Man with Van Aperfield Health and Safety Policy

Man with Van Aperfield 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 transport activities. This Health and Safety policy sets out our approach to managing risks, preventing injury and protecting property during all moving and delivery work.

Policy Statement and Objectives

Our objective is to conduct all man and van, removals and associated services in a way that prevents accidents, injuries, ill health and damage to property. We will comply with all relevant health and safety legislation and continually seek to improve our standards and procedures.

We recognise that safe operations are essential to the reputation and efficiency of our moving services. Health and safety considerations are integrated into planning, decision making and day to day tasks, including packing, loading, unloading, transport and furniture positioning at customer premises.

Responsibilities

Overall responsibility for health and safety rests with the management of Man with Van Aperfield. Management will provide suitable resources, guidance and training to enable safe working practices and ensure that this policy is implemented and reviewed regularly.

All staff and operatives are responsible for:

Following safe systems of work and instructions provided.

Using equipment and vehicles correctly and safely.

Reporting hazards, near misses, incidents and injuries immediately.

Wearing appropriate personal protective equipment when required.

Looking after their own safety and that of colleagues, customers and the public.

Risk Assessment and Safe Working Procedures

We carry out risk assessments for typical removal and delivery tasks, including lifting and carrying, use of trolleys, stair work, vehicle loading and unloading, and work in and around customer properties. Where specific or unusual risks exist, a site specific risk assessment will be completed before work proceeds.

Safe working procedures are developed from these risk assessments and communicated to all staff. Procedures include methods for handling heavy or awkward items, working in confined spaces, avoiding slips and trips, and protecting property during moves.

Manual Handling and Lifting

Manual handling is a core part of our service and is treated as a key safety priority. We aim to avoid hazardous lifting where possible by using mechanical aids and appropriate planning.

All operatives receive guidance on correct lifting techniques, team lifting, load assessment and safe use of equipment such as dollies, sack trucks, straps and blankets. Staff are instructed not to attempt to lift or move items that exceed their capability or that cannot be handled safely within the available space.

Vehicle Safety and Driving Standards

Our vehicles are maintained in a safe and roadworthy condition. Regular checks are carried out on tyres, lights, brakes, securing points and loading areas. Any defects are reported immediately and the vehicle taken out of service if it is unsafe.

Drivers are required to hold the appropriate licences and to follow safe driving practices at all times. This includes adherence to speed limits, considerate driving in residential streets, allowing sufficient time for journeys and ensuring loads are properly distributed and secured before moving off.

Vehicles must never be overloaded and access routes to customer properties are assessed wherever possible to minimise reversing, tight manoeuvres and exposure to pedestrians.

Protection of Customers, Public and Property

During removals and deliveries we take care to protect customers, neighbours and passers by from risk of harm. Whenever it is practical, we plan safe access routes between the vehicle and the property, keeping them clear of obstructions and trip hazards.

Protective materials such as blankets, covers and floor protection are used where appropriate to reduce the risk of damage or accidents caused by slipping or uneven surfaces. Staff are instructed to maintain tidy working areas, especially in shared access ways, staircases and entrances.

Use of Equipment and Personal Protective Equipment

Only suitable and well maintained equipment is used for lifting, securing and transport. Any equipment showing signs of damage or excessive wear is taken out of use and reported.

Where necessary, personal protective equipment such as safety footwear and gloves is provided and must be worn in accordance with company instructions and risk assessments. Staff are responsible for looking after issued equipment and reporting any defects.

Training, Information and Supervision

We provide appropriate induction and ongoing training to ensure that all staff understand their health and safety responsibilities and are competent in the tasks they carry out. This can include manual handling techniques, vehicle loading, safe driving awareness and property protection.

Supervision is provided to ensure safe methods are followed and to support new or less experienced team members. Instructions and safety information are communicated clearly before and during each job, taking account of any particular constraints at the customer location.

Incident Reporting and Emergency Procedures

All accidents, injuries, near misses and damage incidents must be reported promptly. We keep records of such events and investigate to determine root causes and necessary corrective actions.

Emergency arrangements, including what to do in the event of injury, fire, vehicle accident or sudden illness, are communicated to staff. Drivers are instructed on safe stopping procedures and how to protect the scene when an incident occurs on the road, while prioritising personal safety and that of others.

Monitoring, Review and Continuous Improvement

This Health and Safety policy is monitored and reviewed regularly to ensure it remains effective and relevant to our man and van and removal activities. We consider feedback from staff and customers, changes in working practices, and any incidents or near misses when updating our approach.

By maintaining high standards of health and safety, Man with Van Aperfield aims to provide a reliable, professional and responsible removal service that protects people, property and the wider community we operate in.