routes clear and tidy.
Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices
We conduct risk assessments for our typical activities, including domestic and commercial removals, furniture handling, loading and unloading of vehicles, use of trolleys and lifting equipment, and driving between locations. These assessments identify hazards such as manual handling strains, slips and trips, falling objects, vehicle movements and working in shared spaces with customers and the public.
Based on these assessments, we establish safe working practices and communicate them to all staff. Where necessary, we will agree specific access arrangements with customers, such as safe parking for vehicles, clear pathways for removal teams and secure handling of keys and access codes. We will adapt our methods to each property and job, while maintaining our overall safety standards.
Manual Handling and Use of Equipment
Manual handling is a core part of removal work, and we take particular care to reduce the risk of strain and injury. Staff are trained in correct lifting techniques, team lifting for heavy or awkward items, and the use of trolleys, straps and other handling aids. Wherever possible, heavy or bulky items are moved using appropriate equipment rather than relying solely on physical strength.
Only trained personnel may use mechanical lifting or specialist equipment. All equipment and vehicles used by Man and a Van Finsbury Park are maintained in a safe condition and inspected regularly. Any faults or damage must be reported immediately so that repairs or replacements can be arranged.
Vehicle Safety and Driving Standards
Our vehicles are central to our services, and their safe use is essential. Drivers must hold a valid licence and follow all road traffic laws. They are required to carry out basic vehicle checks, such as tyres, lights, mirrors and securing points, before starting work. Loads must be distributed safely and secured to prevent shifting during transit.
Drivers must plan routes to allow sufficient time, taking into account traffic, parking and access restrictions, and must avoid dangerous driving practices such as speeding or using mobile phones while driving. Where parking or access is limited, the team will take extra care when manoeuvring and will use a guide where necessary to minimise risks to pedestrians and property.
Customer and Public Safety
We recognise our duty to protect customers and members of the public while we are working in or around their properties and local streets. Our teams will clearly communicate their movements, such as when carrying large items through doorways or stairwells, and will ask customers to remain at a safe distance from active lifting and loading areas.
Whenever possible, trip hazards such as loose packing materials, tools or straps will be kept away from main walkways. Where this is not possible, we will highlight the hazard and minimise the time it is present. We will also take care to protect building surfaces, fixtures and fittings from damage that could create a safety risk, such as broken glass or sharp edges.
Training, Information and Supervision
All staff receive appropriate induction and on-the-job training relevant to their role, including manual handling, use of equipment, safe loading of vehicles, and working at customer premises. Refresher training is provided as needed, and new or inexperienced staff are supervised closely until they are competent to work more independently.
We provide clear information on our safety procedures, and we encourage staff to raise any concerns or suggestions for improvement. Supervisors monitor compliance with safe systems of work and address any unsafe behaviours promptly.
Accident Reporting and Emergency Procedures
All accidents, injuries, near misses and dangerous occurrences must be reported to management as soon as possible. We keep records of incidents to identify patterns and areas for improvement. Where required, we will report certain incidents to the relevant authorities in line with legal requirements.
Emergency procedures are in place for dealing with accidents, fires, vehicle incidents and other unforeseen events. Staff are briefed on what to do in an emergency, including how to raise the alarm, protect themselves and others from further harm, and contact emergency services when needed.
Continuous Improvement
Man and a Van Finsbury Park is committed to continuously improving its health and safety performance. We review this policy regularly, consider feedback from staff and customers, and update our procedures when better methods or technologies become available. By working together and maintaining a strong safety culture, we aim to ensure that every removal, collection and delivery is carried out as safely and efficiently as possible.
