Health and Safety policy
Health and Safety Policy for Man with Van Turnpike Lane
This Health and Safety Policy sets out how Man with Van Turnpike Lane manages safety for our removal and delivery services. Our aim is to protect our workers, customers, the public and any contractors from harm while we carry out collections, removals and transport of goods.
1. Policy Statement
Man with Van Turnpike Lane is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment. We will take all reasonably practicable steps to prevent accidents, injuries and work-related ill health during loading, unloading, carrying, driving and any associated on-site activities at homes, offices or other premises.
2. Responsibilities
Overall responsibility for health and safety within Man with Van Turnpike Lane rests with the company management. Management will:
• Provide suitable equipment and vehicles that are maintained in a safe condition.
• Ensure that workers receive appropriate information, instruction and training.
• Carry out and review risk assessments for typical removal and delivery tasks.
• Put in place safe systems of work and encourage a strong safety culture.
Each worker, whether full-time, part-time or subcontracted, has 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 procedures, instructions and training given.
• Use equipment and vehicles correctly and report any defects immediately.
• Report accidents, near misses or unsafe conditions to management without delay.
3. Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices
We will regularly assess the risks associated with moving, handling and transporting goods. For each job, workers are expected to consider the specific conditions at the property or site, including access, stairs, parking, weather and any vulnerable persons present.
Safe working practices will be applied, including but not limited to:
• Planning the lift, route and vehicle loading before starting work.
• Checking floors, stairs, ramps and paths for trip and slip hazards.
• Using two-person or multi-person lifts for heavy or awkward items.
• Avoiding unsafe short cuts, such as over-reaching or rushing.
4. Manual Handling and Use of Equipment
Manual handling is central to our removal services. To reduce the risk of strains, sprains and other injuries, all workers must:
• Use correct lifting techniques and avoid twisting while carrying loads.
• Assess the weight and stability of items before attempting to move them.
• Request assistance for heavy, bulky or unstable items.
• Make proper use of trolleys, dollys, straps, ramps and other handling aids provided.
Any equipment supplied for moving goods must be checked before use and withdrawn if damaged or unsafe. Only workers who have been shown how to use specific equipment should operate it.
5. Vehicle Safety and Driving Standards
Our vehicles are an essential part of our service. To maintain safe standards, Man with Van Turnpike Lane will ensure that vehicles are maintained, serviced and inspected regularly in line with legal requirements and manufacturer guidance.
Drivers must:
• Hold a valid driving licence appropriate for the vehicle being used.
• Complete pre-use checks and report any faults immediately.
• Secure loads properly, ensuring items are restrained to prevent movement in transit.
• Drive responsibly, obeying speed limits and traffic laws at all times.
• Never drive while under the influence of alcohol, drugs or while excessively fatigued.
6. Customer Premises and Public Safety
We recognise that our work often takes place inside customer homes, offices and shared buildings. Our team will act with care and consideration to protect customers, visitors, neighbours and the general public.
Measures include:
• Keeping access routes as clear as possible during loading and unloading.
• Placing ramps, trolleys and equipment so they do not create unnecessary hazards.
• Being aware of children, pets and vulnerable persons on the premises.
• Minimising noise and disruption where reasonably practicable.
• Respecting property and reporting any damage to the customer promptly.
7. Personal Protective Equipment
Where necessary, Man with Van Turnpike Lane will provide personal protective equipment appropriate to the work being carried out. This may include gloves, high-visibility clothing, safety footwear or other items where a risk assessment identifies the need.
Workers must use any protective equipment provided, keep it in good condition and report any loss or damage so that it can be replaced.
8. Training, Information and Supervision
We will provide workers with sufficient information and training to carry out their tasks safely, particularly in areas such as manual handling, safe loading, use of handling aids, vehicle safety and dealing with customers at their premises.
New starters will receive an introduction to our health and safety procedures before working unsupervised. Ongoing supervision and refresher guidance will be provided where needed, especially when work practices or equipment change.
9. Incident Reporting and Emergency Procedures
All accidents, injuries, near misses and dangerous occurrences must be reported to management as soon as possible. This enables us to investigate what happened, take corrective action and prevent recurrence.
Emergency procedures, including what to do in case of fire, serious injury, road traffic collisions, fuel spills or other significant incidents, will be communicated to workers. Employees are expected to follow these procedures calmly and cooperate with emergency services when required.
10. Review of Policy
This Health and Safety Policy will be reviewed regularly and updated as necessary to reflect changes in legislation, working practices or the nature of our removal and transport services. Workers will be informed of any important changes and are encouraged to raise suggestions on how safety can be improved.
By following this policy, Man with Van Turnpike Lane aims to deliver a reliable, professional removal service while safeguarding the wellbeing of everyone involved in our operations.
