Health and Safety policy
Health and Safety Policy for Man with Van St Johns
Man with Van St Johns is committed to providing a safe, healthy and secure working environment for our team members, customers, and the wider public. This Health and Safety policy sets out our principles and arrangements for managing risks associated with our removal and transportation services in and around the local area.
Our Health and Safety Commitment
We recognise our legal and moral responsibility to protect the health, safety and welfare of all persons affected by our activities. This includes employees, contractors, customers, visitors, and any members of the public who may be impacted by our removal operations and vehicle movements.
Management will provide clear leadership on health and safety matters, allocate appropriate resources, and ensure that health and safety considerations are integrated into planning and delivering our man and van services.
Objectives and Responsibilities
Our primary health and safety objectives are to prevent injury, ill health, and damage to property, and to continuously improve our safety performance. To support these objectives:
The management of Man with Van St Johns will:
Ensure that all relevant health and safety legislation and industry guidance are understood and implemented within the business.
Carry out regular reviews of this policy and our working practices, updating them when required.
Provide appropriate information, instruction, training, and supervision to all workers.
Consult with staff on health and safety matters and encourage open reporting of hazards and near misses.
All workers, including drivers and removal operatives, are required to:
Take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions.
Follow company procedures, use equipment correctly, and cooperate with all safety instructions and training.
Report accidents, incidents, near misses, and hazardous conditions to management without delay.
Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work
We undertake risk assessments for our typical removal and transport activities such as lifting and carrying, loading and unloading vehicles, driving, and working at customer properties. The findings are used to establish safe systems of work that are communicated to all staff.
Before each job, the team will consider site-specific risks including access routes, parking, stairs, confined spaces, and any special handling requirements. Where necessary, work will be paused to reassess and control risks before continuing.
Manual Handling and Lifting Practices
Manual handling is a significant part of our removal services and is managed carefully to reduce the risk of injury. Our approach includes:
Training all staff in safe lifting and carrying techniques, including team lifts for heavy or awkward items.
Using handling aids where appropriate, such as trolleys, dollies, furniture sliders, and straps.
Planning lifts in advance, clearing routes, and avoiding unnecessary carrying distances.
Refusing to move items that are unsafe to handle due to excessive weight, instability, or structural weakness until a safer method can be arranged.
Vehicle Safety and Driving Standards
Our vehicles are essential to our man and van service and are maintained in a roadworthy and safe condition. We ensure that:
Vehicles receive regular servicing, maintenance, and safety checks.
Loads are secured properly to prevent movement during transit, using appropriate restraints and padding.
Drivers hold the correct licence and are trained in defensive driving and safe loading practices.
Journey times are planned realistically, allowing for breaks and avoiding pressure to speed or drive when tired.
Any vehicle defects or incidents are reported immediately so that corrective action can be taken.
Use of Equipment and Protective Measures
All tools, lifting aids, and equipment used during moves are chosen and maintained to reduce risk. Staff are trained in the correct use of this equipment, and it is inspected regularly for damage or wear.
Where required, personal protective equipment such as gloves, safety footwear, or high-visibility garments will be provided and must be used in line with instructions. PPE is considered a last line of defence and does not replace safe working practices.
Customer Sites and Public Safety
Our teams often work in customers homes, offices, and shared public spaces. To protect everyone on site, we will:
Assess access routes in and around properties and avoid creating trip hazards or blocking fire exits.
Use caution when moving items through communal areas, pavements, and car parks.
Take particular care where children, pets, or vulnerable persons are present, and request that they are kept clear of working areas.
Minimise noise, disruption, and any risk to neighbours and members of the public during loading and unloading.
Training, Communication and Supervision
Health and safety training is provided as part of induction and refreshed regularly. Topics include manual handling, vehicle safety, safe use of equipment, working at customer premises, and emergency procedures.
Supervision is proportionate to the level of risk and the experience of the team members on each job. Managers and supervisors monitor working practices and provide feedback to promote continuous improvement.
Accident Reporting and Emergency Response
All accidents, injuries, near misses, and incidents that could have led to harm must be reported promptly. Records are kept so that trends can be identified and preventive action taken.
Emergency procedures are in place for situations such as road traffic incidents, sudden illness, fire at a customer site, or damage to property. Staff are instructed how to respond, when to contact emergency services, and how to protect themselves and others from further harm.
Review and Continuous Improvement
This Health and Safety policy is reviewed regularly to ensure it remains suitable for our range of man and van and removal services. Changes in legislation, new equipment, or lessons learned from incidents may lead to updates in our procedures.
By following this policy and maintaining a culture where safety is a shared responsibility, Man with Van St Johns aims to provide reliable, efficient, and safe removal services throughout the local area.
