Health and Safety policy
Health and Safety Policy for Man with Van Maze Hill
Man with Van Maze Hill is committed to carrying out all removal and transport activities in a way that protects the health, safety and welfare of our customers, employees, contractors and members of the public. This policy sets out our approach to managing risk across our removal services, including packing, loading, transit and unloading.
Our Health and Safety Objectives
Our main health and safety objectives are to prevent injury, ill health and property damage during every stage of a move. We aim to identify and control risks associated with manual handling, vehicle movements, use of equipment, and working in customers premises. We will continually review our processes to improve safety performance in our service area.
Responsibilities and Management
Overall responsibility for health and safety rests with the management of Man with Van Maze Hill. Managers will ensure appropriate procedures, guidance and training are in place so that work is carried out safely and in line with relevant legal requirements. Supervisors and team leaders are responsible for implementing this policy on site, monitoring working practices, and intervening immediately if unsafe behaviour or conditions are observed.
All workers, including drivers, porters and contractors, have a duty to act with reasonable care for their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions. They must follow company procedures, use equipment correctly, and report hazards, near misses, accidents and unsafe conditions without delay.
Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices
Before starting removal work, we will assess the risks associated with the task, the property layout, access points, stairways, outdoor areas and any specific customer requirements. This assessment may be done in advance or on arrival, depending on the nature of the move. Where significant risks are identified, we will adopt safe systems of work to minimise them, such as planning the safe route for carrying items, using lifting equipment where appropriate, and allocating sufficient personnel to handle heavy or awkward loads.
We will keep risk control measures under review and adapt our working methods when new hazards are identified or when services change. Lessons learned from incidents, feedback and observations will be used to refine our safety procedures.
Manual Handling and Lifting
Manual handling is a key part of our operations. To reduce the risk of injury, our teams are trained in safe lifting techniques and the correct use of handling aids. Loads must always be assessed before lifting, taking into account weight, size, shape and stability. Where an item is too heavy or awkward for one person, team lifting or mechanical assistance will be used. Workers must not attempt to lift items that exceed their capability or that cannot be moved safely in the available space.
We will use appropriate equipment such as trolleys, dollies and straps where suitable, and ensure that walkways are kept clear to avoid slips, trips and falls during carrying and lifting activities.
Use of Vehicles and Driving Safety
Our vehicles are central to our removal services and must be operated safely at all times. Only authorised and competent drivers are permitted to drive company vehicles. Drivers must comply with road traffic laws, follow company driving standards, and operate vehicles in a manner that prioritises safety over speed or convenience.
Vehicles will be loaded and secured in a way that prevents movement of goods during transit and maintains vehicle stability. Access ramps, tail lifts and similar equipment, where used, must be operated only by trained personnel and according to manufacturer instructions. Regular vehicle inspections and routine maintenance will be carried out to ensure roadworthiness and to reduce the risk of breakdowns or accidents.
Safe Working at Customer Premises
Our teams frequently work inside homes, offices and other premises. Respect for the property and the safety of anyone on site is essential. Walkways and stairs must be kept as clear as reasonably practicable, and any hazards such as loose rugs, wet floors or obstructed exits must be reported and controlled where possible.
Where access is restricted, or where high risk areas are identified, the team leader will agree a safe approach with the customer, which may include adjusting the route for large items or taking additional precautions to protect both people and property.
Equipment, Tools and Protective Measures
Any equipment or tools used in the course of removal work will be maintained in a safe condition and used only for their intended purpose. Damaged or defective equipment must be removed from use and reported immediately. Where personal protective equipment is required, such as protective footwear or gloves, it will be provided and must be worn in accordance with the risk assessment and site requirements.
Training, Information and Supervision
We will provide appropriate training and information to all staff so they can perform their duties safely and competently. Training may include induction, manual handling techniques, safe loading and unloading, use of equipment, and basic incident reporting procedures. Supervisors will ensure that new or inexperienced workers are adequately supervised, particularly during higher risk activities.
Incident Reporting and Emergency Arrangements
All accidents, injuries, near misses and dangerous occurrences must be reported as soon as practicable to the responsible person on site and to management. We will investigate incidents to identify root causes and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence. Where necessary, we will cooperate with relevant authorities and clients in the reporting and review of serious incidents.
Our teams will make themselves familiar with any emergency arrangements in place at customer premises, including exit routes and assembly points where indicated. In an emergency, protecting life and preventing further injury will take priority over property or schedules.
Consultation and Continuous Improvement
We recognise that improving health and safety is a shared responsibility. We will consult with our employees on health and safety matters, encourage suggestions for improvement, and consider feedback from customers and partners. This policy and its supporting procedures will be reviewed regularly and updated as necessary to reflect changes in law, best practice and the nature of our services.
By working together and following this Health and Safety Policy, Man with Van Maze Hill aims to provide a safe, reliable and professional removal service across our operating area, protecting everyone involved in or affected by our work.
