Health and Safety policy

Health and Safety Policy for Man with Van Sutton

Man with Van Sutton is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for our employees, contractors, customers and members of the public who may be affected by our removal and transport activities. This Health and Safety policy outlines the principles and procedures we follow to manage risks and promote safe working practices during home and office moves, deliveries and related services.

Our Health and Safety Commitment

We recognise our legal and moral responsibilities to protect the health, safety and welfare of everyone involved in our operations. We aim to prevent accidents, injuries, ill health and damage to property by assessing risks, implementing effective controls and continuously improving our working methods.

Management at Man with Van Sutton will provide appropriate resources, information, instruction and supervision to support safe working. All team members are required to follow this policy and cooperate fully in achieving high standards of safety and care.

Responsibilities

Health and safety is a shared responsibility across the company. Clear roles help ensure that safe practices are consistently maintained during every move, collection or delivery.

Management responsibilities include setting health and safety objectives, ensuring that risk assessments are carried out, providing suitable vehicles, equipment and protective gear, and ensuring that staff receive appropriate training. Management will review this policy regularly and update it in line with changes to legislation, industry guidance or our working practices.

Employee responsibilities include taking reasonable care for their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions, following safe systems of work and training, using lifting techniques correctly, reporting hazards or incidents promptly, and cooperating with any health and safety investigations or improvements.

Customers are requested to support safe working by providing accurate information about access, parking, property features and items to be moved, ensuring that access routes are clear, pets and children are supervised, and any known hazards at the property are disclosed to our team before work begins.

Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices

Before each job, we assess the key risks associated with the property, access routes, items to be moved and the tasks required. Where appropriate, dynamic risk assessments are performed on arrival so that our team can adapt to the specific layout and conditions at the collection and delivery addresses.

We aim to identify hazards such as narrow staircases, uneven surfaces, poor lighting, traffic movement, heavy or awkward items, and weather conditions. Once identified, we implement suitable controls such as using additional staff, equipment, load restraints, or alternative access routes. Work will not proceed if it cannot be carried out safely.

Manual Handling and Lifting

Manual handling is a core part of our work and is a significant focus of our safety procedures. All staff receive guidance in safe lifting and carrying techniques, including team lifts for heavy or bulky items, correct posture, load assessment and the use of lifting aids.

Where possible, we use equipment such as trolleys, skates and lifting straps to reduce physical strain. Items are packed, wrapped and loaded in a way that minimises risk of injury and prevents loads from shifting during transport. If an item is considered too heavy or unsafe to move, our staff are instructed not to proceed until a safer method is agreed.

Vehicle Safety and Driving Standards

Our vehicles are maintained to a high standard and inspected regularly to ensure they are roadworthy and suitable for carrying furniture, appliances and personal belongings. Load security is a priority and we ensure that goods are positioned and restrained to prevent movement, damage or instability during transit.

Drivers are responsible for operating vehicles safely, obeying road traffic laws, and adjusting driving style for conditions such as heavy traffic, bad weather or restricted access roads. Fatigue, alcohol, drugs or any behaviour that impairs safe driving are strictly prohibited.

Safe Loading, Unloading and Site Safety

We take great care when loading and unloading to protect people, property and goods. Our teams plan loading sequences to optimise space and stability, placing heavier items at the base and securing them appropriately. Walkways are kept as clear as reasonably practicable to reduce the risk of trips and falls.

Where parking or unloading takes place on or near the road, we assess the traffic conditions and available space. Team members may be designated to guide vehicles into position and warn pedestrians or other road users where necessary, always with personal safety as the main consideration.

Protection of Customers, Property and Goods

The safety of customers and care of their property are central to our approach. We encourage customers to remain at a safe distance while heavy lifting or loading is in progress and to follow any reasonable instructions from our team.

We handle items with care to avoid damage to goods and property fixtures. Protective materials may be used where required to reduce the risk of scuffs or damage. Any incident involving injury, near misses or significant property damage is reported and reviewed so that we can learn and improve.

Training, Supervision and Competence

Staff at Man with Van Sutton receive ongoing training relevant to their roles, which may include manual handling, use of moving equipment, safe loading practices, vehicle checks and emergency procedures. Less experienced staff work under supervision until they are assessed as competent to undertake tasks independently.

Supervisors and drivers monitor standards on site and are encouraged to raise safety concerns promptly so that corrective action can be taken. Feedback from staff and customers is valued and used to strengthen our procedures.

Accident Reporting and Emergency Procedures

All accidents, injuries, near misses and dangerous occurrences are to be reported to management as soon as possible. We maintain records of such events and investigate them to identify root causes and preventive measures.

Our teams are briefed on what to do in the event of an emergency, such as a road traffic incident, serious injury, fire or structural concern at a property. The safety of people is always prioritised over property or schedules, and work will be stopped immediately if conditions become unsafe.

Continuous Improvement

Man with Van Sutton is committed to continuous improvement in health and safety performance. We review this policy regularly, taking into account changes in legislation, industry practice, customer feedback and the findings from our own monitoring and incident investigations.

By working together with our staff, customers and contractors, we aim to provide a reliable, efficient and safe removal and transport service throughout our operating area.