Health and Safety policy
Health and Safety Policy for Man with Van Isle of Dogs
Man with Van Isle of Dogs is committed to providing a professional and safe removal service for our customers, our employees, contractors and members of the public. This Health and Safety Policy sets out the standards and procedures we follow to manage risks associated with moving, loading, transporting and unloading household and commercial goods.
Our removals work often involves heavy lifting, working in confined spaces such as stairwells and corridors, and operating in varied locations including homes, offices and storage facilities. We recognise our duty to plan and carry out all activities in a way that minimises the risk of injury, damage or ill health.
Health and Safety Objectives
Our main objectives are to prevent accidents and work-related ill health, protect property and goods in our care, comply with applicable health and safety legislation, continually improve our safety performance and ensure that health and safety considerations are integrated into all aspects of our removal services.
We aim to achieve these objectives through clear procedures, appropriate training and effective supervision of all removal tasks, from initial planning and packing through to driving, unloading and placement of items at the destination.
Management Responsibilities
The management of Man with Van Isle of Dogs is responsible for implementing this policy, ensuring that adequate resources are allocated for health and safety and monitoring performance. Management will review this policy periodically, and whenever there are significant changes in our operations, to ensure it remains suitable and effective.
Management is also responsible for assessing the risks associated with our work, providing appropriate equipment and ensuring that staff and regular contractors follow safe systems of work at all times.
Employee Responsibilities
All employees and contractors engaged by Man with Van Isle of Dogs have a duty to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions. They must cooperate with management in implementing this policy and follow all training, instructions and procedures provided.
Employees must report hazards, near misses, accidents or any unsafe conditions to management as soon as possible so that corrective action can be taken. They must use any equipment and personal protective equipment supplied in accordance with training and instructions and must not misuse or interfere with safety equipment.
Risk Assessment and Planning
Before each removal, we assess foreseeable hazards such as access restrictions, parking, traffic, weight and dimensions of items, stairs and lifts, weather conditions and any special requirements such as fragile or high value items. Where necessary, we adjust the manpower, equipment or timing of the job to control these risks.
For larger or more complex moves, a pre-move visit or detailed discussion with the client is undertaken to understand access routes, loading areas and any specific hazards inside or outside the property. This ensures that the move is planned with safety as a primary consideration.
Manual Handling and Lifting
Manual handling is a central part of our work and is managed carefully. We provide training in safe lifting and carrying techniques, including team lifting and the correct use of equipment such as trolleys, dollies and straps. Where possible we reduce manual handling by using mechanical aids and by breaking down items into smaller loads.
Our staff are instructed not to attempt to lift or move items that are beyond their capability or that present an unacceptable risk. Heavy or awkward loads are shared between team members, and routes are checked for obstacles and trip hazards before moving any item.
Vehicles, Driving and Road Safety
Our vehicles are selected and maintained to safely transport goods and equipment. Regular checks are carried out on tyres, brakes, lights, securing points and loading areas. Loads are distributed evenly and secured properly to prevent movement during transit.
Drivers are required to obey traffic laws, drive defensively and allow extra time for journeys to avoid rushing. They must ensure that doors, ramps and tailgates are properly closed and secured before moving the vehicle, and that loading or unloading on or near the road is carried out in a way that minimises risk to staff and other road users.
Work at Customer Premises
When working in homes, offices or other premises, our staff take care to protect both people and property. We keep walkways as clear as reasonably possible, use suitable equipment to protect floors and walls where appropriate and avoid blocking fire exits or important access routes.
We are mindful that customers and other occupants may be present during the move. Staff are instructed to maintain a tidy working environment, communicate clearly with customers about where they will be working and avoid creating unnecessary noise or disruption.
Equipment and Personal Protective Equipment
Man with Van Isle of Dogs provides appropriate equipment to support safe working, such as trolleys, moving blankets, straps and, where required, ramps. Equipment is checked regularly and removed from service if found to be defective.
Where necessary, personal protective equipment such as gloves or high visibility garments is provided and must be used in accordance with instructions. Staff are expected to wear suitable footwear and clothing that supports safe lifting and movement.
Training, Information and Supervision
All staff receive induction training that includes our health and safety expectations, safe manual handling, vehicle safety and how to report incidents or hazards. Further training is provided where work activities change or new equipment is introduced.
Less experienced staff are supervised by more experienced team members, particularly during complex or physically demanding jobs. Ongoing guidance is provided on site to maintain safe practices and correct any unsafe behaviour.
Accident, Incident and Near Miss Reporting
All accidents, injuries, damage to property and near misses are recorded and investigated so that we can identify root causes and take steps to prevent recurrence. Staff are encouraged to report any concern, however minor, because learning from small incidents can prevent serious accidents.
Where appropriate, findings from investigations are shared with staff as part of our commitment to continuous improvement in health and safety.
Wellbeing and Fitness for Work
We recognise that removal work can be physically demanding. Staff are expected to present themselves fit for work, free from the influence of alcohol, drugs or anything else that could impair judgment or physical ability. We encourage staff to raise any health issues that may affect their ability to work safely so that adjustments can be considered.
Breaks are taken as needed during longer jobs, and particularly strenuous tasks are organised to avoid excessive fatigue.
Policy Review and Communication
This Health and Safety Policy is communicated to all employees and regular contractors and is made available to customers who wish to understand how we manage safety during their move. The policy is reviewed periodically to reflect changes in legislation, industry practice and the nature of our services.
By following this policy, Man with Van Isle of Dogs seeks to provide a safe, reliable and considerate removal service throughout our operating area, protecting everyone involved in or affected by our work.
