Health and Safety policy

Health and Safety Policy for Man with Van Alperton

Man with Van Alperton is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for our workers, customers, and members of the public affected by our removal and transport activities. This Health and Safety policy sets out the principles and procedures we follow to manage risks associated with moving, loading, transporting, and unloading goods.

Policy Aims and Scope

This policy applies to all workers engaged by Man with Van Alperton, including full-time, part-time, temporary, and subcontracted personnel involved in domestic removals, office moves, furniture transport, and related services in our operating area. Our aims are to prevent accidents and work-related ill health, comply with relevant health and safety legislation, and continuously improve our safety performance.

Management Responsibilities

Management is responsible for implementing and maintaining effective health and safety arrangements. This includes planning safe systems of work for removal operations, providing suitable equipment and vehicles, ensuring regular vehicle maintenance and inspection, and supplying appropriate personal protective equipment where necessary. Management will review this policy periodically and update procedures in line with changes in legislation, industry best practice, or operational requirements.

Employee Responsibilities

Every worker has a duty to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions. Employees must follow all safety instructions and training provided, use vehicles, tools, and equipment correctly, report hazards, near misses, and incidents promptly, and refrain from any behaviour that could compromise safety during removal work or driving. Workers are expected to cooperate fully in the implementation of this policy and any associated procedures.

Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices

Man with Van Alperton carries out risk assessments for its activities, including on-site loading and unloading, handling large or heavy items, operating in shared spaces such as residential blocks and commercial premises, and working near traffic or in restricted access locations. Control measures are identified and communicated to workers, including safe lifting techniques, the use of trolleys and lifting aids where appropriate, clear communication with customers and building occupants, and route planning to minimise risks when moving items through properties and public areas. Risk assessments are reviewed if there are significant changes to work processes, equipment, or locations.

Manual Handling and Lifting

Manual handling is a core element of our removal services. To reduce the risk of injury, we provide instruction on correct lifting and carrying techniques, encourage team lifting for heavy or awkward items, assess the weight and stability of items before movement, and use equipment such as dollies and straps where practical. Workers are instructed not to exceed their personal lifting capability and to request assistance whenever required. Items that are excessively heavy, fragile, or unusual in shape are to be handled according to specific guidance agreed before the move begins.

Vehicle Safety and Driving Standards

Our vehicles are essential to the safe transport of furniture and goods. All vehicles are regularly inspected and maintained in line with manufacturer recommendations and legal requirements. Drivers must hold the appropriate licence for the vehicle they operate, complete necessary pre-use checks, ensure loads are evenly distributed and properly secured using suitable restraints, obey speed limits and traffic regulations at all times, and avoid driving while fatigued or unfit. Smoking, alcohol, and illegal substances are strictly prohibited while driving or working. Any defects, collisions, or incidents involving vehicles must be reported immediately to management.

Loading, Unloading, and Securing Goods

We take care to load and unload vehicles in a way that protects both workers and customer property. This includes planning the order of loading to avoid unnecessary movement of heavy items, using blankets, padding, and other materials to protect goods and prevent shifting during transit, keeping loading areas clear of obstacles and trip hazards, maintaining good housekeeping inside the vehicle and at loading points, and ensuring doors, ramps, and tailgates are operated safely and correctly. Workers must not climb on unstable surfaces or overreach when loading or unloading.

Working in Customer Premises and Public Areas

When working in homes, offices, and shared spaces, we aim to minimise disruption and maintain a safe environment for everyone present. Our teams take care to identify potential hazards such as uneven flooring, narrow stairways, low ceilings, or poor lighting, use safe routes for carrying items through buildings, place warning signs where necessary in common areas, and keep access routes free from obstructions as far as reasonably practicable. We ask customers and other occupants to remain clear of active lifting and moving areas to reduce the risk of accidents.

Training, Information, and Supervision

Man with Van Alperton provides workers with information and instruction relevant to their roles, including vehicle use, manual handling, use of lifting aids, and hazard awareness. New staff receive induction on our safety procedures before working on removal jobs. Ongoing supervision is provided to ensure that safety standards are maintained, and additional guidance is given when handling unusual or complex moves. Where needed, refresher training is organised to reinforce safe working practices.

Incident Reporting and Investigation

All accidents, injuries, near misses, and dangerous occurrences must be reported promptly to management. This allows us to investigate what happened, identify root causes, and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence. Records of incidents are kept and reviewed as part of our commitment to continuous improvement in health and safety performance. Workers are encouraged to report concerns or suggestions for improving safety without fear of negative consequences.

Review and Continuous Improvement

This Health and Safety policy is reviewed regularly to ensure it remains effective and relevant to our removal services and service area. Feedback from workers and customers, incident data, and any changes in legislation or best practice are considered during the review process. Man with Van Alperton is committed to maintaining high standards of safety and will take all reasonably practicable steps to protect the health and wellbeing of everyone involved in or affected by our operations.