Man with Van Snaresbrook Health and Safety Policy
This Health and Safety policy sets out the principles and procedures Man with Van Snaresbrook follows to protect customers, staff, contractors, and members of the public during all moving and transportation activities. Our aim is to provide a safe, efficient, and responsible removal service, reducing the risk of injury, damage, or incident at every stage of a move.
1. Policy Statement and Objectives
Man with Van Snaresbrook is committed to preventing accidents, work-related ill health, and damage to property. Health and safety considerations form an integral part of our planning and delivery of man and van and removal services, from initial booking through to final unloading.
Our primary objectives are to identify hazards, assess and manage risks, provide appropriate training and equipment, and ensure that all activities are carried out in a safe and professional manner consistent with relevant health and safety legislation and recognised good practice in the removals industry.
2. Responsibilities and Accountability
Overall responsibility for health and safety within Man with Van Snaresbrook rests with management, who are responsible for implementing this policy, reviewing it regularly, and ensuring adequate resources are available to maintain safe operations.
Every driver, porter, and contractor working on behalf of Man with Van Snaresbrook must take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions. All team members are required to follow instructions, procedures, training, and safe systems of work and to report hazards, near misses, accidents, or unsafe conditions immediately so that corrective action can be taken.
3. Risk Assessment and Planning
Before commencing any removal or man and van job, a suitable and proportionate assessment of risks will be carried out. This may be done at the quotation stage, on arrival at the property, or both, depending on the size and complexity of the work.
Typical hazards that will be considered include manual handling of heavy or awkward items, access issues such as stairs and narrow hallways, loading and unloading vehicles on the roadside, environmental conditions including poor lighting or wet surfaces, and the presence of vulnerable persons such as children, elderly residents, or pets.
Where significant risks are identified, the work will be planned and organised to minimise those risks. This may involve amending the method of work, allocating additional staff, adjusting timing, or in some cases declining work that cannot be carried out safely.
4. Safe Manual Handling and Lifting
Manual handling is a core aspect of man and van and removal services, and it carries one of the highest risks of injury. Man with Van Snaresbrook is committed to reducing manual handling risks as far as reasonably practicable by using appropriate equipment, correct techniques, and sensible load limits.
All staff are instructed in safe lifting practices, including assessing the weight and shape of items before lifting, using team lifts for heavy or bulky items, keeping loads close to the body, and avoiding twisting while carrying. Heavy furniture and appliances will be moved with trolleys, dollies, straps, or other aids whenever possible to reduce strain and improve control.
Customers may be politely advised when an item is excessively heavy, fragile, or unsafe to move without special arrangements. In such circumstances, the move may be adapted, rescheduled, or additional resources may be recommended.
5. Vehicle Safety and Driving Standards
Vehicles used by Man with Van Snaresbrook are maintained in a roadworthy condition and inspected regularly. Drivers are responsible for carrying out basic pre-use checks and reporting any defects promptly so that they can be addressed before further use.
All loads will be packed and secured so that they are stable, distributed correctly, and do not present a risk of shifting in transit. Items will be tied down or restrained where necessary to protect both the load and any occupants of the vehicle. Vehicles will be driven with consideration for traffic, weather, and road conditions, and in full compliance with road traffic laws.
Drivers are expected to plan routes sensibly, allow adequate journey time, and avoid unsafe practices such as speeding, harsh braking, or using handheld devices while driving.
6. Safe Working at Customer Premises
Our teams will take care to work safely in and around customer properties, whether homes, flats, or business premises. This includes maintaining clear access routes where reasonably possible, using caution on stairs, steps, and uneven surfaces, and positioning equipment so that it does not create unnecessary trip hazards.
Care will be taken to protect customers, neighbours, and passers-by from hazards associated with moving and loading activities. This may involve temporarily restricting access to certain areas, carefully managing doorways and corridors, and communicating clearly with everyone present during the move.
Where parking or loading is required on or near public roads, staff will take reasonable steps to ensure that vehicles are positioned safely and that doors, ramps, or loading activity do not endanger other road users or pedestrians.
7. Equipment and Personal Protective Measures
Man with Van Snaresbrook will provide suitable moving equipment to support safe working, which may include trolleys, dollies, removal straps, blankets, and basic protective materials for goods and property. Equipment will be checked regularly and removed from service if damaged or defective.
Where advisable, staff will use appropriate personal protective measures, such as sturdy footwear, gloves, or high-visibility clothing when working near traffic or in low light. The choice of protective measures will depend on the nature of the job and the risks identified.
8. Welfare, Fatigue, and Fitness to Work
The physical nature of removals work means that adequate rest and hydration are important. Our approach to scheduling and job allocation is intended to reduce excessive fatigue and to ensure that staff remain alert and capable of working safely throughout the day.
Staff are expected to present themselves fit for work, not under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or any substance that could impair judgement, coordination, or reaction time. Any health issues that could affect safe working should be disclosed so that suitable adjustments can be considered.
9. Incident Reporting and Continuous Improvement
All accidents, near misses, damage incidents, and health and safety concerns that occur during the provision of our services must be reported to management as soon as reasonably practical. These reports are reviewed to identify underlying causes and to implement measures that help prevent recurrence.
Lessons learned from incidents, customer feedback, and changes in best practice are used to update procedures, training, and this policy as required. Our commitment is to continuous improvement in health and safety performance across all aspects of our man and van and removal work.
10. Communication and Review of this Policy
This Health and Safety policy is made available to staff, contractors, and customers so they understand the standards that Man with Van Snaresbrook aims to uphold. The policy will be reviewed periodically, and whenever there are significant changes in our operations, relevant regulations, or best practice guidance.
By booking and delivering our services in line with this policy, we work together to create a safe environment for everyone involved in the moving process, helping to ensure that belongings are transported securely and that each removal is completed with minimal risk.
