Health and Safety policy
Health and Safety Policy for Man with Van Noak Hill
Man with Van Noak Hill 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 removal and transport activities. This Health and Safety policy sets out our approach to managing risks associated with moving, loading, transporting and unloading goods for residential and commercial customers.
Policy Aims and Scope
This policy applies to all activities carried out by Man with Van Noak Hill, including local moves, longer distance removals, collection and delivery of single items, multi-drop runs and related packing and handling services. Our aims are to prevent injury and ill health, comply with relevant health and safety legislation and continually improve our safety performance across our service area.
Management Responsibilities
The management of Man with Van Noak Hill is responsible for implementing this policy and ensuring that suitable resources are made available to maintain high health and safety standards. Management will:
Ensure that risk assessments are carried out for key activities such as manual handling, loading operations, vehicle movements and working at height where applicable. Provide safe equipment, including vehicles, lifting aids, straps, trolleys and protective gear, and maintain them in good working order. Establish clear procedures for accident reporting, incident investigation and the implementation of corrective actions.
Employee Responsibilities
All employees, operatives and drivers working for Man with Van Noak Hill have a duty to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others affected by their actions. Employees must:
Follow company safety procedures and instructions given by supervisors. Use equipment and vehicles only for their intended purpose and report defects immediately. Wear any personal protective equipment provided, such as gloves, high-visibility clothing or safety footwear where required. Refrain from unsafe practices, horseplay or shortcuts that may compromise safety during removals and deliveries.
Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices
We assess the risks associated with our removal services and put in place practical measures to control them. Before starting work at a property or business premises, staff will consider access routes, stairways, parking, loading areas, flooring condition and any obstacles that may affect safe movement of goods.
Where risks are identified, appropriate controls will be used, such as planning the safest route for carrying items, using trolleys or additional manpower for heavy or awkward loads, and avoiding overloading vehicles or equipment. Staff are instructed to stop work if a situation appears unsafe and to contact management for guidance.
Manual Handling and Lifting
Manual handling is a core part of our removal work and is managed carefully to reduce the risk of injury. All staff receive instruction in the principles of safe lifting, including assessing load weight and shape, planning the lift, adopting a stable stance and keeping the load close to the body.
Where possible, mechanical aids such as sack trucks, dollies or furniture sliders are used to reduce physical strain. Two-person lifts are required for heavy, large or awkward items, and individual staff must not attempt to lift beyond their capability. Items are loaded into vehicles in a way that maintains stability and avoids excessive reaching or twisting.
Vehicle Safety and Driving Standards
We recognise that driving and vehicle operations present significant risks. Man with Van Noak Hill ensures that vehicles used for removals and deliveries are appropriately maintained, inspected regularly and kept clean and orderly inside the load space.
Drivers must hold the appropriate licence, comply with road traffic laws and drive in a manner that prioritises safety over speed. Loads must be secured using straps or other restraints to prevent movement during transit, and vehicles must not be overloaded. Parking and reversing manoeuvres are planned to minimise risk to pedestrians and other road users, using guidance from colleagues where required.
Customer and Public Safety
We take care to protect customers, neighbours and members of the public while we carry out our work. Where practical, work areas are kept clear of unnecessary obstacles, and pathways are kept open or alternative routes are indicated. Care is taken when moving items through shared spaces, doorways, corridors and pavements.
Customers are advised not to assist with lifting heavy items unless agreed with the team on site, and only where it is safe to do so. Children and pets should be kept away from loading areas, vehicle ramps and any equipment that is in use.
Training, Information and Supervision
Man with Van Noak Hill provides appropriate training and information so that staff can carry out their duties safely and confidently. This includes induction training on company procedures, safe manual handling techniques, vehicle safety, use of equipment and site-specific instructions where necessary.
Supervision is provided to new or less experienced staff until they are deemed competent to work independently. Refresher training is given when new equipment, vehicles or working methods are introduced or when incident trends indicate a need for reinforcement of safety standards.
Accident Reporting and Emergency Procedures
All accidents, near misses and dangerous occurrences must be reported to management as soon as possible. Incidents are recorded and investigated to identify root causes and to implement corrective measures aimed at preventing recurrence.
Staff are briefed on basic emergency procedures, including what to do in case of fire at a customer property, road traffic incidents, personal injury or sudden ill health. Access to first aid supplies is maintained in vehicles or at the base as appropriate, and emergency services are contacted without delay when required.
Consultation and Continuous Improvement
We value the input of our staff in improving health and safety. Employees are encouraged to raise concerns, suggest improvements and participate in reviews of working practices. Feedback from customers regarding safety issues is welcomed and is taken into account when refining our procedures.
This Health and Safety policy is reviewed periodically and whenever there are significant changes in legislation, operations or identified risks. Man with Van Noak Hill is committed to ongoing improvement in safety performance throughout our moving and transport services.
