Man with Van Purley Health and Safety Policy
Man with Van Purley is committed to maintaining the highest practical standards of health, safety and welfare for our staff, customers, visitors and members of the public who may be affected by our removal and delivery activities. This policy applies to all services we provide, including household removals, office moves, collections, deliveries and transport of goods.
Our Health and Safety Objectives
Our primary objectives are to prevent injury, protect health, and minimise risks arising from our work. We aim to provide a safe working environment, safe systems of work, and appropriate information, instruction and supervision. We also expect everyone involved in our operations to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions.
Legal Responsibilities and Compliance
Man with Van Purley will comply with relevant health and safety legislation and recognised industry standards applicable to removal and transport services. We will review changes in legislation and guidance and update our procedures accordingly. All staff are expected to follow company policies, safe working practices and any site-specific requirements agreed with customers.
Management Responsibilities
Management is responsible for implementing this policy, providing resources for safe operations and ensuring that health and safety remains a core priority in all planning and decision-making. This includes maintaining appropriate insurance, ensuring vehicles and equipment are fit for purpose, and monitoring working practices on an ongoing basis. Managers will investigate significant incidents and near misses, identify root causes and take reasonable steps to prevent recurrence.
Employee Responsibilities
Every employee and regular contractor has a duty to work safely and responsibly. All staff must follow training, instructions and safe systems of work, use equipment correctly, and report any hazards, incidents, near misses, faulty equipment or unsafe conditions immediately to management. Staff must not misuse or interfere with any equipment or measures provided for safety and must co-operate fully in any health and safety investigation or review.
Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work
We assess the risks associated with our removal and transport operations and put in place proportionate control measures. This includes evaluating access routes, parking locations, loading and unloading areas, staircases, lifts and handling requirements at both collection and delivery addresses. Where risks are identified, we may adjust the method of work, the number of team members assigned, or the equipment used to ensure that work can be carried out safely.
Prior to commencing a job, our team will consider manual handling demands, potential obstacles, weather conditions, traffic, and any special requirements for fragile, heavy or bulky items. If conditions are considered unsafe or significantly different from those described at the time of booking, work may be paused while the situation is reassessed and agreed solutions are put in place.
Manual Handling and Use of Equipment
Manual handling is a core aspect of removal work and is treated as a priority area for risk control. Staff receive guidance on correct lifting techniques, use of team lifting for heavy items and recognition of their own physical limitations. Wherever practical, we use trolleys, skates, straps, blankets and other handling aids to reduce strain and protect both people and property.
Heavy or awkward items such as large furniture, appliances or equipment will only be moved where a safe handling method is available, sufficient manpower is present and access is suitable. Staff are instructed not to take unnecessary risks, not to attempt lifts they believe to be unsafe, and to request assistance or alternative solutions where needed.
Vehicle Safety and Driving Standards
Our vehicles are maintained in a roadworthy condition and are subject to regular checks. Drivers must hold an appropriate licence, follow road traffic laws and adhere to safe driving practices at all times. Loads are secured to prevent movement during transit, reducing the risk of injury, damage or loss. Parking and loading locations are chosen to minimise risk to staff, customers and the public, even where this may require additional time or distance.
Customer Premises and Public Safety
When working in and around customer premises, our team will take reasonable steps to protect people and property. This may include using floor protection where suitable, keeping access routes as clear as reasonably possible, and positioning equipment so it does not create avoidable trip or collision hazards. We are mindful that members of the public may pass near our vehicles or working areas, and we will act to minimise risk, especially in busy residential streets and commercial locations.
Training, Information and Supervision
Man with Van Purley provides staff with relevant information about hazards and controls associated with their work, including manual handling, vehicle safety and site-specific risks. New staff receive an induction into our health and safety procedures and are supervised until competent to work more independently. Where tasks require particular skills or knowledge, additional guidance or demonstrations are provided.
Reporting Incidents and Continuous Improvement
We actively encourage the reporting of all incidents, near misses and concerns. This information is used to identify trends, improve procedures and prevent recurrence. Significant incidents are recorded and reviewed by management. Where appropriate, findings are shared with staff so that lessons learned lead to practical improvements in the way we carry out removal and transport work.
Consultation and Co-operation
We recognise that good health and safety performance depends on collaboration between management, staff and customers. We invite feedback from team members on how to improve safety and welcome relevant information from customers about access, site rules, or specific risks at their premises. When working alongside other contractors or service providers, we will co-operate so that safety arrangements are understood and co-ordinated.
Policy Review
This Health and Safety Policy is reviewed periodically and whenever there are significant changes to our operations, legislation, or industry guidance. Updated versions will be communicated to staff and will be made available to customers on request. By working together and following this policy, Man with Van Purley aims to deliver efficient, reliable and safe removal and transport services throughout our operating area.
