Health and Safety Policy for Hire Man and Van

Hire Man and Van 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 policy sets out our approach to managing health and safety across all areas of our man and van and removal services.

Policy Statement

Our objective is to prevent injury, ill health, and accidents arising from our work. We will identify, assess, and control risks associated with lifting, loading, transport, and on-site activity at customer premises. We will comply with all relevant health and safety legislation, codes of practice, and industry guidance that apply to removal and transport services.

Health and safety is an integral part of our planning and daily operations. Safe working practices are considered equally important as service quality and customer satisfaction.

Responsibilities

The management of Hire Man and Van is responsible for implementing this policy and ensuring that adequate resources are provided to maintain high health and safety standards. Management will review performance, investigate incidents, and ensure that suitable training, supervision, and equipment are available.

Supervisors and team leaders must ensure that work is carried out in accordance with this policy, relevant procedures, and risk assessments. They are responsible for communicating safe systems of work, checking that equipment is used correctly, and stopping any activity that poses a serious or imminent risk.

All employees and contractors have a duty to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions. They must follow training and instructions, use equipment properly, report hazards and incidents promptly, and cooperate fully with any safety measures implemented by the company.

Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work

We will carry out risk assessments for our core activities, including manual handling, loading and unloading vehicles, driving and vehicle operations, use of tools and equipment, and working at customer homes, offices, or storage locations. These assessments will identify hazards and set out control measures to reduce risks to an acceptable level.

Safe systems of work will be developed for tasks commonly undertaken by our man and van teams, such as moving heavy furniture, carrying items up and down stairs, manoeuvring goods in restricted spaces, and operating lifting aids. Staff will be informed of these procedures and required to follow them at all times.

Manual Handling and Lifting

Manual handling risks are significant in removal and transport work, so particular attention is given to safe lifting practices. Employees will receive training on correct lifting techniques, team lifting, use of equipment such as trolleys and dollies, and how to recognise loads that are too heavy or awkward to move manually.

Where reasonably practicable, mechanical aids will be used to reduce the need for manual handling. Routes will be planned to minimise carrying distances and obstacles. Staff must not attempt to lift or move items beyond their capability and should request assistance or alternative solutions when needed.

Vehicle Safety and Loading

Our vehicles are maintained in a safe, roadworthy condition and are subject to regular inspections and servicing. Drivers are responsible for completing basic pre-use checks to identify defects and must report any issues immediately.

All loads must be packed and secured safely to prevent movement during transit. Heavy items should be distributed evenly, and appropriate restraints and protective materials should be used. Overloading of vehicles is strictly prohibited.

Drivers must follow road traffic regulations, drive considerately, and allow sufficient time for journeys to avoid unsafe driving behaviours such as speeding or harsh braking.

Working at Customer Premises

When working in homes, offices, or other premises, our teams will take care to protect the health and safety of occupants and visitors as well as themselves. Access routes will be kept clear, trip hazards such as loose packaging or tools will be controlled, and floors and stairways will be used with caution.

Where there are specific on-site rules, such as building safety requirements or site inductions, our staff will cooperate and comply fully. Any hazardous conditions identified at a customer site will be reported to the customer and, if necessary, work will be paused until the risk is addressed.

Equipment, Tools, and Personal Protective Equipment

All equipment and tools used in connection with our removal and transport services will be suitable for purpose, properly maintained, and inspected at appropriate intervals. Defective equipment must not be used and must be taken out of service until repaired or replaced.

Where risk assessments identify the need for personal protective equipment, such as gloves or safety footwear, this will be provided and must be used correctly by staff. PPE is regarded as a last line of defence and does not replace the need to eliminate or reduce risks at source.

Training, Information, and Supervision

Hire Man and Van will provide appropriate health and safety training for all employees, taking into account their role, experience, and the tasks they carry out. This may include induction training, manual handling, vehicle safety, use of equipment, and emergency procedures.

Information about risks and control measures will be communicated clearly, and supervision will be provided to ensure that safe practices are followed, particularly for new or inexperienced staff.

Accidents, Incidents, and Near Misses

All accidents, incidents, and near misses must be reported as soon as possible so that they can be recorded, investigated, and used to prevent recurrence. Where necessary, appropriate medical assistance will be sought for any injured person.

Investigations will focus on identifying root causes and implementing corrective actions rather than assigning blame. Lessons learned will be shared across the company to improve safety performance.

Consultation and Continuous Improvement

We recognise the value of involving employees in health and safety matters. Staff are encouraged to raise concerns, suggest improvements, and participate in discussions about safe working practices. Feedback will be considered as part of our ongoing efforts to improve safety.

This Health and Safety Policy will be reviewed regularly and updated when significant changes occur in our operations, legislation, or best practice. The revised policy will be communicated to all relevant parties to ensure it remains effective and understood.

By working together and following this policy, Hire Man and Van aims to deliver all removal and man and van services in a way that protects the wellbeing of our teams, our customers, and the wider community.