Health and Safety Policy for Man with Van Blackfen
Man with Van Blackfen is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for our team members, customers and members of the public who may be affected by our removal and transport activities. This Health and Safety policy outlines how we manage risks related to house moves, office relocations and transport services, and how we promote safe working practices across all operations.
Our Health and Safety Commitment
We aim to prevent accidents, injuries and work-related ill health through careful planning, training and supervision. We will continually review our working methods to ensure they remain safe, practical and aligned with current best practice in the removals and transport sector. Every worker is expected to take reasonable care of their own safety and that of others, and to cooperate fully with our health and safety arrangements.
Responsibilities and Management
Overall responsibility for health and safety within Man with Van Blackfen rests with our management, who ensure that appropriate resources, time and training are provided to implement this policy. Supervisors and team leaders are responsible for day-to-day safety on each job, including carrying out checks, communicating risks and monitoring compliance with safe systems of work.
Each employee and contractor has a duty to follow all instructions, use equipment correctly, report hazards or incidents immediately and avoid any reckless behaviour that could put themselves or others at risk. Health and safety performance is considered when assessing staff conduct and operational standards.
Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work
Before starting any removal or transport task, we consider the potential hazards and assess the level of risk. Where necessary, a site-specific risk assessment is undertaken to identify safe methods for lifting, loading, access, parking and route planning. Particular attention is paid to staircases, tight doorways, uneven ground, shared access areas, and weather conditions which may increase the risk of slips and falls.
Control measures may include using additional staff for heavy or awkward items, employing handling aids, scheduling extra time for challenging properties, or adjusting vehicle positioning to ensure safer loading and unloading. Our approach to risk assessment is reviewed regularly and updated as our services and best practice evolve.
Training, Information and Supervision
All staff involved in removals, deliveries and driving receive appropriate training and guidance. This includes safe manual handling techniques, use of trolleys and moving equipment, safe loading of vehicles, securing loads, and awareness of common hazards in domestic and commercial properties.
New team members are supervised by more experienced colleagues until they are competent to work safely without direct oversight. Refresher training and toolbox talks are used to maintain awareness of key safety topics and to share learning from any incidents or near misses.
Manual Handling and Use of Equipment
Manual handling is a major part of removal work and is a particular focus of our safety arrangements. We plan lifting tasks to avoid unnecessary strain, divide loads where possible, and always encourage the use of correct technique, including team lifts for heavier items. No one is required to lift or carry any item they believe to be unsafe for them.
We use appropriate equipment such as sack trucks, dollies, furniture blankets and straps to protect both our team and customers’ property. All equipment is inspected regularly and any damaged or defective items are taken out of service immediately. Staff are trained not to improvise with unsuitable tools or makeshift lifting methods.
Vehicle Safety and Safe Driving
Our vehicles are maintained in a roadworthy condition and subject to regular checks. Drivers are responsible for ensuring that daily walk-around inspections are carried out and that any defects are reported promptly for repair. Loads are secured properly to prevent movement during transit, reducing the risk of accidents and damage.
We promote safe driving practices, including observing speed limits, allowing adequate stopping distances, avoiding distraction, and respecting other road users. Drivers must be fit to drive and are expected to comply with all road traffic laws. Journey planning takes account of realistic timings, traffic conditions and access constraints, to reduce pressure and support safer driving.
Customer, Public and Property Protection
When working in homes, offices and public spaces, we take steps to protect customers, employees of other businesses and members of the public. This may include managing access points, using warning signs where appropriate, planning safe routes for carrying items and keeping walkways clear of trip hazards such as boxes and equipment.
We handle customers’ belongings with care to prevent damage, and we are mindful of noise, obstruction and general conduct when operating in residential or busy commercial areas. Our staff are instructed to act courteously and to raise any safety concerns on site immediately with the customer and their supervisor.
Accident Reporting and Emergency Procedures
All accidents, injuries, near misses and damage incidents are reported and recorded so that causes can be identified and corrective actions taken. We treat every incident as an opportunity to improve our systems and reduce the likelihood of recurrence.
Our teams are briefed on what to do in the event of an emergency, including fire, serious injury, traffic collision or sudden illness. This includes contacting the appropriate emergency services, securing the area if safe to do so and informing management at the earliest opportunity.
Welfare and Occupational Health
We recognise the physical demands of removal work and take reasonable steps to protect the welfare of our staff. Workloads and schedules are planned to avoid excessive fatigue wherever possible. Staff are encouraged to report any injuries, strains or health issues that may affect their ability to work safely, so that adjustments can be made.
We do not tolerate alcohol or drug use that could impair judgement or performance. Anyone suspected of being unfit for work will be removed from duty for their own safety and that of others.
Monitoring, Review and Continuous Improvement
This Health and Safety policy is monitored regularly and formally reviewed at suitable intervals, or sooner if significant changes occur in our activities or in relevant guidance. Feedback from staff and customers, together with incident reports and inspection findings, is used to refine our procedures.
By following this policy and working cooperatively, Man with Van Blackfen aims to provide reliable, professional and safe removal services throughout our operating area, protecting our workforce, our customers and the wider community.
