Health and Safety policy

Man with Van Putney Health and Safety Policy

Man with Van Putney 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 domestic and commercial removals, loading and unloading, handling goods, and driving.

Our Health and Safety Objectives

Our primary objective is to prevent injury, ill health, and damage to property during all stages of our work. We aim to achieve this by identifying hazards, assessing and controlling risks, and continually improving our health and safety performance. All staff and contractors are expected to follow this policy and exercise a duty of care to themselves and others.

Management Responsibilities

Management at Man with Van Putney is responsible for implementing this policy and ensuring that safe systems of work are in place for all removal services. This includes:

Ensuring that health and safety procedures are communicated clearly to all staff. Providing appropriate equipment, vehicles, and resources to work safely. Conducting suitable and proportionate risk assessments for moving, loading, transporting, and unloading items. Monitoring working practices and taking corrective action where required. Reviewing this policy regularly and updating it in line with changes to our services or legal requirements.

Employee Responsibilities

Every employee and contractor working with Man with Van Putney has a duty to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions. This includes:

Following all safety instructions, training, and established procedures. Using vehicles, trolleys, lifting aids, and protective equipment correctly. Reporting hazards, near misses, and incidents promptly to management. Avoiding reckless behaviour and never working under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Cooperating with any investigation or review of safety incidents.

Risk Assessment and Planning

Safe planning is essential for every move. Before each job, our team considers the likely risks associated with access routes, parking and loading, manual handling, traffic conditions, and customer property. Where necessary, a more detailed site-specific risk assessment will be carried out.

We plan loading sequences, lifting tasks, and team roles to minimise manual handling risks and trip hazards. Where a risk cannot be eliminated, it will be reduced as far as is reasonably practicable through appropriate controls, such as alternative handling methods or additional personnel.

Manual Handling and Lifting

Manual handling is a core part of our removal work and is a significant source of potential injury. To manage this risk:

Staff receive guidance on correct lifting techniques, including team lifting for bulky or heavy items. Where possible, we use trolleys, dollies, and other mechanical aids to move goods safely. Heavy, awkward, or fragile items are assessed individually, and extra time or additional handlers are allocated when required. Items that are too heavy or unsafe to move without specialist equipment will not be handled until a safe method of work is agreed.

Vehicle Safety and Driving Standards

Our drivers and vehicles play a vital role in safe operations for our removal services. We are committed to promoting safe driving practices and maintaining our vehicles in sound condition. Our approach includes:

Ensuring vehicles are suitable for the loads they carry and that weight limits are not exceeded. Completing regular checks and inspections to maintain roadworthiness. Securing loads properly so that goods do not shift in transit. Encouraging safe driving behaviours, including adherence to speed limits, rest breaks, and consideration for other road users. Taking account of weather conditions and urban congestion when planning journeys.

Customer Premises and Property Protection

We recognise our duty to work safely within customer premises and to protect property while we carry out removal activities. Our teams take care to:

Assess access routes, stairways, and doorways for potential hazards. Reduce trip and slip risks by keeping walkways as clear as practicable. Use protective coverings where appropriate to avoid unnecessary damage. Communicate with customers about any safety concerns that arise during the move.

Equipment and Personal Protective Gear

To support safe working practices, we provide suitable equipment and expect staff to use it correctly. This may include trolleys, straps, blankets, and other handling aids, as well as personal protective gear where appropriate for the task. Any defects or damage to equipment must be reported immediately so that it can be repaired or replaced.

Training, Information, and Supervision

Man with Van Putney is committed to ensuring that staff are competent to perform their roles safely. We provide initial guidance and ongoing information on safe working methods, including manual handling, vehicle loading, and customer care. Less experienced staff are supervised and supported so that safe habits are reinforced during day-to-day work.

Incident Reporting and Continuous Improvement

All accidents, injuries, near misses, and damage incidents are taken seriously and are used as opportunities for learning and improvement. Staff are encouraged to report any safety concern without delay. Where an incident occurs, management will review the circumstances, identify underlying causes, and take steps to prevent recurrence. This may include changes to procedures, additional training, or improvements to equipment.

Policy Review and Communication

This Health and Safety Policy is kept under regular review to ensure it remains relevant to our services and working methods. Any significant changes will be communicated to staff and contractors. Customers may request information about our safety arrangements, and we are committed to working cooperatively to maintain a safe environment for everyone involved in our removal services.

By following this Health and Safety Policy, Man with Van Putney seeks to deliver reliable removal services while protecting the wellbeing of staff, customers, and the wider community.