Health and Safety policy

Man with Van Harold Wood Health and Safety Policy

Man with Van Harold Wood is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for our workers, customers, visitors, 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 moving, loading, transport, and on-site activities.

Policy Statement

Our objective is to prevent injury, ill health, and damage to property by identifying hazards, assessing risks, and implementing proportionate control measures. We will comply with all applicable health and safety legislation and recognised industry best practice for removal and transport services.

Health and safety is an integral part of our planning and decision making. All workers are expected to cooperate with this policy and to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others.

Scope of this Policy

This policy applies to all activities undertaken by Man with Van Harold Wood, including but not limited to domestic removals, small office moves, furniture transport, loading and unloading, packing and unpacking, driving and vehicle operations, and on-site work at customers premises or any location where services are provided.

Responsibilities

Management Responsibilities

Management is responsible for implementing and maintaining this policy. This includes ensuring that adequate resources are provided for health and safety, promoting a positive safety culture, ensuring that risk assessments and safe systems of work are in place, maintaining vehicles and equipment in a safe condition, and arranging appropriate training, information, and supervision for workers.

Worker Responsibilities

All workers must follow safe working practices and company procedures, use equipment and vehicles as instructed, report any hazards, near misses, accidents, or unsafe conditions without delay, wear suitable clothing and personal protective equipment where required, and cooperate fully with training, supervision, and health and safety initiatives.

Customer and Public Responsibilities

Customers are requested to cooperate with our safety measures, provide clear access to premises, and inform us of any known hazards at their property, such as fragile structures, restricted access, or unsafe surfaces. We aim to minimise risk to members of the public during loading, unloading, and vehicle manoeuvres by using safe routes and clear communication.

Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices

We carry out risk assessments for typical removal and transport tasks, and for specific jobs where particular risks are identified. These assessments consider manual handling, slips, trips and falls, working in confined or restricted spaces, use of trolleys, straps, and other moving equipment, vehicle loading and securing of loads, and access to properties, including stairs and outdoor areas.

Safe systems of work are developed from these assessments. Workers are briefed on relevant hazards and controls before starting work at each location, and instructed to stop work if conditions become unsafe or significantly different from those anticipated.

Manual Handling and Lifting

Manual handling is a core part of removal work and is carefully controlled. We seek to avoid or reduce heavy lifting wherever possible by using appropriate equipment such as sack trucks, dollies, and lifting aids. Items are assessed for weight, size, and stability before being moved. Team lifting is used for large, heavy, or awkward items. Workers are trained in safe lifting techniques, including maintaining good posture, keeping loads close to the body, and avoiding sudden or twisting movements. We will not attempt to move items that are judged to present an unacceptable risk to health or safety.

Vehicle Safety and Driving Standards

Our vehicles are maintained to a high standard with regular checks and servicing. Before each job, drivers carry out basic vehicle and load checks, including tyres, lights, securing points, and load distribution. Loads are secured using appropriate equipment to prevent shifting during transit, and vehicles are never overloaded beyond legal and safe limits.

Drivers must comply with road traffic laws, drive courteously and defensively, and adjust driving to weather, traffic, and road conditions. Use of mobile phones or handheld devices while driving is strictly prohibited. Routes are planned where possible to minimise risks associated with narrow streets, low bridges, and high traffic areas.

On-Site Safety at Customer Premises

On arrival, the team will assess access routes, stairs, corridors, and outdoor areas for hazards such as uneven surfaces, poor lighting, or obstructions. Where necessary, we may request that customers move vehicles, remove trip hazards, or clear safe walkways before work proceeds. Where possible, we will segregate work areas from members of the public and other building users, particularly during loading and unloading.

Equipment and Personal Protective Equipment

We provide and maintain suitable equipment for moving and protecting goods, such as trolleys, straps, blankets, and covers. Workers are instructed in the correct use of this equipment and must not use damaged or defective items. Where risks justify their use, appropriate personal protective equipment may be provided, such as protective gloves or safety footwear. PPE is considered a last line of defence and does not replace safe working practices.

Training, Information, and Supervision

We ensure that all workers receive adequate induction and ongoing training relevant to their role. This can include manual handling, safe driving practices, use of equipment, accident reporting procedures, and customer site conduct. Supervisors monitor adherence to safe systems of work and provide guidance and feedback. Additional training is provided following changes in procedures, equipment, or identified risks.

Incident Reporting and Investigation

All accidents, injuries, near misses, and property damage incidents must be reported as soon as possible to management. Reports are reviewed and, where required, investigated to identify root causes and implement corrective actions. Lessons learned are communicated to the team to prevent recurrence. Records of incidents and actions taken are retained and used to improve our health and safety management.

Continuous Improvement and Review

This Health and Safety Policy is reviewed regularly and whenever there are significant changes in our operations, legislation, or industry guidance. We welcome feedback from workers and customers on health and safety matters and use this to improve our systems and performance. By working together, we aim to deliver reliable removal services while protecting the wellbeing of everyone involved.