Health and Safety Policy for Man With Van Strawberry Hill

Man With Van Strawberry Hill is committed to delivering removals and transport services with safety, care, and professionalism at the centre of every task. This Health and Safety Policy sets out the standards expected from all staff, contractors, and anyone acting on behalf of the company. It applies to packing, lifting, loading, transporting, unloading, and any work carried out in connection with our van service. Our aim is to protect employees, clients, visitors, property, and the public from avoidable harm.

The company recognises that moving and handling goods can involve risks such as trips, falls, strains, crush injuries, vehicle incidents, and damage to property. We therefore take a proactive approach to risk management. This means identifying hazards before work begins, assessing the level of risk, and putting suitable controls in place. Safety is not treated as a separate task; it is built into how we plan, prepare, and complete every job.

All work is carried out in line with the principle that no task is so urgent that it cannot be done safely. Staff are expected to stop and report any concern if a job cannot be performed without unacceptable risk. This includes situations involving unstable loads, unsafe access, poor lighting, damaged equipment, or weather conditions that may affect safe loading and unloading. Management supports this approach and will review each situation before work continues.

Our responsibilities include maintaining safe systems of work, providing suitable training, and ensuring that vehicles and equipment are properly inspected and kept in good condition. All lifting aids, straps, trolleys, blankets, and securing equipment must be used correctly and stored safely. Drivers and operatives are also required to check that loads are balanced and secured to prevent movement during transit. Good housekeeping is essential, and any spillages, clutter, or obstructions must be addressed without delay.

Training is a key part of the policy. Every worker receives instruction relevant to their role, including manual handling techniques, safe lifting practices, vehicle safety, load securing, hazard awareness, and emergency procedures. Refresher training is provided when work methods change or when an incident indicates that additional guidance is needed. We expect all personnel to remain alert, follow instructions, and use common sense throughout their duties. Competence and caution are both required.

Manual handling is one of the main activities in a man and van service, so we place special emphasis on reducing strain and injury. Heavy, awkward, or bulky items should be moved using team lifts or mechanical aids whenever possible. Workers are encouraged to plan the route before lifting, check grip and balance, and avoid twisting or rushing. If an item appears too heavy or unsafe to move, it must be reassessed rather than forced. Clients may be asked to help identify fragile or valuable items so that they can be handled appropriately.

Vehicle safety is equally important. Each vehicle used by Man With Van Strawberry Hill must be roadworthy, correctly maintained, and suitable for the type of work being undertaken. Daily checks should include tyres, lights, mirrors, brakes, fuel, and load restraint equipment. Drivers must follow speed limits, take appropriate rest breaks, and avoid distractions while driving. Seat belts must be worn, and vehicles must not be overloaded. If a defect is discovered, the vehicle must be taken out of service until it is safe to use again.

Personal protective equipment is issued when needed and must be worn as instructed. Depending on the task, this may include gloves, high-visibility clothing, protective footwear, or other suitable items. PPE does not replace safe working methods; it is an additional layer of protection. Workers are responsible for keeping equipment clean, reporting damage, and ensuring that items fit correctly and remain effective. Where the use of PPE is necessary, supervisors will confirm that it is appropriate for the job and available before work starts.

At the midpoint of every job, staff should reassess the environment and the condition of the load. This is particularly important when access routes change, when weather worsens, or when the work involves stairs, narrow corridors, or tight parking conditions. Our policy requires that hazards be reviewed continuously, not only at the start of a task. If new risks are identified, work must be paused until safe controls are in place.

Emergency procedures are in place to deal with accidents, injuries, vehicle breakdowns, fires, and other unexpected events. Workers must know how to raise an alarm, obtain first aid, and report incidents promptly. All accidents, near misses, and unsafe conditions are recorded and investigated so that lessons can be learned and future risk reduced. Where appropriate, corrective actions may include changing procedures, updating training, or replacing equipment.

Health, safety, and welfare also include respecting the wellbeing of workers. Fatigue, stress, dehydration, and poor communication can all affect performance and increase the chance of accidents. We therefore encourage reasonable work planning, adequate breaks, and clear instructions before each task. Staff should not continue working if they feel unwell, impaired, or unable to carry out duties safely. Managers have a duty to support a responsible working culture where people can speak up without hesitation.

Supervision and review help us maintain high standards. This policy is monitored regularly to ensure it remains effective, practical, and up to date. Any changes in operations, equipment, or legal expectations will be reflected in revised procedures. By following this policy, Man With Van Strawberry Hill aims to deliver reliable service while protecting people and property at every stage of the moving process. Safety is a shared responsibility, and everyone involved is expected to contribute to it with care, attention, and professionalism.