Health and Safety policy

Health and Safety Standards for Man with Van Barnes

Man with Van Barnes is committed to providing a professional, safe and healthy environment for our customers, employees, contractors and members of the public who may be affected by our removal and transport activities. This Health and Safety policy sets out our approach to managing risks associated with moving, loading, transporting and unloading goods, as well as working in and around residential and commercial properties.

Our Health and Safety Commitments

We are dedicated to maintaining high levels of safety performance across all removal operations. Our commitments include:

Identifying, assessing and controlling the risks that arise from our work activities, particularly manual handling, driving, lifting and access to premises. Complying with applicable health and safety legislation and recognised industry best practice. Providing and maintaining safe vehicles, equipment and working systems. Ensuring that all workers are competent to carry out their tasks safely. Continuously improving our health and safety performance through monitoring, training and review.

Management Responsibilities

Management at Man with Van Barnes holds primary responsibility for implementing this policy and ensuring that adequate resources are in place. This includes:

Planning work so that removal activities are carried out safely and efficiently. Ensuring that vehicles are regularly inspected and maintained in a safe and roadworthy condition. Providing suitable equipment, such as trolleys, straps, protective clothing and other load securing devices. Conducting, reviewing and updating risk assessments and safe working procedures. Investigating any incidents, near misses or concerns raised and taking prompt corrective action where needed.

Employee Responsibilities

All employees, drivers and porters have a duty to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions or omissions. Each worker is required to:

Follow all safety instructions, training and procedures provided by Man with Van Barnes. Use vehicles, tools and equipment only for their intended purpose and report any defects at once. Practice safe manual handling techniques and never attempt to lift or carry loads beyond their capability. Wear any supplied personal protective equipment when required for the task or environment. Co-operate fully with management in implementing this Health and Safety policy and report hazards or unsafe practices immediately.

Customer and Public Safety

We recognise our responsibility to safeguard customers, their property and members of the public during removal operations. To support this, Man with Van Barnes will:

Plan access routes and loading areas to minimise obstruction and risk of slips, trips and falls. Clearly communicate with customers about any safety considerations, including the need to keep children and pets away from working areas. Take care to protect floors, walls and fixtures where reasonably practicable during moving and lifting. Avoid blocking fire exits, corridors and shared access ways at residential and commercial premises.

Safe Manual Handling and Loading Practices

Manual handling is a core part of our work and is carefully managed. Our approach includes:

Assessing the weight, size and stability of items before attempting to move them. Using team lifting techniques and appropriate equipment for heavier or awkward items. Keeping loads close to the body and using strong, stable postures when lifting or carrying. Securing loads properly in vehicles to prevent movement during transit. Taking rest breaks when required to prevent fatigue and reduce the risk of strains and injuries.

Vehicle Safety and Driving Standards

Our vehicles are central to our removal services, and we take their safety seriously. Man with Van Barnes will:

Ensure that all drivers hold the appropriate licences and are competent to drive the vehicles they operate. Carry out pre-use checks on vehicles, including tyres, lights, mirrors and load securing points. Drive in a courteous and safe manner, respecting speed limits and traffic regulations. Park and load in a way that minimises disruption and risk to pedestrians and other road users. Pay particular attention when reversing or manoeuvring in confined streets and access areas.

Equipment and Personal Protective Equipment

To support safe working, suitable equipment and protective items are provided where necessary. This may include:

Removal blankets, straps and trolleys for safe handling of goods. Gloves, safety footwear and high visibility clothing where risk assessments indicate they are required. Any other equipment deemed necessary to reduce risk during specialised moves or challenging access conditions.

Training, Information and Supervision

Man with Van Barnes provides appropriate training and information to all team members to help them carry out their duties safely. This includes:

Induction training covering basic health and safety, emergency procedures and safe manual handling. Ongoing instruction on loading techniques, use of equipment and vehicle safety. Supervision and monitoring of working practices to ensure that procedures are followed consistently. Updates to training materials and guidance when work methods, equipment or legislation changes.

Accidents, Incidents and Emergency Procedures

All accidents, incidents and near misses are taken seriously. We will:

Record details of work-related accidents and investigate their causes. Take steps to prevent recurrence by reviewing and improving procedures where required. Ensure that employees know how to access first aid and emergency assistance. Follow appropriate procedures in the event of fire, serious injury, traffic incidents or property damage.

Health and Wellbeing

We recognise that health and safety includes both physical and mental wellbeing. Man with Van Barnes aims to:

Manage workloads so far as reasonably practicable to reduce fatigue and stress. Encourage open communication about any health concerns that may affect a worker’s ability to perform tasks safely. Consider individual needs and limitations when allocating work involving lifting, driving or long hours.

Policy Review and Continuous Improvement

This Health and Safety policy is reviewed regularly to ensure it remains suitable and effective for our removal services. Reviews will take place at least annually, or sooner if there are significant changes to our operations, relevant legislation or following any major incident. Man with Van Barnes is committed to continuous improvement in safety performance and encourages feedback from employees and customers to help refine our practices and maintain a safe working environment for all.