Health and Safety policy

Man with Van Botany Bay Health and Safety Policy

Man with Van Botany Bay is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for our employees, customers, contractors and members of the public who may be affected by our removal and transportation activities. This Health and Safety policy sets out our general approach, responsibilities and arrangements for managing health and safety across all moving and delivery services.

Policy Statement and Objectives

Our objective is to prevent injury, ill health and damage to property during all house moves, office relocations and transport tasks. We will identify, assess and control risks associated with manual handling, loading and unloading, driving, use of equipment and work at clients premises. We aim to continually improve our safety performance and to comply with all applicable health and safety legislation and relevant guidance.

Management will ensure that health and safety considerations are integrated into planning and decision making for all removal operations. All employees are expected to follow safe systems of work, use equipment correctly and report hazards so that risks can be effectively managed.

Responsibilities

Overall responsibility for health and safety rests with the business owner or designated manager, who will ensure that this policy is implemented, maintained and reviewed regularly. They are responsible for providing adequate resources, information, instruction, training and supervision to enable safe working practices.

Supervisors and team leaders are responsible for day to day implementation of this policy on site and in vehicles. They must ensure that staff follow safe procedures, use the correct equipment and protective gear, and report incidents or near misses promptly.

Employees have a duty to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions or omissions. They must cooperate with the company by following safety instructions, attending training and not misusing or interfering with equipment provided for health and safety purposes.

Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work

We will carry out risk assessments for our removal and transport activities to identify hazards and determine appropriate control measures. This includes assessments for manual handling tasks, lifting and carrying items such as furniture, appliances and boxes, as well as loading and securing goods in vehicles.

Where site specific risks are present at a customer property, such as restricted access, stairs, uneven surfaces or shared entrances, a dynamic risk assessment will be carried out by the team on arrival. Work will only proceed when it can be completed safely using appropriate methods and equipment.

Safe systems of work and clear instructions will be developed for key activities including manual handling, vehicle loading, use of trolleys and moving equipment, and working in confined or busy areas. These procedures will be communicated to all staff and reviewed on a regular basis.

Manual Handling and Use of Equipment

Manual handling presents a significant risk in removal work. Man with Van Botany Bay will reduce this risk by planning jobs to minimise unnecessary lifting and carrying, using mechanical aids where reasonably practicable, and ensuring that loads are within safe handling limits for the team.

Staff will be trained in correct lifting and carrying techniques, team lifts, and the safe use of moving aids such as sack trucks, dollies, lifting straps and furniture blankets. We will maintain all handling equipment in good working order and remove from service anything that is defective or unsafe.

Vehicle Safety and Driving

Our vehicles are essential to our services and will be maintained in a safe, roadworthy condition. Regular checks and servicing will be carried out in line with manufacturer guidance and legal requirements. Drivers must carry out pre use checks of tyres, lights, brakes, securing points and load areas before each journey.

Drivers are required to hold the appropriate licence, follow road traffic laws and company driving standards, and ensure that loads are evenly distributed and properly secured. Overloading of vehicles is strictly prohibited. Routes and schedules will be planned to allow safe driving, taking into account traffic conditions and rest requirements.

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, neighbours and visitors. This includes keeping access routes clear, using warning signs where appropriate, and handling items in a way that avoids damage to property or creating trip hazards.

Where necessary, floor protection and corner guards will be used to reduce the risk of slips and damage. Items will not be moved through unsafe routes, and heavy or awkward objects will not be carried up or down stairs without adequate staff, equipment and space.

Accidents, Incidents and Near Misses

All accidents, injuries, work related ill health and near misses must be reported as soon as practical to the responsible person. Details will be recorded, investigated and used to identify root causes and corrective actions. Where required, incidents will be reported to the relevant enforcing authorities in accordance with legal requirements.

Lessons learned from incidents will be communicated to staff and used to update risk assessments, procedures and training. We encourage open reporting and a positive safety culture where concerns can be raised without fear of blame.

Training, Information and Supervision

Man with Van Botany Bay will provide appropriate health and safety training to all employees, including induction training for new starters and role specific training for removal operatives and drivers. Topics may include manual handling, use of equipment, vehicle safety, emergency procedures and working at customer premises.

Information on risks, control measures and safe practices will be communicated through briefings, written instructions and on site supervision. Supervisors will monitor work practices and provide guidance and correction where unsafe behaviour or conditions are observed.

Consultation and Policy Review

We will consult with employees on health and safety matters, including changes to working practices, introduction of new equipment or vehicles, and updates to procedures. Staff are encouraged to contribute ideas for improving safety and to raise any concerns promptly.

This Health and Safety policy will be reviewed regularly and updated as necessary in light of changes to legislation, guidance, our operations or following significant incidents. The latest version of the policy will be made available to employees and, on request, to customers and other interested parties.

By implementing this policy, Man with Van Botany Bay aims to ensure that all removal and transport work is carried out safely, efficiently and with due regard for the wellbeing of everyone involved.