Health and Safety Policy for Man With a Van Crayford

Man With a Van Crayford is committed to maintaining high standards of health and safety for our customers, employees, contractors and members of the public. This policy sets out the principles and procedures we follow to provide a safe, professional and responsible removal and transport service.

Our Health and Safety Objectives

Our objectives are to prevent injury, ill health, property damage and environmental harm arising from our activities. We aim to integrate health and safety into every aspect of our planning and day-to-day operations, from initial booking through to the completion of each move.

Management Responsibilities

The management of Man With a Van Crayford accepts overall responsibility for health and safety within the business. This includes:

Ensuring suitable resources are available to implement this policy. Setting and reviewing safety standards and work procedures. Providing equipment, vehicles and protective gear that are safe and fit for purpose. Monitoring performance and taking corrective action where necessary.

Managers and supervisors are responsible for leading by example, promoting safe working practices and making sure that all staff understand and follow this policy.

Employee Responsibilities

All employees, whether full time, part time or temporary, share responsibility for maintaining a safe working environment. Every team member is required to:

Take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions. Follow all instructions, training and procedures given by the company. Use vehicles, tools and equipment only as trained and intended. Report accidents, incidents, near misses, hazards and unsafe conditions without delay. Cooperate with management on all health and safety matters.

Staff are not expected to undertake any task that they believe presents an unacceptable risk. Any such concerns must be raised immediately with a supervisor or manager.

Customer and Public Safety

We recognise that our activities often take place in domestic streets, shared access routes, commercial premises and public spaces. To safeguard customers and the public, we will:

Plan loading and unloading to minimise obstruction and trip hazards. Use safe lifting routes that avoid unnecessary risks around steps, uneven ground or confined spaces. Keep access ways as clear as reasonably practicable during moves. Operate vehicles in a careful and considerate manner, respecting speed limits and parking restrictions. Provide clear communication with customers about any safety considerations at their property.

Customers are asked to keep children, pets and unnecessary visitors away from working areas while moves are in progress.

Safe Handling and Lifting

Manual handling is a core part of our removal service and a key focus of our health and safety approach. Our procedures include:

Training staff in correct lifting techniques and team lifts. Assessing the weight, size and shape of items before moving them. Using appropriate equipment such as sack trucks, trolleys or lifting straps where required. Avoiding lifts that are beyond the capability of the individuals involved. Taking extra care with awkward, sharp, fragile or high-value items.

Where a move involves unusually heavy or complex items, we may recommend additional staff, specialist equipment or alternative arrangements to ensure safety.

Vehicle and Driving Safety

Our vehicles are central to our operations and must be operated safely at all times. Man With a Van Crayford will:

Ensure drivers hold valid licences appropriate to the vehicles they operate. Maintain vehicles in a roadworthy condition, with regular checks and servicing. Secure loads properly to prevent movement during transit. Plan journeys to allow adequate time and avoid unsafe driving practices. Require drivers to comply with road traffic laws and parking regulations.

Drivers must not operate vehicles under the influence of alcohol, drugs or any substance that may impair their ability to drive safely.

Equipment and Personal Protective Equipment

We provide and maintain tools, accessories and personal protective equipment suitable for removal work. This may include work gloves, safety footwear, high-visibility clothing and lifting aids. All equipment must be used in accordance with training and manufacturer instructions, and any defects or damage must be reported promptly.

Risk Assessment and Planning

Before each job, we consider the likely risks associated with the property layout, access points, parking, item size and weight, and any specific customer requirements. Where appropriate, a more detailed risk assessment may be completed. We will adapt our working methods to reduce risk, which may include changes to staffing levels, equipment or scheduling.

Training and Communication

Man With a Van Crayford is committed to ensuring all employees receive suitable information, instruction and training relevant to their roles. This includes induction training, on-the-job guidance and refresher training where required. We encourage open communication so that staff can raise safety concerns, suggest improvements and share experience from previous jobs.

Accidents, Incidents and Near Misses

All accidents, incidents and near misses must be reported to management as soon as possible. We will investigate causes, record relevant details and identify measures to prevent recurrence. Where required, we will notify the appropriate authorities in line with legal requirements.

Continuous Improvement

This Health and Safety Policy is reviewed regularly and updated when necessary to reflect changes in legislation, best practice and the nature of our services. Feedback from employees and customers is welcomed and forms part of our ongoing commitment to improvement.

By choosing Man With a Van Crayford, customers can be confident that their move is carried out with careful attention to the safety of everyone involved, and to the protection of property and belongings.