Man and Van Finsbury Park Health and Safety Policy

Man and Van Finsbury Park is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for our staff, customers, contractors and members of the public who may be affected by our activities. This Health and Safety policy sets out our approach to managing risks associated with removals, transport, loading, unloading, and associated services.

Our aim is to prevent accidents, injuries and work-related ill health, and to continually improve our safety performance while delivering reliable and efficient removal and man and van services.

Health and Safety Responsibilities

Overall responsibility for health and safety within Man and Van Finsbury Park rests with the company management, who ensure suitable resources are allocated to implement and maintain this policy.

Supervisors and team leaders are responsible for day-to-day implementation of health and safety procedures, including safe work planning, briefings and monitoring of working practices on jobs.

All employees, drivers and porters have a duty to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions. They must follow instructions, use equipment correctly, report hazards and cooperate fully with the company’s safety arrangements.

Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices

We will identify, assess and manage risks associated with our operations, with particular attention to manual handling, driving, loading and unloading, working in and around vehicles, and working at customers’ premises.

Risk assessments are used to develop safe systems of work, which are communicated to staff through training, briefings and job instructions. Where necessary, site-specific or job-specific assessments are carried out before work begins, especially for larger removals or jobs with restricted access.

We regularly review our risk assessments and procedures to reflect changes in legislation, guidance, working methods and the nature of the services we provide.

Manual Handling and Lifting

Manual handling is a core part of our removal services. To minimise the risk of injury, we will:

Provide training on correct lifting techniques, team lifting and the use of handling aids.

Plan jobs to reduce unnecessary lifting and carrying, using trolleys, dollies and other equipment where appropriate.

Encourage staff to assess each load before moving it and to request assistance when an item is too heavy, bulky or awkward to handle alone.

Ensure that items are packed and secured safely to prevent sudden movement, falling loads or unexpected strain on workers.

Vehicles, Driving and Road Safety

Our vehicles are essential to our man and van and removal operations, and their safe use is a priority. We will:

Ensure all vehicles are properly maintained, regularly inspected and kept in a roadworthy condition.

Confirm that all drivers hold the correct licence and are competent and physically fit to drive.

Promote safe and courteous driving, adherence to speed limits, and compliance with road traffic laws.

Plan routes and schedules to allow adequate time, reducing pressure on drivers and supporting safe loading, unloading and travel.

Require drivers to carry out basic daily checks and to report defects or concerns immediately.

Loading, Unloading and Site Safety

Loading and unloading activities are planned to protect staff, customers and the public. We will:

Select safe parking and loading areas, avoiding unnecessary obstruction and reducing risks from traffic.

Use appropriate equipment to secure loads inside vehicles and prevent movement during transport.

Control access to loading areas where practicable, keeping bystanders away from moving equipment and heavy items.

Take care when working in confined spaces, narrow stairways and shared access areas, especially in residential blocks and commercial premises.

Equipment, Tools and Personal Protective Equipment

We will provide and maintain suitable equipment and tools for the tasks carried out, including moving equipment and securing devices. All equipment must be used in accordance with training and manufacturer instructions.

Where necessary, personal protective equipment such as gloves, safety footwear and high-visibility clothing will be provided and used. Staff are responsible for looking after their equipment, reporting defects and using it correctly whenever required.

Training, Information and Supervision

Man and Van Finsbury Park will ensure that all staff receive appropriate health and safety induction and job-specific training, including manual handling, vehicle safety and safe working practices at customers’ premises.

Information on hazards and control measures is communicated through briefings, instructions and ongoing supervision. Less experienced staff are monitored closely until they can demonstrate competence and safe working habits.

Incident Reporting and Investigation

All accidents, near misses, injuries and dangerous occurrences must be reported promptly to management. We will record, investigate and, where necessary, take corrective action to prevent recurrence.

Findings from incident investigations are used to improve our procedures, training and communication. Lessons learned are shared with relevant staff.

Health, Welfare and Fitness for Work

We recognise the physical nature of removal work and the importance of fitness for duty. Staff must not work under the influence of alcohol, drugs or any substance that may impair their ability to work safely.

We encourage staff to report any health issues or conditions that may affect their ability to perform manual handling or driving tasks. Adjustments to duties may be made where appropriate.

Reasonable welfare arrangements are provided during work, including access to rest breaks and drinking water where practicable.

Consultation and Continuous Improvement

We value feedback from staff and customers on health and safety matters. Concerns, suggestions or identified hazards can be raised with supervisors or management at any time and will be taken seriously.

This Health and Safety policy is reviewed regularly and updated as required to reflect changes in our operations, legal requirements and recognised best practice in the removals and transport sector.

By working together, following safe procedures and remaining vigilant, Man and Van Finsbury Park aims to maintain a safe, professional and responsible service for all.