Health and Safety policy
Man with Van Hayes Health and Safety Policy
Man with Van Hayes is committed to maintaining the highest standards of health and safety for our employees, customers, contractors, and members of the public. This policy sets out our approach to managing health and safety risks associated with our removal and transport services, including domestic and commercial moves, loading and unloading, packing, and secure transport of goods.
Our Health and Safety Commitment
We recognise that our activities involve manual handling, vehicle movements, and work in a range of environments including homes, offices, and storage premises. Our objective is to prevent accidents, injuries, and work-related ill health by identifying risks and implementing effective control measures. Management takes overall responsibility for health and safety, and all employees are expected to cooperate and take reasonable care for their own safety and that of others.
Legal Compliance and Continuous Improvement
Man with Van Hayes complies with applicable health and safety legislation and recognised industry best practice. We regularly review this policy and our internal procedures to ensure they remain suitable as our services, fleet, and working methods develop. We are committed to continuous improvement, learning from incidents, near misses, customer feedback, and staff suggestions to enhance safety performance.
Roles and Responsibilities
Management is responsible for providing safe systems of work, suitable equipment, training, and supervision. Supervisors and team leaders must ensure that health and safety procedures are followed on each removal job and that risks are assessed before tasks begin. Every employee has a duty to follow instructions, use equipment properly, report hazards or defects, and avoid taking unnecessary risks that could lead to accidents or damage.
Risk Assessment and Planning
Before beginning removal activities, our teams carry out site-specific risk assessments, considering access routes, stairways, parking arrangements, loading areas, and any particular customer needs. We plan the sequence of work to minimise manual handling, avoid obstructions, and ensure that vehicles are safely positioned for loading and unloading. Where higher-risk activities are identified, such as carrying heavy or awkward items, additional control measures or equipment may be introduced.
Manual Handling and Lifting
Manual handling is a significant part of removal work and is managed carefully to reduce the risk of injury. Staff receive training in correct lifting techniques, team handling, and the use of trolleys and other aids. Heavy, bulky, or delicate items are assessed individually, and sufficient personnel are allocated to complete the task safely. Employees are instructed not to attempt to lift loads that exceed safe limits or to carry items where visibility or stability is compromised.
Use of Equipment and Vehicles
All vehicles, lifting aids, and tools used by Man with Van Hayes are maintained in a safe, roadworthy, and fit-for-purpose condition. Regular inspections and servicing are carried out in line with manufacturer guidelines and legal requirements. Only authorised and competent drivers operate our vehicles, and they must follow safe driving practices at all times, taking account of load weight, securing methods, and prevailing traffic and weather conditions.
Safe Loading and Load Security
Our teams are trained to load vehicles in a way that maintains stability, protects customer property, and prevents shifting during transit. Appropriate securing methods are used to keep items in place, with heavier goods positioned low and evenly distributed. Walkways in the vehicle are kept clear where access is needed, and no one is permitted to travel in the load space. Prior to departure, the driver checks that doors, ramps, and loading equipment are properly stowed and secured.
Customer Premises and Public Safety
When working at customer premises, our staff take care to protect floors, walls, and fixtures and to keep access routes as clear as possible. We position equipment to minimise trip hazards, manage cables and ramps sensibly, and, where needed, use signage or verbal warnings to alert people to work in progress. Parking and vehicle movements are planned to avoid unnecessary obstruction and to reduce risks to pedestrians and other road users.
Training, Information, and Supervision
All employees receive induction training covering company health and safety expectations, accident reporting, emergency procedures, and safe working practices specific to removal operations. Ongoing training and refresher sessions are provided where required, for example in manual handling, use of equipment, and defensive driving. Supervisors monitor compliance with procedures on-site and provide guidance and correction where unsafe behaviours or conditions are observed.
Accident, Incident, and Near Miss Reporting
Man with Van Hayes encourages prompt reporting of all accidents, incidents, and near misses, however minor they may seem. This reporting allows us to investigate root causes, implement corrective actions, and share learning across the team. Records are kept of relevant incidents, inspections, and training to demonstrate our commitment to a safe working environment and to support continuous improvement.
Emergency Preparedness
Our employees are briefed on appropriate actions to take in the event of an emergency such as fire, injury, or road traffic collision. Procedures include raising the alarm, contacting the appropriate emergency services, safeguarding the scene where safe to do so, and notifying management as soon as possible. First aid provisions are maintained in our vehicles or at bases as appropriate, and staff know how to access assistance when needed.
Consultation and Policy Review
We consult with employees regarding health and safety matters and encourage open communication about any concerns or suggestions for improvement. This policy is reviewed periodically, and also following significant changes in our operations or relevant legislation, to ensure it remains current and effective. Updated versions are communicated to all staff and are available to customers on request.
Commitment to Safe Removals
By following this Health and Safety policy, Man with Van Hayes aims to deliver reliable, professional, and safe removal services across our operating area. We believe that high standards of safety support quality service, protect our workforce and customers, and contribute to the long-term success and reputation of our business.
