Health and Safety Policy for Man with Van Eel Pie Island

Man with Van Eel Pie Island is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for our employees, customers, contractors, and the general public. This Health and Safety Policy sets out the principles and practices we follow to manage risks associated with house removals, office moves, furniture transport, and related moving and delivery services.

Policy Statement

Our objective is to prevent injury, ill health, and damage to property arising from our removal and transport activities. We recognise our duties under relevant health and safety legislation and will take all reasonably practicable steps to ensure that our work is carried out safely and responsibly.

This policy applies to all employees, subcontractors, and any person engaged in work on behalf of Man with Van Eel Pie Island, whether working at customers premises, on the road, in storage locations, or at any other site connected with our services.

Responsibilities

Overall responsibility for health and safety rests with the company management, who will ensure that appropriate procedures, resources, and training are in place. Management will:

Assess and manage risks associated with manual handling, loading and unloading, vehicle movements, and customer premises. Provide vehicles, tools, and equipment that are suitable, well maintained, and safe to use. Arrange appropriate training and supervision so that employees can work safely and competently. Review incidents, near misses, and feedback to improve our safety performance.

All employees and contractors 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 measures. Report any hazards, unsafe conditions, accidents, or near misses to management without delay. Refrain from working under the influence of drugs or alcohol or engaging in unsafe behaviour.

Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices

We carry out risk assessments for our core activities, including lifting and carrying goods, operating removal vehicles, working in domestic and commercial properties, and handling bulky or fragile items. These risk assessments are reviewed periodically and whenever there is a significant change in our operations.

From these assessments, we develop and maintain safe systems of work covering tasks such as lifting techniques, use of trolleys and lifting aids, safe stacking and securing loads, and safe access to buildings. Staff are instructed in these procedures and are expected to follow them at all times.

Manual Handling and Lifting

Manual handling is a key element of removal work and carries inherent risks. To reduce the likelihood of back injuries, strains, and other musculoskeletal problems, we:

Provide training on correct lifting and carrying techniques, including team lifting for heavy or awkward items. Encourage staff to assess each lift before starting and to refuse unsafe manual handling tasks. Use handling equipment, such as sack trucks and dollies, whenever reasonably practicable. Plan moves in advance to minimise carrying distances, avoid awkward routes, and reduce the need for lifting where possible.

Vehicles and Driving Safety

Our vehicles are at the centre of our service and must be operated safely at all times. We ensure that vehicles are maintained in roadworthy condition, subject to regular checks and servicing, and equipped with appropriate restraints for securing loads.

Drivers are responsible for conducting daily checks, reporting any defects immediately, and ensuring that loads are distributed and secured correctly to prevent movement during transit. All driving must comply with road traffic laws, speed limits, and any applicable driver hours rules. Mobile phones and other devices must not be used while driving unless operated safely in line with the law.

Working at Customer Premises

Every property is different, and our teams take care to work safely at each location. Before starting work, the team will identify potential hazards such as uneven surfaces, tight staircases, low ceilings, poor lighting, or restricted access.

Where necessary, protective measures will be used to guard floors, walls, and doorways. Routes for moving items will be planned to avoid unnecessary risks to staff, customers, and others present at the property. If a task cannot be carried out safely, alternative arrangements will be discussed with the customer.

Equipment and Personal Protective Equipment

We provide suitable equipment and personal protective equipment for the tasks our teams undertake. This may include gloves, safety footwear, high-visibility clothing, and other items where risk assessments indicate they are necessary.

All equipment must be used correctly, stored safely, and kept in good condition. Defective or damaged equipment must be taken out of use and reported so that repair or replacement can be arranged.

Training, Information and Supervision

We are committed to ensuring that all members of staff have the knowledge and skills needed to work safely. Induction training includes an overview of this policy, safe working procedures, manual handling, vehicle safety, and emergency arrangements.

Where specific risks are identified, additional training will be provided. Supervisors and experienced staff are expected to set a good example, reinforce safe practices, and support new team members as they develop experience.

Accident Reporting and Emergency Procedures

All accidents, injuries, and near misses must be reported to management as soon as possible. Accurate records will be maintained and reviewed to identify trends and implement corrective actions.

In the event of an emergency, such as fire, serious injury, or road traffic incident, staff must follow appropriate procedures, prioritising the safety of people involved and contacting emergency services where required. First aid arrangements are maintained in line with the nature and scale of our activities.

Consultation and Continuous Improvement

We recognise that our employees and contractors are well placed to identify practical improvements to health and safety. We encourage open communication and suggestions for safer ways of working, better equipment, or improvements to training and procedures.

This Health and Safety Policy will be reviewed regularly and updated when necessary to reflect changes in legislation, industry best practice, or our own operations. Our goal is continual improvement in safety performance across all removal and transport services we provide.