Man with Van Temple Health and Safety Policy
Man with Van Temple is committed to maintaining the highest practicable standards of health and safety for our employees, contractors, customers, and members of the public who may be affected by our removal and delivery services. This policy sets out our approach to managing health and safety in all aspects of our man and van and removal operations.
Policy Statement and Objectives
Our objective is to prevent injury, ill health, and damage to property by identifying and controlling risks associated with lifting, loading, transport, and access to properties. We aim to provide a working environment where safe systems of work are understood, implemented, and continuously improved.
Senior management has overall responsibility for ensuring that appropriate resources, training, and supervision are provided so that this policy is effectively implemented throughout the company.
Legal Responsibilities
Man with Van Temple will comply with applicable health and safety laws and regulations relevant to removal and transport operations. We will review this policy regularly to ensure it remains aligned with current legal requirements, industry best practice, and the evolving nature of our services.
Roles and Responsibilities
Management is responsible for establishing safe working procedures, ensuring vehicles and equipment are maintained, conducting risk assessments, and providing training and information to staff.
Employees are responsible for working safely, following instructions and training, using equipment correctly, reporting hazards or incidents promptly, and cooperating with health and safety measures. No employee is expected to carry out work that they believe presents an unacceptable risk to their own safety or that of others.
Customers and visitors are expected to cooperate with reasonable safety instructions, maintain clear access where possible, and inform our team of any known hazards at collection or delivery locations.
Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices
We will identify and assess risks associated with our activities, including manual handling, loading and unloading, driving, working at height when accessing vehicles or upper floors, and working in confined or cluttered spaces. Risk assessments will be carried out periodically and whenever there are significant changes to our work processes, equipment, or service areas.
Findings from risk assessments will be used to create safe systems of work, including specific procedures for lifting heavy or awkward items, securing loads in vehicles, and entering or leaving properties safely. These procedures will be communicated clearly to all staff.
Manual Handling and Lifting
Manual handling is a core part of removal work and is a key focus of our health and safety policy. We will provide training in safe lifting techniques, team lifts, and the use of handling aids such as trolleys and straps. Staff must always:
Assess the weight and shape of items before lifting or moving them.
Request assistance for heavy, bulky, or awkward loads.
Avoid twisting while lifting or carrying items.
Use appropriate lifting aids when available.
Items that are considered too heavy or unsafe to move manually will not be handled without suitable equipment or adjustments to the method of work.
Use of Equipment and Vehicles
All vehicles, ramps, trolleys, and other equipment used in our removal services will be maintained in a safe condition. Regular inspections will be carried out and defective equipment will be taken out of use until it is repaired or replaced.
Drivers are responsible for carrying out basic vehicle checks and reporting any concerns. Loads must be secured properly to prevent movement during transit, with particular care taken when transporting fragile, heavy, or high-value items.
Working at Customer Locations
Our teams work at a range of properties, including homes, offices, and storage facilities. Each location presents its own risks, including steps, narrow corridors, uneven surfaces, poor lighting, or restricted parking.
Upon arrival, staff will assess access routes and identify potential hazards. This may involve choosing alternative routes, requesting that obstacles are moved, or adapting the method of moving items. Where conditions are unsafe, work may be delayed or refused until suitable adjustments can be made.
Customer and Public Safety
We take reasonable steps to protect customers, neighbours, and passers-by from risks arising from our activities. This includes careful parking and positioning of vehicles, controlled loading and unloading, and keeping access ways as clear as possible.
Customers are requested to keep children and pets away from loading areas and to avoid standing close to moving items or vehicles during removals.
Training, Information, and Supervision
All staff will receive appropriate induction and ongoing training covering manual handling, safe driving, load securing, use of equipment, and incident reporting. Additional training will be provided when new equipment, procedures, or services are introduced.
Supervisors are responsible for ensuring that safe working practices are followed on site and that any unsafe behaviour is corrected immediately. Refresher training will be delivered periodically to maintain and update safety knowledge.
Incident Reporting and Investigation
All accidents, injuries, near misses, and damage to property or vehicles must be reported as soon as practicable. Reports will be recorded and investigated to identify root causes and implement corrective actions.
Lessons learned from incidents will be shared with relevant staff and reflected in updated procedures or additional training, with the aim of preventing recurrence.
Health, Welfare, and Fitness for Work
We recognise that the physical demands of removal work require suitable fitness and health. Staff are encouraged to report any medical conditions or injuries that may affect their ability to carry out lifting or driving tasks safely. Where necessary, work will be modified, or alternative duties may be assigned.
We do not tolerate working under the influence of alcohol, illegal drugs, or misused prescription medication. Any suspected impairment will result in removal from duties and may lead to disciplinary action.
Continuous Improvement and Review
Man with Van Temple is committed to continual improvement of our health and safety performance. This policy and associated procedures will be reviewed regularly and whenever there are significant changes in operations, legislation, or industry best practice.
By working together and following this Health and Safety Policy, we aim to ensure that our man and van and removal services are delivered in a way that protects our staff, customers, and the wider community.
