Health and Safety policy

Health and Safety Policy for Man with Van Marks Gate

Man with Van Marks Gate is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for our employees, contractors, customers, and members of the public who may be affected by our removals and transport activities. This Health and Safety Policy sets out the principles, responsibilities, and working practices that guide our operations and help prevent injury, ill health, and damage to property.

Policy Statement

Our aim is to conduct all removal, loading, unloading, and transportation tasks in a manner that minimises risks and promotes safe behaviour. We will comply with relevant health and safety legislation and recognised industry standards, and we continuously seek to improve our safety performance through training, supervision, and regular reviews of our procedures.

Scope of the Policy

This policy applies to all activities carried out by Man with Van Marks Gate, including but not limited to house moves, flat moves, office relocations, furniture collection and delivery, packing assistance, and short-distance and longer-distance transport of goods. It covers all staff, whether permanent, temporary, or subcontracted, as well as any person who may be on site or in the vicinity of our work.

Management Responsibilities

Management is responsible for implementing and maintaining effective health and safety arrangements. This includes:

Ensuring suitable and sufficient risk assessments are carried out for all typical removal operations, including lifting, carrying, loading, driving, and working in and around customers premises. Providing appropriate equipment, vehicles, and protective gear that are fit for purpose and maintained in a safe condition. Establishing clear safe systems of work and communicating them to all staff. Ensuring employees receive suitable induction, training, and refresher training related to manual handling, vehicle safety, use of lifting aids, and working in customers properties. Investigating incidents, near misses, and hazards, and taking corrective actions to reduce the likelihood of reoccurrence. Reviewing this Health and Safety Policy periodically and updating it when necessary.

Employee Responsibilities

All employees and contractors working on behalf of Man with Van Marks Gate must take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions. Staff are required to:

Follow all safety instructions, procedures, and training provided. Use vehicles, trolleys, lifting straps, and other equipment correctly and never misuse them. Report hazards, unsafe conditions, incidents, and injuries as soon as possible to management. Co operate with risk assessments and health and safety reviews. Refrain from working under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or any substance that might impair judgement or performance. Wear suitable clothing and footwear that provides grip and support while handling and carrying items.

Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices

We assess risks associated with each type of move, taking into account property layout, access routes, stairs, parking, traffic conditions, and the nature and weight of items being moved. Based on these assessments, we implement control measures such as:

Planning the move in advance to determine the safest route in and out of the building and to the vehicle. Using team lifting techniques for heavy or bulky items to avoid excessive strain. Using equipment such as sack trucks, dollies, and straps where appropriate to reduce manual handling risks. Limiting the stacking height of items to maintain stability in the vehicle and within the property. Avoiding unnecessary carrying distances by parking as close as safely possible to the collection and delivery points.

Manual Handling and Lifting

Manual handling is a key part of our removal service, and it carries a risk of musculoskeletal injuries if not properly controlled. Our approach includes:

Training staff in correct lifting and carrying techniques, including assessing the load, keeping the back straight, and lifting with the legs. Encouraging staff to reject unsafe lifts and request assistance or equipment where loads are too heavy or awkward. Breaking down loads into smaller, manageable parts whenever possible. Avoiding twisting and sudden movements while carrying items, and ensuring clear communication between team members when moving large objects.

Vehicle Safety and Driving Standards

Our vehicles are central to the service offered by Man with Van Marks Gate. To protect drivers, passengers, customers, and other road users, we will:

Ensure vehicles are regularly inspected, serviced, and maintained. Check that loads are properly secured to prevent movement during transit. Require drivers to hold the appropriate licence and to follow road traffic laws and safe driving practices. Plan journeys to allow sufficient time, avoiding unnecessary pressure to rush or take risks. Prohibit the use of handheld devices while driving and promote full attention on the road.

Customer Premises and Public Safety

Our teams regularly work inside customers homes, offices, and shared spaces, and we take steps to prevent accidents and property damage. This includes:

Keeping walkways clear of tripping hazards such as loose packing materials or tools. Using floor protection where necessary to reduce the risk of slips and protect surfaces. Being mindful of other occupants, neighbours, and visitors, and maintaining safe access and exit routes. Handling customers belongings with care to avoid both personal injury and damage to items or the property.

Hazardous Items and Restrictions

For health and safety reasons, certain items cannot be carried or require special arrangements. We do not knowingly transport items that are illegal or that could cause serious harm if damaged or spilled, such as some chemicals, explosives, or compressed gases. Customers are required to inform us of any fragile, unusually heavy, or potentially hazardous items so that we can assess the risks and determine suitable handling methods or decline the item if necessary.

Training, Communication and Consultation

We recognise that health and safety is most effective when staff are informed and involved. Man with Van Marks Gate will:

Provide initial and ongoing training relevant to staff roles and the nature of removal work. Communicate updates to procedures, findings from incident investigations, and changes to equipment or methods. Encourage staff to share suggestions for improving safety and to raise concerns without fear of blame.

Monitoring and Policy Review

We regularly monitor our health and safety performance through inspections, feedback, and incident reporting. This Health and Safety Policy is reviewed at suitable intervals, or following significant changes in our operations, to ensure it remains relevant and effective. Any revisions will be communicated to all employees and, where appropriate, to customers and partners.

Commitment

By following this Health and Safety Policy, Man with Van Marks Gate seeks to provide a reliable, professional, and safe removal service. We expect everyone involved in our operations to support this commitment and to work together to prevent accidents, protect health, and maintain a safe environment throughout every move.