Man and Van Barnes Health and Safety Policy

Man and Van Barnes is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for our employees, customers, contractors, and members of the public who may be affected by our removal and transport activities. This Health and Safety policy sets out our approach to managing risks associated with moving, loading, transporting, and unloading goods in homes, offices, and other premises.

Policy Aims and Objectives

The primary aim of this policy is to prevent injury, ill health, and damage to property during all removal and delivery operations. We will achieve this by identifying hazards, assessing risks, and implementing effective control measures tailored to moving furniture, personal belongings, and commercial equipment.

Our objectives are to maintain safe systems of work, provide appropriate information, instruction, and training, and ensure that everyone working with or for Man and Van Barnes understands their responsibilities for health and safety.

Management Responsibilities

Management at Man and Van Barnes has overall responsibility for ensuring that this policy is implemented, monitored, and regularly reviewed. This includes allocating sufficient resources, setting standards, and ensuring that all work carried out by our man and van teams complies with relevant health and safety requirements for the removal and transport industry.

Managers will plan work so that lifting, carrying, loading, and driving activities are organised safely. They will make sure that risk assessments are completed, equipment is maintained, and staff are competent for the tasks they undertake, whether for small moves or larger removal projects.

Employee Responsibilities

Every employee has a duty to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions. Staff must follow safe working procedures, use equipment correctly, wear any required personal protective equipment, and immediately report hazards, incidents, or near misses to management.

Employees are expected to participate in health and safety training, cooperate with risk control measures, and avoid taking shortcuts that could put themselves, customers, or property at risk during removal and delivery work.

Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices

Man and Van Barnes conducts risk assessments for typical tasks involved in our services, including packing, lifting and carrying, loading and unloading vehicles, securing loads, and operating in domestic and commercial environments. Site-specific assessments are carried out for higher risk jobs or unusual access conditions, such as tight staircases, heavy or awkward items, or restricted parking and loading areas.

Safe systems of work are then developed and communicated to staff. These include guidance on manual handling, team lifting, the use of trolleys, ramps, and moving aids, safe stacking and securing of items in vehicles, and safe movement of goods in corridors, stairwells, and communal areas.

Manual Handling and Use of Equipment

Manual handling is a key part of removal work, and incorrect techniques can lead to strains, sprains, and more serious injuries. Man and Van Barnes provides training in safe lifting and carrying techniques, correct posture, and the importance of planning routes before moving heavy or bulky items.

Suitable equipment such as sack trucks, dollies, straps, and blankets is used wherever appropriate to reduce manual handling risks and protect both staff and customer property. All equipment is maintained in a safe condition, inspected regularly, and removed from use if found to be defective.

Vehicle Safety and Driving Standards

Our vehicles are central to our man and van services, and their safe operation is essential. Drivers are required to hold the appropriate licence, comply with road traffic laws, and follow company procedures for vehicle checks, defect reporting, and load security.

Pre-use vehicle inspections are completed to ensure brakes, lights, tyres, and other critical components are in good order. Loads are distributed and secured correctly to prevent movement during transit, reducing the risk of accidents and damage to goods.

Customer Premises, Public Safety, and Property Protection

Man and Van Barnes takes care to protect the health and safety of customers, neighbours, and the general public during removal operations. Access routes are assessed and, where necessary, controlled to prevent trip hazards, collisions, or obstruction of entrances and emergency exits.

Protective measures, such as using coverings on floors and bannisters, carefully positioning items, and avoiding blocking pathways, are implemented to minimise damage and provide safe access. Where loading or unloading takes place on or near public roads or shared areas, staff will work in a way that minimises risk to pedestrians and other road users.

Training, Information, and Supervision

All staff receive induction training that covers the company health and safety policy, emergency arrangements, manual handling, and safe use of equipment. Additional task-specific training is provided where needed, including working on stairs, handling fragile items, and operating lifting aids.

Regular refresher training and toolbox talks are used to reinforce safe behaviour and update teams on any changes in procedures or legal requirements relevant to removals and transport. Supervisors monitor work standards on site and intervene if unsafe practices are observed.

Accident Reporting and Emergency Procedures

All accidents, incidents, and near misses must be reported promptly to management so they can be recorded, investigated, and used to improve safety. Lessons learned from investigations are shared with staff and, where appropriate, lead to revisions of risk assessments and working methods.

Emergency procedures are in place for medical emergencies, fires, vehicle incidents, and property damage. Staff are briefed on how to respond, including raising the alarm, contacting the appropriate services, and ensuring the safety of all persons involved.

Health and Welfare

Man and Van Barnes recognises the importance of general health and welfare in performing physically demanding removal work. We encourage staff to work within their capabilities, take appropriate rest breaks, and stay hydrated, especially during long or intensive jobs.

We do not tolerate working under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and anyone suspected of being unfit for duty will be removed from work immediately. Concerns about fitness to work or health conditions that may affect safety should be reported confidentially to management.

Continuous Improvement and Policy Review

This Health and Safety policy is reviewed regularly and whenever there are significant changes to our operations, services, or legal requirements. Feedback from staff and customers is welcomed and used to enhance our safety performance and standards.

By following this policy, Man and Van Barnes aims to deliver reliable removal and man and van services while maintaining a strong commitment to health, safety, and the wellbeing of everyone involved in our work.