Man with Van Longlands Health and Safety Policy

Man with Van Longlands is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for our employees, subcontractors, customers, and members of the public who may be affected by our removal and transport activities. This Health and Safety Policy sets out our approach to managing risks associated with home and business moves, loading and unloading, transport, and on-site work at properties and premises within our service area.

Policy Statement and Objectives

Our objective is to prevent injury, ill health, damage to property, and harm to the environment arising from our operations. We will meet or exceed all applicable health and safety legislation and strive for continuous improvement in our standards and performance.

To achieve this, Man with Van Longlands will identify and control risks related to lifting and carrying, vehicle movements, work at customers premises, and the handling of furniture, appliances, and personal belongings. We will provide appropriate information, instruction, training, and supervision to help ensure work is carried out safely and responsibly.

Responsibilities for Health and Safety

Overall responsibility for health and safety rests with the company management. Management is responsible for implementing this policy, providing adequate resources, monitoring compliance, and reviewing performance. They will ensure that safe systems of work are developed and followed during every removal and delivery job.

All employees and regular subcontractors have a duty to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions. Staff must follow company procedures, use equipment correctly, report hazards and incidents promptly, and cooperate fully in health and safety training and risk assessments.

Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices

Before undertaking any removal, loading, or unloading work, Man with Van Longlands will assess foreseeable risks at the origin and destination addresses and in transit. This may include consideration of access routes, stairs, lifts, parking and loading areas, weather conditions, and the nature of items being moved.

Where significant hazards are identified, appropriate control measures will be implemented. These may include the use of additional staff, manual handling aids, adjusted routes, time allowances to avoid rushing, and specific methods for moving bulky or fragile items. Staff are required to follow these agreed safe systems of work at all times.

Manual Handling and Lifting

Manual handling is a core part of our removal operations and is managed carefully to reduce the risk of injury. All staff are trained in safe lifting techniques, correct posture, team lifting, and the use of equipment such as trolleys, dollies, and straps.

We will avoid or reduce heavy manual handling wherever reasonably practicable, for example by dismantling large furniture where appropriate, clearing routes in advance, and sharing loads between team members. No employee is expected to lift or carry a load they reasonably believe is too heavy, unstable, or unsafe.

Vehicle and Driving Safety

Our vehicles are integral to our services and must be operated safely at all times. Vehicles used by Man with Van Longlands will be maintained in a roadworthy condition, with regular checks on tyres, brakes, lights, restraints, and loading areas.

Drivers must hold the appropriate licence, follow highway rules, and drive in a manner that protects passengers, other road users, and pedestrians. Loads will be secured to prevent movement during transit, and vehicles will not be overloaded. Parking and unloading will be undertaken with due regard for local restrictions, safe access, and minimal disruption.

Customer Premises and Public Safety

When working in or around customer homes, offices, and public areas, our staff will act with care to protect people and property. Access routes will be planned to minimise trip and slip risks, and items will be moved with attention to doorways, stairwells, and communal spaces.

Where necessary, staff will use protective coverings for floors and surfaces and will position items in safe locations that do not obstruct exits, walkways, or emergency routes. Staff will remain alert to the presence of children, pets, and members of the public and will take extra care to maintain safe distances while moving large or heavy items.

Equipment, Tools, and Personal Protective Equipment

Any equipment and tools provided by Man with Van Longlands, including trolleys, straps, ramps, and protective materials, will be maintained in a safe condition and used only for their intended purpose. Defective or damaged equipment must be reported immediately and taken out of use until repaired or replaced.

Where the nature of the work requires it, staff may be provided with suitable personal protective equipment, such as gloves or safety footwear. All such equipment must be worn and cared for in accordance with instructions, and any loss or damage must be reported promptly.

Health, Welfare, and Fitness for Work

We recognise that removal work can be physically demanding. Staff are expected to present themselves fit for work and to notify management of any health conditions that may affect their ability to perform tasks safely. No employee or subcontractor should work under the influence of alcohol, illegal substances, or any medication that may impair safe performance.

Reasonable breaks will be taken as needed to prevent fatigue, particularly on longer jobs or where there is a high volume of lifting and carrying. Hydration and rest are encouraged, and team members are expected to support one another and raise any concerns regarding workload or physical strain.

Incident Reporting and Emergency Procedures

All accidents, near misses, property damage, and health and safety concerns must be reported to management as soon as possible. This enables us to investigate causes, put corrective actions in place, and reduce the likelihood of recurrence.

Staff are instructed in basic emergency procedures, including what to do in the event of fire, injury, or sudden illness during a job. Where appropriate, emergency services will be contacted without delay, and the safety of all persons present will be the priority.

Training, Communication, and Review

Man with Van Longlands provides ongoing training and guidance relevant to health and safety in the removals trade. New starters receive an introduction to our policies and procedures, and experienced staff are updated when practices or legal requirements change.

This Health and Safety Policy is communicated to all employees and made available to customers on request. It will be reviewed regularly and updated as necessary to reflect changes in our operations, best practice, or legislation. By working together and following this policy, we aim to deliver a reliable, high quality removal service while protecting the wellbeing of everyone involved.