Health and Safety policy

Man with Van Barnes Health and Safety Policy

Man with Van Barnes is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for our employees, contractors, customers and members of the public. This Health and Safety Policy sets out our approach to managing risks associated with removal and delivery services, including packing, lifting, loading, transport and unloading of goods.

We recognise our responsibilities under relevant health and safety legislation and industry best practice. We work systematically to prevent accidents, injuries, ill health and damage to property during removal operations within our service areas.

Our Health and Safety Commitments

We are committed to:

Identifying, assessing and managing risks associated with removal, transport and delivery work. Providing appropriate training, information and supervision to enable staff to work safely. Supplying and maintaining suitable vehicles, tools, equipment and personal protective equipment. Planning all jobs so that lifting, carrying, loading and unloading are conducted as safely and efficiently as possible. Encouraging a positive safety culture in which all staff feel responsible for their own safety and that of others. Investigating incidents and near misses and using the findings to improve our systems.

Roles and Responsibilities

Health and safety is a shared responsibility at Man with Van Barnes.

Management is responsible for ensuring this policy is implemented, resourced and regularly reviewed. Managers must plan operations with safety in mind, carry out risk assessments, provide training and ensure that vehicles and equipment are properly maintained.

Employees are responsible for following all training and instructions, using equipment correctly, reporting hazards and incidents, and cooperating fully with health and safety procedures. Staff must not undertake any activity for which they have not been trained or which they believe cannot be carried out safely.

Customers are requested to cooperate by providing clear access, notifying us in advance of any known hazards at their premises and following safety instructions given by our team while work is taking place.

Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work

Before carrying out removal activities, we assess the risks that may arise from the work. This includes considering the nature and weight of items, access routes, parking arrangements, traffic, stairs, lifts, weather conditions and any other site-specific factors.

From these assessments we develop safe systems of work that set out how our teams will plan and complete the job. Where conditions change or unexpected hazards are identified, the team leader will review the approach and adjust methods to maintain safety.

Manual Handling and Lifting

Manual handling is a core part of our service and is carefully controlled to minimise the risk of injury. Our commitments include:

Providing training on safe lifting techniques and team handling. Planning routes to avoid unnecessary carrying and to make best use of trolleys and other handling aids. Ensuring that no individual is required to lift or carry loads beyond safe limits. Using two-person or multi-person lifts for heavy or awkward items such as furniture and appliances. Stopping work if an item cannot be moved safely with the resources and equipment available.

Vehicle Safety and Driving Standards

Our vehicles are a key part of our removal services and are managed to high safety standards. We ensure:

Vehicles are regularly inspected, maintained and cleaned to keep them roadworthy and safe for loading. Drivers hold the appropriate licences and follow all road traffic laws. Loads are carefully packed, balanced and secured to avoid movement during transit. Parking and loading are planned to reduce risks to staff, customers, pedestrians and other road users. Drivers do not operate vehicles when unfit to drive due to tiredness, medication, alcohol or any other factor.

Site Safety and Public Protection

Our teams take all reasonable steps to protect the safety of customers and the public while working on site. Measures may include:

Maintaining clear walkways and exits during packing, loading and unloading. Using safe lifting routes that minimise the need to carry items above head height or across busy areas. Controlling vehicle movements during reversing or manoeuvring, with a team member acting as a guide where necessary. Stopping work immediately if any condition arises that could cause serious harm until it is made safe.

Equipment and Personal Protective Equipment

We provide suitable tools and equipment for the work we undertake, such as trolleys, straps, blankets and ramps. All equipment is checked regularly and removed from use if found to be defective.

Where necessary, personal protective equipment such as gloves, safety footwear or high-visibility clothing is provided and must be worn as instructed. Employees must take reasonable care of equipment and report any damage or defects immediately.

Health, Welfare and Training

We recognise the importance of staff wellbeing in maintaining a safe and effective removal service. We provide appropriate induction and ongoing training covering manual handling, vehicle safety, use of equipment, incident reporting and customer care.

Work schedules are planned so far as reasonably practicable to avoid excessive working hours, fatigue and unsafe workloads. Staff are encouraged to raise any health concerns that could affect their fitness for work so that reasonable adjustments can be considered.

Accident Reporting and Investigation

All accidents, injuries, vehicle incidents and near misses must be reported to management as soon as practicable. We record and investigate these events to identify causes and implement corrective actions.

Where required by law, we will notify relevant authorities of reportable incidents. Lessons learned from investigations are communicated to staff and used to improve procedures, training and equipment.

Policy Review and Communication

This Health and Safety Policy is reviewed regularly and whenever there are significant changes to our operations, legislation or best practice in the removals industry. Updated versions are shared with staff and made available to customers on request.

Every member of the Man with Van Barnes team is expected to support and uphold the principles set out in this policy. By working together, we aim to deliver efficient, professional removal services while protecting the health, safety and welfare of everyone involved.