Hire Man with Van Health and Safety Policy

Hire Man with Van is committed to providing a safe, healthy and secure environment for our employees, customers, contractors and members of the public affected by our removal and transport activities. This Health and Safety Policy outlines how we manage risks associated with moving, loading, transportation and delivery of goods for domestic and commercial clients.

Policy Statement and Objectives

Our objective is to prevent injury, ill health, and damage to property arising from our work. We will identify and control risks relating to lifting and carrying, the use of vehicles, working at customers premises, and handling customers belongings. We are committed to continual improvement of our safety performance and to complying with relevant health and safety legislation and industry best practice.

This policy applies to all employees, agency workers and subcontractors engaged by Hire Man with Van, and to all services provided, including house moves, office relocations, furniture delivery and collection, and any associated packing or storage support.

Roles and Responsibilities

Management has overall responsibility for implementing and reviewing this policy. Managers and supervisors will ensure appropriate planning, resources, training and monitoring are in place to manage health and safety risks in our removal operations.

All employees and subcontractors are responsible for working safely, following instructions, using equipment correctly, reporting hazards, and cooperating with health and safety measures. Every person engaged on our jobs has a duty to take reasonable care of their own safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions.

Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work

Before undertaking any removal or transport work, we will assess the risks associated with the task, the load, the environment and the route. Where required, a site visit or pre-move questionnaire will be used to identify stairs, access issues, parking restrictions, long carries, awkward or heavy items, and any special hazards.

Safe systems of work will be developed and communicated to staff for typical tasks such as loading and unloading vehicles, handling large furniture, moving white goods, navigating staircases and lifts, and working in busy or confined areas. Where conditions change on the day, team leaders must reassess risks and adjust the method of work accordingly.

Manual Handling and Use of Equipment

Manual handling is a key part of our business and a significant source of potential injury. We will minimise manual handling risks by planning loads, using suitable lifting techniques, and employing mechanical aids and handling equipment wherever practicable. This may include sack trucks, trolleys, moving straps, ramps, and floor protection.

Staff are trained to assess the weight and stability of items before lifting, to work in teams where necessary, and to avoid lifting loads that are too heavy, bulky or unstable. Team members must not attempt to lift or move any object they consider unsafe and should request additional assistance or equipment.

Vehicle Safety and Driving Standards

Our vehicles are maintained, inspected and cleaned regularly to ensure they are roadworthy and suitable for carrying household and commercial goods. Loads are secured to prevent movement during transit, and doors, ramps and tailgates are operated safely to avoid injury.

Drivers must hold the correct licence, follow road traffic laws, and drive courteously and considerately. Speed limits, rest breaks and restrictions on mobile device use while driving must be observed at all times. Drivers remain responsible for the safety of passengers and for loading practices that affect vehicle stability, visibility and access.

Customer Premises and Public Safety

Health and safety responsibilities extend to customers properties and surrounding areas where we work. Our teams will take reasonable steps to protect flooring, walls, fixtures and fittings and to avoid causing damage or creating hazards. Walkways, staircases and entrances must be kept as clear as possible while work is in progress.

We will take care to avoid obstructing pavements, entrances, communal areas, fire exits and shared driveways. Where temporary obstruction is unavoidable, staff will minimise the duration and warn those affected. When operating in busy streets or shared access points, team members will remain vigilant to the presence of pedestrians, children, pets and vehicles.

Training, Information and Supervision

All staff receive an induction that includes our health and safety expectations, incident reporting procedures, and safe working practices. Job-specific training is provided for manual handling, use of lifting aids, loading techniques, and vehicle safety. Refresher training will be given as required and when new equipment or processes are introduced.

Supervisors and team leaders are responsible for monitoring safe working on site, providing guidance, correcting unsafe behaviour and supporting new or less experienced staff. Safety information and updates will be communicated regularly so that everyone remains aware of their responsibilities.

Personal Protective Equipment

Where risk assessments show that personal protective equipment is necessary, we will provide appropriate items such as gloves, high-visibility clothing and safety footwear. Staff must use and look after the equipment provided and report any defects or loss immediately so that replacements can be arranged.

Accidents, Near Misses and First Aid

All accidents, injuries, near misses and dangerous occurrences must be reported to management as soon as practicable. This allows us to take any immediate corrective action and to investigate underlying causes. Lessons learned will be used to improve our working practices and prevent recurrence.

Basic first aid provisions will be available in vehicles and at our operating bases. Staff should familiarise themselves with the location of first aid supplies and follow the reporting processes after administering or receiving first aid.

Consultation and Continuous Improvement

We encourage open communication about health and safety matters. Employees are invited to raise concerns, make suggestions and discuss any issues that may affect their wellbeing or that of customers and the public. Reasonable concerns will be investigated and addressed promptly.

This Health and Safety Policy will be reviewed periodically, and whenever there are significant changes in our operations, services or legal requirements. Updated versions will be communicated to staff so that our safety standards remain current and effective throughout all stages of our man and van and removal services.