Health and Safety Policy for Man with Van Hampton Hill
Man with Van Hampton Hill is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for our employees, contractors, 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, handling, loading, and transporting goods for domestic and commercial customers.
Our Health and Safety Commitment
We recognise our duty of care to comply with relevant health and safety legislation and to apply best practice throughout our removal operations. Our aim is to prevent injury, ill health, and damage to property by identifying hazards, managing risk, and promoting a positive safety culture within our team.
All members of the Man with Van Hampton Hill team are required to work safely, use equipment correctly, and follow the procedures stated in this policy and any supplementary guidance we provide.
Responsibilities and Accountability
Management is responsible for implementing this Health and Safety Policy, reviewing it regularly, and ensuring that suitable resources are provided to maintain safe working practices. Management duties include:
Ensuring risk assessments are carried out for removal and transport activities.
Providing appropriate training, supervision, and information to all workers.
Ensuring vehicles, tools, and equipment are suitable, maintained, and used safely.
Monitoring performance and addressing any safety concerns promptly.
Employees, operatives, and contractors working on behalf of Man with Van Hampton Hill share a responsibility to:
Take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others.
Follow all safety instructions, procedures, and guidance provided.
Use equipment correctly and report defects or hazards immediately.
Report incidents, near misses, or unsafe conditions as soon as they occur.
Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices
Before each job, we assess the potential risks associated with access routes, parking, loading and unloading areas, manual handling requirements, and any specific conditions at the property. We consider factors such as narrow staircases, heavy or awkward items, weather conditions, and time pressures.
Where risks are identified, we adopt control measures that may include using additional staff, modifying the handling method, using suitable lifting aids, or adjusting the route or schedule. Work is not carried out if it cannot be completed safely with the resources and equipment available.
Manual Handling and Lifting
Manual handling is a core part of removal work and presents a significant risk of injury if not properly managed. To minimise this risk, Man with Van Hampton Hill ensures that:
Staff receive training in safe lifting techniques and posture.
Loads are assessed for weight, size, and stability before moving.
Team lifts are used for heavy, bulky, or awkward items.
Trolleys, dollies, and other handling aids are used whenever reasonably practicable.
Excessive lifting or carrying over long distances is avoided where possible.
Customers are not expected to lift or carry heavy items. Where customers choose to help, they do so at their own risk and are advised to follow safe lifting practices.
Vehicle Safety and Driving Standards
The safe operation of our vans is essential for the protection of staff, customers, other road users, and the goods we carry. We ensure that:
Drivers are competent, hold the correct licence, and follow road traffic laws.
Vehicles are inspected regularly, maintained, and kept in a roadworthy condition.
Loads are distributed evenly, secured properly, and do not exceed weight limits.
Parking and loading are planned to minimise risk to pedestrians and other vehicles.
Engines are switched off during loading and unloading where possible.
Drivers do not work excessive hours and take breaks in line with legal and company requirements.
Use and Maintenance of Equipment
All equipment used during moves, such as trolleys, straps, protective covers, and ramps, must be appropriate to the task and in good working order. We ensure that:
Equipment is inspected regularly for damage or wear.
Defective or unsafe items are removed from service immediately.
Only trained personnel use specialist equipment.
Protective materials such as blankets, covers, and floor protectors are used to prevent damage and reduce slip and trip hazards.
Customer and Public Safety
We take all reasonable steps to protect customers, neighbours, and members of the public from harm during removal operations in and around residential and commercial properties. This includes:
Keeping access routes as clear as possible while work is in progress.
Managing cables, ramps, and equipment to minimise trip hazards.
Using safe lifting routes through the property and avoiding blocking exits.
Advising customers to keep children and pets away from loading areas.
Working considerately and safely in shared spaces, such as corridors, stairwells, and car parks.
Incident Reporting and Emergency Procedures
All accidents, injuries, near misses, and instances of property damage must be reported as soon as possible to management. We record and review these events to identify root causes and implement corrective actions.
In the event of an emergency, such as fire, serious injury, or sudden illness, staff must prioritise the safety of people present, raise the alarm, contact emergency services where required, and follow any on-site procedures that apply to the premises.
Training, Awareness, and Communication
Man with Van Hampton Hill provides ongoing training and guidance on health and safety issues relevant to removal work. New team members receive induction training, and existing staff are updated when procedures, equipment, or legislation change.
We encourage open communication so that workers can raise safety concerns or improvement suggestions without fear of criticism. Constructive feedback from customers about safety matters is also welcomed and used to refine our practices.
Policy Review
This Health and Safety Policy is reviewed regularly to ensure it remains effective, relevant, and compliant with current legislation and best practice. Revisions may also be made following significant incidents, operational changes, or feedback from staff and customers.
By instructing Man with Van Hampton Hill, customers can be assured that we are committed to carrying out every removal with care, professionalism, and a clear focus on the health and safety of everyone involved.
