Health and Safety policy

Health and Safety Commitment at Man with Van Grahame Park

Man with Van Grahame Park is committed to providing removal and man and van services in a way that protects the health, safety and welfare of our customers, our team members and the public. This Health and Safety policy sets out the standards, procedures and responsibilities that guide our work on every job, from small man and van bookings to larger home and office moves.

Policy Aims and Objectives

The primary aim of this policy is to prevent accidents, injuries and damage during removal activities. We seek to provide a safe working environment for our staff and a safe service for customers by identifying hazards, assessing risks and putting in place sensible controls. We are committed to complying with relevant health and safety legislation and to continually improving our standards.

Responsibilities for Health and Safety

Overall responsibility for health and safety within Man with Van Grahame Park rests with the business owner or appointed manager. They ensure that safe systems of work are developed, implemented and reviewed, and that adequate resources are available for training, equipment and supervision.

All employees, drivers and porters share responsibility for looking after their own safety and the safety of others who may be affected by their actions. This includes following instructions and training, using equipment correctly, reporting hazards or incidents promptly and cooperating with any investigation or review.

Customers also have a role in enabling safe working conditions by providing honest and accurate information about access, parking, item sizes and special handling requirements, and by keeping routes clear on the day of the move.

Risk Assessment and Planning

Health and safety begins with careful planning of each removal job. We undertake risk assessments that consider the type and weight of items to be moved, property layout and access, stairs and lifts, parking and loading areas, weather conditions and any known customer vulnerabilities or special needs.

Where significant risks are identified, control measures are put in place. These may include using additional staff, specialist lifting equipment, protective materials, or adjusting the timing of the work. Staff are briefed before starting the job so that everyone understands the plan and their responsibilities.

Safe Lifting and Handling

Manual handling is central to our work, so preventing strain and injury is a key priority. All removal staff receive guidance in safe lifting techniques, including how to assess the weight and stability of an item, how to work as a team when lifting larger objects and how to use handling aids safely.

We aim to avoid unnecessary manual handling by using appropriate equipment such as trolleys, skates, straps and ramps wherever reasonably practicable. Heavy, awkward or fragile items are handled only by suitably trained staff, and lifting beyond safe limits is not permitted under any circumstances.

Vehicles, Driving and Parking

Our vehicles are maintained in a roadworthy condition and inspected regularly. Drivers must hold a valid driving licence appropriate to the vehicle they operate and follow all road safety rules. Journey planning takes into account safe routes, realistic travel times and rest breaks where necessary.

Safe loading and unloading practices are essential. Loads are positioned and secured to prevent movement during transit, and weight limits for vehicles are never exceeded. When arriving at a property, drivers select parking positions that minimise risks to pedestrians, other road users and staff, even where this may require a slightly longer carry distance.

Protection of Customers, Property and the Public

During any move, our team takes steps to protect customers, their property and other members of the public. This may include using floor coverings, corner guards and protective wraps, as well as cordoning off areas where heavy lifting is underway.

Routes in and out of the property are kept as clear as possible to avoid slips, trips and falls. Where there is a risk of impact to walls, doors or fixtures, additional protection and guidance are provided. Staff remain vigilant to the presence of children, pets, neighbours and passers-by and adapt their work to maintain a safe environment.

Use of Equipment and Personal Protective Items

We supply suitable equipment to support safe removals work. This may include trolleys, moving blankets, straps, tools and protection materials. Equipment is checked regularly and removed from service if damaged or unsafe.

Where necessary, staff use personal protective items such as gloves and safety footwear to reduce the risk of cuts, crush injuries and other harm. Team members are expected to look after any items issued to them and to report defects immediately.

Housekeeping and Site Conduct

Good housekeeping is an important part of accident prevention. Our teams aim to keep work areas tidy, with tools and equipment stored safely when not in use. Boxes and furniture are placed in secure, stable positions to avoid collapse or obstruction.

Smoking, alcohol and recreational drugs are strictly prohibited during working hours and on any customer or public premises. Staff are required to behave professionally at all times and to show respect for customers, neighbours and the wider community.

Accident, Incident and Near-Miss Reporting

All accidents, incidents and near-misses that occur during removal activities must be reported to the manager as soon as reasonably practicable. This includes injuries, vehicle incidents, property damage and any event that could have resulted in harm.

Reports are recorded and investigated to identify root causes and opportunities for improvement. Where necessary, safe systems of work are updated, and additional training or equipment is provided to reduce the chance of similar incidents in future.

Training, Information and Supervision

We recognise that effective health and safety depends on competent people. New staff receive an introduction to this policy, our safe working procedures and the specific requirements of removal work. Ongoing training and refreshers are provided as needed, particularly when new equipment, vehicles or methods are introduced.

Supervision is proportionate to the complexity and risk of the job. Less experienced staff are supported by more experienced colleagues, and the person in charge of each job is responsible for ensuring that the policy and procedures are followed.

Continuous Improvement and Policy Review

Man with Van Grahame Park is committed to continuous improvement in all aspects of health and safety. We monitor our performance, take account of feedback from staff and customers, and keep up to date with relevant guidance and best practice in the removals sector.

This Health and Safety policy is reviewed regularly and updated when necessary to reflect changes in legislation, work practices or risk assessments. The latest version of the policy is made available to staff and customers on request, and all team members are expected to familiarise themselves with its contents.