Health and Safety Policy for Man and a Van Barnes
Man and a Van Barnes is committed to providing a safe, healthy and secure working environment for our employees, contractors, customers and members of the public who may be affected by our removal and transport activities. This policy sets out our approach to managing health and safety across all aspects of our man and van and removal services.
Our Health and Safety Commitments
We recognise our responsibility to manage health and safety risks in a systematic way. Our objectives are to prevent injury, protect health, and minimise damage to property and the environment during all removal and delivery operations.
To achieve this, Man and a Van Barnes will:
Assess and manage risks associated with lifting, carrying, loading, unloading, driving and working on customer premises. Provide appropriate training, information and supervision to all staff. Maintain vehicles, tools and equipment in a safe, roadworthy and serviceable condition. Plan removal jobs carefully so that tasks can be carried out safely and efficiently. Promote a positive health and safety culture within the company.
Roles and Responsibilities
Overall responsibility for health and safety rests with the company management, who ensure that this policy is implemented, maintained and reviewed. Management will provide resources to support safe working practices and monitor compliance with this policy.
Every employee, contractor and worker engaged by Man and a Van Barnes has 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 instructions, using equipment correctly, wearing any provided protective equipment and reporting hazards, incidents or near misses without delay.
Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices
We identify and assess risks associated with our removal services, including manual handling, traffic movements, working in residential and commercial premises, and handling customers personal belongings and furniture.
Before each job, our team will consider access routes, parking arrangements, staircases, lifts, narrow corridors, and any special items such as pianos, large appliances or fragile goods. Where necessary, we adopt specific safe systems of work to handle these items correctly.
We follow established safe working practices, including:
Using proper lifting techniques and team lifts for heavy or awkward loads. Making use of trolleys, dollies, straps and other equipment where appropriate. Keeping walkways, loading areas and vehicle access points clear of trip hazards. Stacking items securely within vehicles to prevent movement in transit. Observing speed limits and safe driving practices at all times.
Manual Handling and Load Security
Manual handling is a core part of our activities and a key focus of our health and safety approach. Staff receive guidance on safe lifting, carrying and setting down of loads. Whenever possible, we reduce manual lifting by using equipment or by breaking down loads into manageable parts.
All loads are secured in our vehicles using appropriate methods so that goods remain stable during transport. This protects our staff when doors are opened and protects customers belongings from damage.
Vehicle Safety and Driving Standards
Our vehicles are inspected regularly and maintained in line with manufacturer guidance and legal requirements. Drivers carry out basic vehicle checks, including tyres, lights and securing systems, before journeys.
We expect all drivers to operate vehicles safely, responsibly and courteously. This includes allowing sufficient time for journeys, avoiding distractions, respecting road conditions and ensuring that loads are appropriate for the vehicle being used.
Working on Customer Premises
We take care to work safely and respectfully in and around customers homes and business premises. Our teams will:
Assess access routes for hazards such as uneven surfaces, loose carpets or cluttered walkways. Use protective coverings where appropriate to reduce the risk of slips and to protect floors. Take particular care on stairs, in tight spaces and when moving items near glazing or other fragile structures. Communicate with customers about any concerns that could affect safety or the protection of their property.
Training, Information and Supervision
All staff receive appropriate training relevant to their role, including manual handling techniques, safe loading and unloading, and awareness of site-specific hazards. New staff members are inducted into our health and safety procedures before working independently.
Ongoing supervision, toolbox talks and refresher guidance are used to reinforce good practice and address any emerging safety issues. We also share lessons learned from incidents or near misses to prevent recurrence.
Incident Reporting and Emergency Procedures
Any accident, injury, near miss or damage to property is reported to management as soon as possible. We investigate incidents to understand the underlying causes and to put in place corrective actions. Employees are encouraged to raise concerns about unsafe conditions or practices without fear of criticism.
Our teams are briefed on emergency procedures, including what to do in the event of fire, injury, road incident or sudden illness. Where appropriate, staff have access to basic first aid supplies while on the road.
Occupational Health and Welfare
We recognise the importance of protecting the longer-term health and wellbeing of our staff. This includes managing fatigue, encouraging regular breaks, promoting safe lifting and carrying habits, and discouraging behaviour that could lead to musculoskeletal problems or stress.
We do not tolerate the use of alcohol or illegal substances at work or while driving on company business. Staff must be fit for duty at all times when representing Man and a Van Barnes.
Consultation and Continuous Improvement
We aim to involve staff in the ongoing development of our health and safety arrangements by listening to feedback from those carrying out removal work and by encouraging practical suggestions for improvement.
This policy is reviewed regularly and updated as necessary to reflect changes in our operations, lessons learned from experience and relevant best practice for removal and van services. Everyone working for or with Man and a Van Barnes is expected to cooperate fully with this policy to ensure a safe and professional service for all.
