Health and Safety policy

Man with Van Pinner Health and Safety Policy

Man with Van Pinner is committed to maintaining high standards of health and safety for our employees, customers, contractors and members of the public. This policy sets out our approach to managing risks associated with removals, loading and unloading, transportation of goods and work at customers premises, including homes, offices and other locations in our service area.

Our Health and Safety Objectives

Our primary objectives are to prevent injury, protect health and minimise risks arising from our activities. We aim to provide a safe working environment for our team and a safe service for all customers by planning work carefully, providing appropriate equipment, training staff and encouraging a culture where safety is the responsibility of everyone involved in the move.

Legal Duties and Responsibilities

Man with Van Pinner will comply with applicable health and safety legislation and recognised industry best practice relevant to removal and transport services. We recognise our duty to assess and manage risks, provide safe equipment, ensure staff are competent for their tasks and cooperate with customers and other parties to maintain safe conditions on site.

Management Responsibilities

Company management is responsible for implementing and reviewing this Health and Safety Policy. This includes ensuring that risk assessments are carried out, safe systems of work are developed, training needs are identified and met, and that incidents and near misses are reported and investigated so that lessons can be learned and improvements made.

Employee Responsibilities

All employees and regular contractors working for Man with Van Pinner must:

Take reasonable care for their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions. Follow all safety instructions, training and procedures provided by the company. Use equipment, vehicles and personal protective equipment correctly. Report hazards, defects, accidents and near misses to management without delay. Refrain from any behaviour that could compromise safety, including working under the influence of alcohol or illegal substances.

Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices

We conduct risk assessments for our core activities, including domestic and commercial moves, packing services, loading and unloading vehicles, transporting goods and working in customers premises. These assessments are used to design safe working practices, which may include restrictions on the weight of items handled manually, the use of trolleys and other handling aids, safe parking and loading arrangements and controls to manage fragile or hazardous items.

Manual Handling and Lifting

Manual handling is a central part of our work, and we recognise the potential for injury if it is not managed properly. Our staff are instructed to:

Assess each lift before starting work, considering the weight, shape, stability and route to be taken. Use team lifting or mechanical aids for heavy or bulky items. Avoid awkward postures, twisting and overreaching. Keep loads close to the body where possible and take regular breaks during intensive lifting tasks. Refuse to move items that present an unacceptable risk until safer arrangements can be made.

Use of Vehicles and Driving Safety

Our vehicles are maintained in good working order and checked regularly. Drivers are required to hold the correct licence and to follow safe driving practices at all times. This includes planning journeys, respecting speed limits, loading vehicles within permitted weight limits, securing loads properly to prevent movement in transit and parking safely and considerately near customer addresses and work locations.

Working at Customer Premises

When operating at customer homes, offices or other buildings, our staff will take care to protect both people and property. This includes:

Identifying potential hazards such as narrow staircases, slippery floors, low ceilings, uneven ground or restricted access. Using protective coverings where appropriate to reduce damage and trip risks. Keeping routes clear of obstacles and managing the movement of large items through doorways and communal areas. Communicating with customers and other occupiers to coordinate safe access and minimise disruption.

Equipment, Tools and Personal Protective Equipment

We provide suitable equipment and tools for removal work, including trolleys, dollies, straps and protective materials. Equipment is inspected regularly and removed from service if found to be unsafe. Where necessary, personal protective equipment such as safety footwear and gloves is provided and must be worn as instructed. Staff are trained in the correct use of all equipment and are encouraged to report faults immediately.

Training, Information and Supervision

All staff receive appropriate induction training in health and safety, along with job-specific instruction related to removal work. This may include manual handling techniques, vehicle loading and unloading procedures, safe driving practices and emergency actions. Training is refreshed at intervals and when work practices, equipment or legislation change. Supervisors and more experienced team members provide on-the-job guidance to new staff to reinforce safe working behaviours.

Protecting Customers and the Public

We take reasonable steps to protect customers, visitors and members of the public from risks arising from our activities. This includes planning safe access routes, restricting movement in loading areas where practicable, taking care when carrying large items through shared spaces and communicating clearly about any short-term risks during the moving process. We are mindful of vulnerable persons, including children, older people and pets, and will adapt our work to reduce risks.

Accident Reporting and Emergency Procedures

All accidents, incidents and near misses must be reported to management as soon as reasonably practicable. We will record these events, investigate the causes and take steps to prevent recurrence. Staff are instructed on what to do in an emergency, including obtaining medical assistance, safely stopping work, securing the area and cooperating with the emergency services if required.

Continuous Improvement and Policy Review

Man with Van Pinner is committed to continuous improvement in health and safety performance. We review this policy regularly, and at least once a year, to ensure it remains suitable and effective for our removal operations and service area. Changes in legislation, feedback from staff and customers, investigation findings and new ways of working will all be considered during these reviews.

Communication of this Policy

This Health and Safety Policy is made available to all staff and is communicated as part of their induction and ongoing training. Customers and other interested parties may request information about our safety arrangements in connection with planned moves or related services. We expect everyone working with or alongside Man with Van Pinner to cooperate with this policy and help us maintain a safe, reliable and professional removal service.