Man with Van Coney Hall Health and Safety Policy
This Health and Safety Policy sets out how Man with Van Coney Hall manages the safety and wellbeing of our employees, customers, contractors and members of the public during all moving, transport and related removal activities. Our aim is to provide a professional, reliable and safe service across our operating area, minimising risks associated with manual handling, driving, loading, unloading and working in domestic and commercial premises.
1. Policy Statement and Objectives
Man with Van Coney Hall is committed to preventing injury, ill health and property damage arising from our operations. We will comply with all relevant health and safety legislation and recognised industry best practice. Our objectives are to:
Promote a positive safety culture where everyone takes responsibility for their own safety and the safety of others.
Identify and control hazards associated with removal work, including lifting, carrying, use of equipment and vehicle movements.
Provide suitable information, instruction, training and supervision to staff to enable them to work safely.
Consult with workers and, where appropriate, customers and contractors on matters affecting health and safety.
Continually review and improve our health and safety arrangements and performance.
2. Management Responsibilities
Management is responsible for implementing this policy and ensuring that adequate resources are provided for health and safety. This includes planning jobs safely, allocating appropriate staffing levels, maintaining vehicles and equipment, and ensuring that risk assessments and safe systems of work are in place.
Managers will regularly monitor health and safety standards on jobs, respond promptly to any incident or near miss, and investigate the root causes to prevent recurrence. Management will also ensure that any changes in legislation or guidance are reviewed and that our working practices are updated where necessary.
3. Employee Responsibilities
All employees and workers engaged by Man with Van Coney Hall have a duty to protect their own health and safety and that of those who may be affected by their actions. Workers must:
Follow the instructions, procedures and training provided for safe working.
Use vehicles, equipment, tools and personal protective equipment correctly and report any defects without delay.
Cooperate with supervisors and managers on all health and safety matters.
Report hazards, near misses, accidents and injuries as soon as possible.
Refrain from any horseplay, unsafe behaviour or impairment due to alcohol or drugs while at work.
4. Risk Assessment and Planning
Before removal and transport activities are carried out, a suitable and proportionate risk assessment will be completed. The assessment considers the type and weight of items to be moved, access routes, parking, loading and unloading areas, traffic conditions, weather, and any specific customer requirements.
Where necessary, site visits or detailed discussions with the customer will be used to identify risks such as restricted access, stairs, fragile surfaces, or high value and delicate items. Control measures may include using additional staff, specialised equipment, segmented loads, or adjusted timings to work safely.
5. Manual Handling and Use of Equipment
Manual handling is a significant part of removal work and is a key focus of our health and safety arrangements. Man with Van Coney Hall will minimise the need for hazardous manual lifting by using mechanical aids and appropriate handling techniques wherever practicable.
Staff receive instruction on correct posture, team lifting, assessing weight and stability, and the limits of safe handling. Heavy or awkward items such as appliances, furniture and equipment must be assessed before moving. Where safe handling cannot be assured, the item will not be moved until additional controls are in place, such as extra staff, trolleys, sliders or disassembly.
All handling equipment is inspected regularly and removed from service if damaged or faulty. Employees must not use any equipment for which they are not trained or authorised.
6. Vehicles, Driving and Loading
Our vehicles are maintained to a safe standard and subject to routine checks. Drivers must complete pre-use checks and report defects immediately. Overloading of vehicles is strictly prohibited, and loads must be evenly distributed and securely fastened to prevent movement during transit.
Drivers are required to plan routes that take account of traffic, road conditions and legal driving requirements. Safe driving practices include adherence to speed limits, avoidance of distractions, and respect for other road users. Rest breaks and journey times will be managed in a way that reduces the risk of fatigue.
Loading and unloading activities will be carried out in locations that are as safe as reasonably practicable, taking account of other vehicles, pedestrians, and access to premises. Where necessary, staff will use spotters, cones or clear instructions to reduce the risk of collision or trip hazards.
7. Working at Customer Premises
When working in homes, offices or other premises, Man with Van Coney Hall staff will take care to protect both people and property. Access routes will be kept as clear as possible, and trip hazards such as loose packaging or trailing straps will be controlled and removed promptly.
Protective coverings may be used to reduce damage to floors and surfaces. Staff will be alert to potential hazards such as low ceilings, narrow staircases, unstable fixtures or the presence of children and pets. Where conditions are unsafe, work may be paused until risks can be reduced to an acceptable level.
8. Personal Protective Equipment
Where identified by risk assessment, personal protective equipment such as gloves, safety footwear, high visibility clothing or other items will be provided. Staff must use this equipment as instructed and report any damage or loss so that replacements can be arranged.
9. Training, Information and Supervision
Man with Van Coney Hall provides relevant training for all employees and workers, appropriate to their roles and responsibilities. This may include induction training, safe manual handling, driving safety, use of lifting aids, and emergency procedures. Refresher training will be arranged as needed to maintain competence.
Supervision levels will be proportionate to the complexity and risk of the work being undertaken. Less experienced staff will work under closer supervision until they demonstrate the necessary skills and awareness to work safely and independently.
10. Customer and Public Safety
We recognise that customers and members of the public may be present at or near working areas. Staff will take reasonable steps to keep non-workers away from hazardous zones, provide clear instructions where needed, and complete work as tidily as possible.
Customers are encouraged to inform us in advance of any known hazards on their premises and to follow any safety guidance given by our team during the move. If significant risks arise that cannot be controlled, we may postpone or adjust the work to maintain safety.
11. Incident Reporting and Review
All accidents, near misses and dangerous occurrences must be reported as soon as possible so that appropriate action can be taken. Man with Van Coney Hall will investigate incidents to identify causes and implement corrective measures, such as changes in procedures, additional training or improved equipment.
This Health and Safety Policy will be reviewed regularly and whenever necessary in light of changes to our operations, legislation or significant incidents. Updated versions will be communicated to all relevant staff so that health and safety remains central to the way we deliver our removal services.
