Health and Safety policy

Health and Safety Policy for Man with Van Honor Oak

Man with Van Honor Oak is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for our staff, customers, contractors, and members of the public who may be affected by our removal and delivery activities. This Health and Safety policy sets out our approach to risk management, safe working practices, and continuous improvement across all moves and transport services we provide.

Policy Aims and Responsibilities

Our aim is to prevent injury, ill health, damage to property, and any adverse impact on the environment arising from our work. Health and safety considerations are integral to planning and delivering every man and van service, from small flat moves to larger household or office removals.

Overall responsibility for health and safety within Man with Van Honor Oak rests with the company management, who ensure that appropriate systems and resources are in place. Supervisors and drivers are responsible for implementing safe working practices on site and in vehicles. All employees have a duty to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions or omissions.

Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work

We carry out risk assessments for our typical removal and transport activities, including lifting and carrying items, loading and unloading vehicles, using equipment such as trolleys and straps, and working in and around customer premises. Where necessary, site specific assessments are completed before work begins, especially when dealing with restricted access, staircases, long carrying distances, or unusually heavy or fragile items.

These assessments help us to identify hazards and put appropriate control measures in place. This may include using additional staff, specialist equipment, route planning, and time allowances to reduce the risk of accidents. Our teams are briefed on any particular hazards and are expected to follow the agreed safe systems of work at all times.

Manual Handling and Lifting Practices

Manual handling is a core part of our business, and we recognise the potential for back injuries, strains, and other musculoskeletal issues if it is not managed correctly. All staff involved in removals receive training in correct lifting techniques, team lifts, and the use of handling aids.

We aim to minimise manual handling wherever reasonably practicable by using trolleys, skates, and other suitable equipment. Heavy or bulky items are assessed before being moved, and staff are instructed never to attempt to lift more than they can safely handle. Where an item is too heavy or awkward for safe manual handling, alternative arrangements will be made, such as using additional personnel or specialist services.

Vehicle Safety and Driving Standards

Our vehicles are central to our operations, and we are committed to ensuring they are safe, roadworthy, and suitable for the loads they carry. Vehicles are inspected regularly, maintained in line with manufacturer recommendations, and checked by drivers before use to ensure that tyres, lights, brakes, and load securing points are in good condition.

All drivers must hold the appropriate licence and are expected to follow road traffic laws and company driving standards. This includes observing speed limits, planning routes safely, avoiding distractions, and driving in a manner that protects passengers, other road users, and the load. Loads are distributed and secured correctly using straps, blankets, and other equipment to prevent movement during transit.

Use of Equipment and Protective Measures

We provide suitable equipment for safe removals, including moving blankets, straps, trolleys, and, where appropriate, ramps. Staff are trained in the safe use of this equipment and must check it for obvious defects before use. Any damaged or faulty equipment is taken out of service immediately and reported for repair or replacement.

Where risks cannot be eliminated through the design of tasks or the use of equipment, personal protective equipment may be provided, such as gloves or safety footwear. Staff are expected to use such protective measures correctly and to look after any equipment issued to them.

Customer Premises and Public Safety

Our teams work in a wide variety of homes and business premises. We take care to protect property and ensure that work areas remain as safe as possible while loading and unloading. This includes keeping access routes clear, using protective coverings where appropriate, and handling items carefully to avoid damage.

We are mindful of the safety of occupants, neighbours, and members of the public. Where work takes place on or near public pathways or shared areas, we will, where reasonably practicable, organise the work to reduce obstruction, communicate with those affected, and put in place temporary controls such as clear walkways or short-term positioning of vehicles.

Training, Information, and Supervision

Man with Van Honor Oak provides appropriate training to staff so they can carry out their roles safely and competently. This includes induction training for new employees, instruction in manual handling, safe vehicle loading, use of equipment, and awareness of hazards commonly associated with removals and transport.

Information about specific jobs, including any known risks or special requirements, is communicated before the work starts. Supervisors and experienced team members provide on-the-job guidance, and management monitors working practices to ensure that safety standards are maintained and improved where necessary.

Incident Reporting and Continuous Improvement

All accidents, injuries, near misses, and damage to property arising from our work must be reported promptly to management. Incidents are investigated as appropriate to identify underlying causes and to determine what actions are required to prevent a recurrence.

We review our Health and Safety policy and procedures on a regular basis, and in response to changes in legislation, industry guidance, or our own operational experience. Feedback from staff and customers is welcomed and used to improve how we manage health and safety during all moves and related services.

Employee and Customer Responsibilities

While Man with Van Honor Oak takes the lead in managing health and safety, we recognise that effective risk control relies on cooperation. Employees are expected to follow training, use equipment correctly, report hazards, and refrain from any behaviour that could place themselves or others at risk. Customers are asked to inform us of any particular access issues, hazards, or special handling needs in advance, and to keep access routes as clear as possible on the day of the move.

By working together, we aim to deliver reliable removal services while protecting the wellbeing of our teams, our customers, and the wider community.