Health and Safety Policy for Man with Van Chase Cross

Man with Van Chase Cross is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for our workers, customers 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, transporting and unloading goods as part of our man and van and removal services.

Our objective is to prevent injury and ill health and to comply with all relevant health and safety legislation and recognised industry best practice for removal and transport operations.

Management Responsibilities

Management is responsible for implementing and maintaining this Health and Safety Policy and for ensuring that appropriate resources are provided. This includes planning work safely, providing suitable equipment, arranging appropriate training and monitoring working practices throughout our service area.

Managers and supervisors will continually review working methods for removal jobs, carrying tasks, driving, loading and unloading to ensure they remain safe and suitable. Any changes to our services or equipment will be assessed for potential health and safety implications before being introduced.

Employee Responsibilities

All workers engaged by Man with Van Chase Cross have a duty to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions. Workers must follow all safety instructions, use equipment correctly, and immediately report any hazards, near misses, defects or incidents to management.

Employees are expected to co operate in the implementation of this policy, attend training provided, and refrain from any behaviour that could compromise the safety of a removal job, such as unsafe lifting, rushing tasks or failing to secure loads properly.

Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices

We will identify, assess and control risks associated with our man and van and removal operations. This includes reviewing each job for factors such as access issues, stairs, long carrying distances, heavy or awkward items, parking restrictions, weather conditions and time pressures.

Where risks are identified, we will implement suitable control measures, which may include additional staff, specialised equipment such as trolleys or lifting aids, revised methods of work or rescheduling work when conditions are unsuitable.

Safe systems of work will be developed for common tasks including loading vans, securing items, lifting and carrying furniture and appliances, and operating in residential streets and business premises.

Manual Handling and Use of Equipment

Manual handling is a core part of removal work and presents a risk of injury if not managed properly. We will minimise manual handling risks by:

Planning lifts in advance to avoid unnecessary carrying and twisting movements. Using appropriate handling equipment such as sack trucks, dollies, straps and blankets. Team lifting for heavy or awkward items. Ensuring staff are trained in correct lifting techniques and safe handling practices. Encouraging employees to speak up if an item is too heavy or unsafe to move.

All equipment used during removals, including ramps, steps, trolleys and securing straps, will be maintained in good condition and inspected regularly. Defective items will be removed from use immediately.

Vehicle Safety and Driving Standards

Our vehicles are essential to our services and must be operated safely at all times. We will ensure that vehicles used for removal and transport work are suitable for the loads carried, regularly inspected and maintained, and kept clean and tidy to prevent slips and falls.

Drivers must be competent, hold the appropriate licence and follow all road traffic laws. They must conduct basic pre use checks, drive within speed limits, adjust driving style to weather and traffic conditions, and never drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Mobile phones or other distractions must not be used while driving.

Loads will be distributed evenly, secured properly using appropriate restraints and checked before departure to prevent movement during transit. Overloading is strictly prohibited.

Working at Customer Premises

When working at customer homes or business premises, our staff will respect the property and ensure that work is carried out safely to protect both people and belongings. This includes:

Keeping walkways clear and free from trip hazards such as loose packing materials, tools or trailing straps. Using protective coverings where appropriate to reduce risk of slips and damage. Communicating clearly with customers about planned work and any temporary restrictions on access. Taking extra care on stairs, landings and narrow passages. Avoiding blocking fire exits or emergency routes.

Our staff will behave professionally at all times and will not undertake work that is unsafe or outside our competence or agreed service.

Accident Reporting and Investigation

All accidents, incidents, near misses and cases of work related ill health must be reported to management as soon as possible. Accurate records will be kept so that trends can be monitored and corrective actions implemented.

Where necessary, incidents will be investigated to identify root causes and improvements to prevent recurrence. Findings from investigations may lead to changes in procedures, additional training, or the introduction of new equipment.

Training, Information and Supervision

We will provide employees with information, instruction and training relevant to their role, including induction training for new starters and ongoing refresher training. Topics may include safe lifting, loading methods, vehicle checks, use of equipment and emergency procedures.

Supervision levels will be appropriate to the experience and competence of staff and the complexity of the work undertaken. Less experienced staff will be supported and monitored until they can demonstrate safe working practices consistently.

Welfare, Health and Fitness for Work

We recognise the physical nature of removal work and the importance of fitness for duty. Employees are encouraged to maintain good general health and to inform management of any medical conditions or injuries that may affect their ability to work safely.

Regular breaks will be taken during demanding jobs to reduce fatigue. Drinking water and access to welfare facilities will be arranged as far as is reasonably practicable during longer jobs and journeys.

Consultation and Continuous Improvement

Man with Van Chase Cross values feedback from employees and customers regarding health and safety. We encourage open communication about any concerns or suggestions for improving our working practices. Where practical, employees will be consulted on changes that affect their health and safety.

This Health and Safety Policy will be reviewed periodically and whenever there are significant changes to our operations, vehicles, equipment or legal requirements. We are committed to continuous improvement in our health and safety performance and to delivering removal and transport services in a way that safeguards everyone involved.