Health and Safety policy

Man with Van Harrow on the Hill Health and Safety Policy

Man with Van Harrow on the Hill is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for our team members, customers, visitors, and the wider public. This Health and Safety Policy sets out our approach to managing safety risks associated with our removal and transportation services, including packing, loading, unloading, and driving.

Our aim is to prevent injury, ill health, and damage to property by identifying hazards, assessing risks, and putting in place effective control measures. Health and safety is an integral part of how we plan and deliver every move, from small flat removals to larger home or office relocations.

Responsibilities and Commitment

Overall responsibility for health and safety within Man with Van Harrow on the Hill rests with the company management. We ensure that adequate resources, training, and supervision are provided so that our operations are carried out safely and in line with relevant health and safety legislation and industry good practice.

All employees and contractors working on behalf of Man with Van Harrow on the Hill have a duty to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions. This includes following training and instructions, using equipment correctly, and reporting any hazards, near misses, or incidents immediately.

Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices

Before commencing any removal or transport work, we assess the risks associated with the specific job. This may include access routes, parking and loading conditions, lifting requirements, stairways, building layouts, and any special items that require extra care or equipment.

Based on the assessment, we implement safe systems of work, which may include using additional staff, specialist lifting aids, protective equipment, or adjusting the timing and sequencing of tasks. Our teams are expected to follow these procedures at all times and to stop work if they believe it cannot be carried out safely.

Manual Handling and Use of Equipment

Removal work often involves heavy and awkward items such as furniture, appliances, and packed boxes. Manual handling is a key risk area and is managed with particular care. Staff are trained in safe lifting techniques, including team lifts, correct posture, and how to avoid sudden or excessive strain.

Where possible, we use equipment such as trolleys, dollies, straps, and ramps to reduce manual handling risks. All equipment is checked regularly for defects and is used only for its intended purpose. No employee is required or permitted to lift or carry items that exceed safe personal limits or that cannot be moved safely with the equipment available.

Vehicle Safety and Driving Standards

Our vehicles are essential to our removal and man and van services, and their safe use is a priority. Vehicles are inspected regularly and maintained in line with manufacturer and legal requirements. Drivers must carry out basic pre-use checks, report any faults, and not use vehicles they believe to be unsafe.

All driving is carried out with due care and consideration for passengers, other road users, and pedestrians. Drivers must comply with road traffic laws, speed limits, parking restrictions, and loading regulations. They must not drive while under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or any substance that could impair judgment or reaction times, and they must take appropriate rest breaks on longer journeys.

Customer Premises and Public Safety

When working at customer addresses or business premises, we take steps to protect both occupants and the public. This includes planning safe access routes, keeping doorways and walkways as clear as possible, and managing trip hazards such as ramps or loose coverings.

We take care when moving goods through shared spaces such as hallways, corridors, and communal entrances, and we aim to minimise noise and disruption. Our teams are instructed to be alert to children, pets, and vulnerable people at or near the work area, and to pause work if necessary to prevent accidents.

Protection of Property and Goods

We recognise that damage to property can present safety risks as well as financial loss. To reduce these risks, our teams use appropriate packing materials, blankets, and protective coverings for furniture, doors, floors, and stairways where reasonably practicable. Heavy items are loaded in a stable configuration within the vehicle, and loads are adequately secured to prevent movement during transit.

Staff are instructed not to overload vehicles or stack items in a way that could lead to collapse or instability when doors are opened. Care is taken to avoid blocking emergency exits, fire doors, or access to essential utilities.

Training, Information, and Supervision

All staff receive appropriate induction and on-the-job training in health and safety matters relevant to their roles, including manual handling, safe loading, use of equipment, and incident reporting. Where specialist tasks or equipment are involved, additional training and supervision are provided.

Health and safety information, including company procedures and any site-specific instructions, is communicated clearly to all team members before work begins. Supervisors are responsible for monitoring compliance, correcting unsafe behaviours, and supporting staff in maintaining safe standards.

Accident, Incident, and Near-Miss Reporting

All accidents, incidents, and near misses must be reported to management as soon as possible. This allows us to investigate what happened, identify root causes, and take action to prevent recurrence. Records of significant incidents are kept and reviewed to monitor trends and opportunities for improvement.

Where required by law, relevant incidents will be reported to the appropriate enforcing authority. Customers are encouraged to raise any safety concerns they may have during or after a job so that they can be addressed promptly.

Health, Welfare, and Fitness for Work

We recognise that the physical demands of removal work require staff to be fit for duty. Employees are expected to inform management of any medical condition, injury, or fatigue that may affect their ability to work safely. We will make reasonable adjustments where possible and will not permit individuals to work in roles that would put themselves or others at risk.

We promote a culture that discourages rushing, cutting corners, or working while unwell. Adequate breaks are provided, and staff are encouraged to stay hydrated and to use appropriate clothing and footwear suitable for the weather and the nature of the job.

Continuous Improvement and Policy Review

This Health and Safety Policy is reviewed periodically and whenever there are significant changes to our activities, services, or relevant legislation. Feedback from staff and customers is welcomed and considered as part of our commitment to continuous improvement.

By following this policy, Man with Van Harrow on the Hill aims to deliver efficient, reliable, and safe removal services while protecting the wellbeing of everyone involved in or affected by our work.