Man with Van Selhurst Health and Safety Policy
Man with Van Selhurst is committed to maintaining a safe and healthy working environment for our employees, customers, contractors, visitors, and members of the public who may be affected by our removal and transport activities. This Health and Safety Policy sets out our responsibilities, arrangements, and working practices to prevent accidents, injuries, and damage to property while we provide man and van and removal services.
Policy Statement
Our objective is to conduct all removal operations in a manner that minimises risk and promotes safe working practices at all times. We will comply with all relevant health and safety legislation and recognised industry standards. Health and safety considerations form an integral part of our planning, risk assessment, and decision-making for every job, regardless of size or location.
Management accepts overall responsibility for health and safety performance and will provide appropriate resources, information, and supervision to ensure this policy is effectively implemented, maintained, and reviewed.
Responsibilities
The management of Man with Van Selhurst is responsible for:
Ensuring this Health and Safety Policy is communicated to all staff and made available to customers upon request.
Regularly reviewing the policy and associated procedures to maintain legal compliance and best practice.
Providing suitable training, instruction, and supervision so employees can carry out their work safely.
Ensuring work equipment, vehicles, and tools are maintained in a safe condition.
Promoting a positive safety culture and encouraging staff to report hazards, near misses, and incidents promptly.
All employees, drivers, porters, and contractors working with or on behalf of Man with Van Selhurst have a duty to:
Take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions.
Follow all safety instructions, training, and safe systems of work issued by the company.
Use equipment, vehicles, and protective gear correctly and only for their intended purpose.
Report any hazards, defects, accidents, or near misses to management without delay.
Refrain from unsafe behaviour, horseplay, or working under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices
Man with Van Selhurst will assess the risks associated with removal activities, including lifting and carrying, loading and unloading vehicles, securing loads, driving, and working at customers premises.
Before each job, our team will, where reasonably practicable:
Identify potential hazards such as narrow stairways, heavy or awkward items, poor lighting, uneven surfaces, or restricted access.
Plan safe routes for removing and transporting items to minimise manual handling risks.
Determine whether additional manpower, equipment, or protective measures are required.
Where necessary, we will adapt our working methods or decline work that cannot be carried out safely.
Manual Handling and Lifting
Manual handling is a core part of removal work and is managed carefully to reduce the risk of injury. Our approach includes:
Training staff in correct lifting techniques, team lifting, and safe use of handling equipment.
Encouraging staff to assess each lift, considering weight, shape, and route before moving items.
Using equipment where appropriate, such as trolleys, dollies, straps, and furniture blankets.
Avoiding unnecessary lifting by planning the order of loading and unloading.
Refusing to move items that are too heavy or unsafe to handle without specialist equipment or additional support.
Vehicle and Driving Safety
Our vehicles are central to our man and van services, and their safe operation is essential. Man with Van Selhurst will:
Maintain vehicles in a roadworthy condition with regular checks and servicing.
Ensure drivers hold the appropriate licences and are familiar with safe driving practices.
Require drivers to carry out basic pre-use checks, including tyres, lights, and securing mechanisms.
Ensure loads are safely distributed and secured to prevent movement during transit.
Plan routes to reduce stress, avoid unnecessary risks, and comply with traffic and parking regulations.
Drivers must not operate vehicles while tired, under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or any substance that may impair safe driving.
Working at Customer Premises
Our teams work at a variety of properties, including homes, offices, and storage facilities. To ensure safety:
Staff will respect each property and follow any reasonable on-site safety instructions.
Where necessary, we may ask customers to keep children, pets, and other occupants away from working areas.
We will aim to keep access routes clear, minimise trip hazards, and maintain good housekeeping while on site.
If conditions are unsafe, such as blocked access, structural issues, or extreme weather, we may suspend or rearrange the work until it can be completed safely.
Equipment and Personal Protective Equipment
Man with Van Selhurst will provide appropriate tools and equipment in good working order. When required by the task or environment, staff may use personal protective equipment such as gloves, safety footwear, or high-visibility clothing.
Employees must use any provided protective equipment in accordance with training and report any loss or damage so it can be replaced.
Accident Reporting and Emergency Procedures
All accidents, incidents, and near misses must be reported to management as soon as reasonably practicable. We will record relevant details, investigate the causes, and, where necessary, update our risk assessments, training, or procedures to prevent recurrence.
In the event of an emergency, such as serious injury, fire, or road collision, staff must prioritise the safety of people, contact the emergency services where needed, and follow any site-specific instructions.
Training, Consultation, and Continuous Improvement
We are committed to providing ongoing training relevant to our removal and man and van activities. This may include induction training, refresher training, and specific instruction on manual handling, vehicle safety, and customer care.
We encourage employees to raise health and safety concerns and suggestions for improvement. Constructive feedback helps us maintain high standards and adapt to new challenges.
This Health and Safety Policy will be reviewed periodically and whenever there are significant changes to our operations, services, or legal requirements.
By working together and following this policy, Man with Van Selhurst aims to deliver reliable removal services while protecting the health, safety, and welfare of everyone involved.
