Man With a Van Barnes Health and Safety Policy

This Health and Safety Policy explains how Man With a Van Barnes manages risks to protect our customers, our team members, the public and property during all moving and transport activities. We are committed to providing a safe, well managed removals and man and van service by identifying hazards, assessing risks and taking practical steps to prevent accidents and injury.

Our Health and Safety Responsibilities

Man With a Van Barnes accepts overall responsibility for ensuring that health and safety are integral to the way we plan and deliver our services. Management is responsible for providing safe equipment, clear procedures, appropriate training and supervision, and for reviewing health and safety performance regularly.

All team members are required to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions. This includes cooperating with instructions, reporting hazards, and using safe systems of work at all times.

General Safety Principles

Our approach to health and safety is based on the following principles:

Identifying and controlling significant risks associated with removals, loading, unloading and transport. Providing staff with the information and training needed to work safely. Supplying and maintaining suitable equipment and vehicles in safe working condition. Planning each move to minimise manual handling, property damage and risk to the public. Encouraging a culture where safety concerns can be raised without hesitation.

Risk Assessment and Planning

Before starting any job, our team considers the nature of the work, the environment and any specific customer requirements to identify potential hazards. Where necessary, a site assessment is carried out to review access routes, parking, stairs, lifts, doorways and any restrictions that may affect safe loading and unloading.

Our planning includes deciding on the number of staff required, the type of vehicle, the equipment to be used, and the safest methods for moving items. Additional controls are implemented for large, heavy or awkward items, or where access is limited.

Manual Handling and Lifting

Manual handling is a core activity in removals work, and we manage it carefully to reduce the risk of strain and injury. Our policy is to avoid unnecessary lifting wherever possible by using appropriate equipment and vehicles that allow safe loading and offloading.

Where manual lifting is unavoidable, staff are expected to follow safe lifting techniques and team lifts for heavy items. Loads must be assessed for weight, stability and grip before movement begins. Staff are instructed not to attempt lifts that are beyond their capability and to request additional help or equipment when needed.

Use of Equipment

We use removal equipment such as trolleys, dollies, straps, blankets and ramps to protect both people and property. All equipment must be used only for its intended purpose and in line with training and guidance provided by the company.

Equipment is inspected regularly for damage or defects. Any item that is damaged, unfit for use or unsafe must be removed from service immediately and reported to management so that it can be repaired or replaced.

Vehicle Safety

Our vehicles are maintained in a roadworthy condition and serviced at appropriate intervals. Drivers must hold the correct licence for the vehicle they operate and follow all relevant road safety rules, including speed limits, parking rules and safe loading practices.

Loads must be secured so that items cannot move unexpectedly during transit. Weight limits must never be exceeded. Doors, ramps and tailgates must be used safely, ensuring that no persons are behind or underneath moving parts.

Customer and Public Safety

We take reasonable steps to protect customers, household members, employees at commercial premises and members of the public from risks arising from our work. This includes managing trip hazards from equipment, boxes or packing materials, and controlling access to work areas where necessary.

Our team members are expected to work considerately, keep walkways as clear as reasonably practicable, and communicate clearly with customers about any safety restrictions, such as not entering loading areas or standing close to moving items.

Household and Business Premises

When working in homes or workplaces, our staff will take care to prevent damage to floors, walls, fixtures, stock, equipment and other property while maintaining safe access routes. Protective coverings may be used where appropriate, providing they do not create slip or trip hazards.

Customers are encouraged to inform us of any particular risks at their property, such as loose steps, low ceilings, delicate surfaces or restricted access, so that we can plan and complete the work safely.

Training, Information and Supervision

All team members receive information and guidance relevant to their role, including safe lifting techniques, safe use of equipment, vehicle loading, and working safely in residential and commercial environments. New staff members are supervised until they are competent to work independently.

Where additional equipment or methods are introduced, further instruction is provided to ensure staff understand how to use them safely. Ongoing supervision and periodic review help ensure that safe practices are followed consistently.

Accidents, Incidents and Near Misses

All accidents, incidents and near misses that occur during our work must be reported to management as soon as practicable. This includes injuries, property damage and any event that could have caused harm even if no injury actually occurred.

We review each incident to identify causes and implement corrective actions, such as additional training, changes in procedure or equipment improvements. Our aim is to learn from incidents and continuously reduce the likelihood of recurrence.

Health, Welfare and Fitness for Work

Staff are expected to present themselves fit for work and must not undertake duties if affected by fatigue, drugs, alcohol or any condition that could impair safe performance. Any health issues that could impact safe lifting, driving or other tasks should be reported to management in confidence.

Reasonable adjustments may be considered where appropriate to enable staff to work safely while protecting their health and the safety of others.

Continuous Improvement and Policy Review

Man With a Van Barnes is committed to continually improving its health and safety performance. This policy and associated procedures are reviewed regularly and whenever there are significant changes in our services, equipment, legal requirements or working methods.

Suggestions for improving health and safety can be made by any team member or customer and will be considered carefully. By working together, we aim to provide a reliable man and van and removals service that is safe, efficient and respectful of people and property at all times.