Movers Man and Van Health and Safety Policy
This Health and Safety Policy sets out the commitment of Movers Man and Van to provide a safe and healthy working environment for our employees, contractors, customers, and members of the public. Our removal services involve manual handling, vehicle operations, and work in homes, offices, and commercial premises, and we take all reasonably practicable steps to manage these risks responsibly.
Health and Safety Responsibilities
The overall responsibility for health and safety within Movers Man and Van rests with the company management. Management is responsible for ensuring that this policy is implemented, regularly reviewed, and supported with appropriate resources, training, and supervision.
All employees, including drivers, porters, supervisors, and office personnel, are required to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their work. Employees must follow company procedures, use equipment correctly, and report hazards, incidents, or near misses without delay.
Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work
We carry out suitable and sufficient risk assessments for all key aspects of our removals and man and van services. This includes, but is not limited to, manual handling of furniture and boxes, use of trolleys and lifting equipment, loading and unloading vehicles, working in stairwells, corridors, and confined spaces, and driving and parking removal vehicles at customer locations.
From these assessments, we develop safe systems of work that set out step by step how tasks should be carried out safely. These are communicated to staff during induction and refresher training and are reinforced through supervision and toolbox talks. Risk assessments are reviewed periodically and following any significant change in work processes or incidents.
Employee Training and Competence
Movers Man and Van is committed to ensuring that all staff are competent to carry out their duties safely. All new employees receive a health and safety induction, covering company rules, emergency procedures, accident reporting, and safe working practices specific to removals.
Ongoing training may include manual handling techniques for lifting and carrying heavy or awkward items, safe loading and securing of goods in vehicles, correct use of handling aids and equipment, defensive and safe driving practices, working safely in customers premises, and hazard awareness during moves. Training records are maintained to ensure that skills remain current and that any identified training needs are addressed promptly.
Manual Handling and Use of Equipment
As lifting and carrying are core parts of our removal work, manual handling is carefully managed to reduce the risk of injury. Wherever possible, handling aids such as dollies, sack trucks, furniture sliders, and straps are used to minimise the need for heavy lifting by hand.
Employees are trained to assess the weight, size, and shape of items before moving them, to work in teams for heavy or bulky objects, to use correct posture and lifting techniques, and to avoid twisting or over-reaching while carrying loads. Any equipment provided for handling or lifting is inspected regularly, used only for its intended purpose, and taken out of service if damaged or defective.
Vehicle Safety and Driving Standards
Our vehicles are maintained in a roadworthy condition and are subject to regular checks and servicing. Drivers are responsible for carrying out daily vehicle inspections and reporting any defects immediately.
Safe driving practices are expected at all times, including adherence to speed limits and traffic laws, careful parking to protect pedestrians and property, secure loading and unloading to prevent movement of goods in transit, and avoidance of mobile phone use while driving, except with approved hands-free systems where permitted by law. Loads are distributed and secured to prevent shifting, damage, or instability of the vehicle, and access points are kept clear to reduce the risk of slips, trips, and falls.
Customer Premises and Public Safety
When working in homes, offices, or commercial premises, our staff take care to protect both people and property. This includes planning access routes for moving items safely, using protective coverings where appropriate, and keeping walkways as clear as reasonably practicable.
We take steps to minimise disruption to occupants and to safeguard members of the public who may be nearby. Where necessary, staff may use warning signs, verbal instructions, or temporary barriers to alert people to moving operations and restrict access to hazardous areas.
Accident Reporting and Incident Investigation
All accidents, injuries, near misses, and dangerous occurrences must be reported to management as soon as possible. Accurate records are kept so that patterns can be identified and preventive measures introduced.
Incidents are investigated to determine their root causes. Corrective actions may include changes to procedures, additional training, improved equipment, or revisions to risk assessments. We promote a positive reporting culture in which employees feel able to raise concerns or highlight unsafe conditions without fear of blame.
Welfare, Wellbeing and Fitness for Work
Movers Man and Van recognises the physical demands associated with removal work and is committed to supporting the wellbeing of employees. Staff are expected to present for work in a fit state, not under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and to notify management of any health issues that may affect their ability to work safely.
Where appropriate, adjustments may be considered to support individuals with specific health needs, provided that safety standards are not compromised. Adequate rest breaks are encouraged to help prevent fatigue, especially during busy periods or longer jobs.
Personal Protective Equipment
Where required by risk assessments, appropriate personal protective equipment is provided and must be used correctly. This may include safety footwear, gloves, and other protective items relevant to the task and environment. Employees are responsible for taking care of their issued equipment and reporting any loss or damage.
Continuous Improvement and Policy Review
This Health and Safety Policy is reviewed regularly to ensure it remains effective and appropriate for the range of removal and man and van services we provide. Reviews may be prompted by changes in legislation, industry best practice, customer requirements, or the nature and scale of our work.
Movers Man and Van is committed to continual improvement in health and safety performance. By working together, management and staff can ensure that our services are delivered efficiently, professionally, and with the highest regard for the safety of everyone involved.
