Man with Van Capham Health and Safety Policy

This Health and Safety Policy sets out the commitment of Man with Van Capham to provide a safe and healthy working environment for our employees, contractors, customers and members of the public who may be affected by our removals and related services. Our goal is to prevent injury, protect property and ensure that every move is carried out safely and professionally.

Our Health and Safety Commitment

Man with Van Capham is committed to continually improving our health and safety performance across all removal and transport activities. We will comply with applicable health and safety legislation and recognised industry standards, and we will maintain safe systems of work to minimise risks associated with lifting, loading, driving and working in customers premises.

Health and safety are integral to providing a reliable and professional removals service. All staff are expected to prioritise safety, report hazards promptly and follow the procedures described in this policy.

Responsibilities for Health and Safety

The management of Man with Van Capham has overall responsibility for implementing and maintaining this Health and Safety Policy. This includes assessing risks, providing appropriate equipment, arranging training, and reviewing safety performance.

Supervisors and team leaders are responsible for ensuring that removal crews understand and follow safe working practices on every job. They must plan tasks, allocate resources and monitor work to control risks such as manual handling injuries, slips and trips, and vehicle-related incidents.

All employees and contractors have a duty to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions. They must cooperate with management, use equipment correctly, follow instructions and report any unsafe conditions or near-miss incidents.

Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices

Before each removal or delivery, Man with Van Capham will assess the risks associated with the specific job. This includes considering access routes, stairways, parking arrangements, traffic conditions, weather, size and weight of items, and any special customer requirements.

Where necessary, we will adapt our working methods, use additional staff or specialist equipment, or reschedule work to maintain safe conditions. Crews are instructed not to take unnecessary risks, such as attempting to move items that are too heavy or bulky without adequate assistance or equipment.

Safe working practices cover manual handling, vehicle loading, securing of loads, safe driving, use of ramps and trolleys, and the protection of customers property. These practices are reviewed regularly and updated in line with experience and legal requirements.

Manual Handling and Use of Equipment

Manual handling is a core part of our removals work and a key area of risk. Man with Van Capham provides guidance and training on correct lifting techniques, team lifting and the use of handling aids. Staff are instructed to plan lifts carefully, clear pathways and communicate clearly with colleagues.

We supply appropriate handling equipment such as trolleys, straps, blankets and ramps, and ensure that vehicles used for removals are fit for purpose and maintained in a safe condition. Equipment must be inspected before use, used only for its intended purpose and stored safely after use.

Vehicle Safety and Safe Driving

Our removal vehicles are maintained in line with manufacturer recommendations and relevant road safety regulations. Routine checks are carried out on brakes, lights, tyres, securing points and loading areas to ensure safe operation during journeys.

Drivers are required to hold the appropriate licence, follow all traffic laws and drive in a considerate and defensive manner. They must ensure that loads are evenly distributed and securely fastened before departure, and that access to emergency exits and equipment is not obstructed.

Driving schedules and routes are planned so far as reasonably practicable to avoid fatigue and unnecessary risk, taking account of local traffic patterns and access limitations near customers addresses.

Customer and Public Safety

During removals, Man with Van Capham takes reasonable steps to protect customers, visitors and members of the public from harm. This includes maintaining clear walkways, using warning where work may temporarily obstruct access, and supervising loading and unloading areas.

Staff are instructed to treat customers homes and premises with respect, avoid creating tripping hazards with tools or packing materials, and to highlight any immediate safety concerns to the customer at the earliest opportunity.

Training, Communication and Supervision

All staff involved in removal activities receive appropriate induction and ongoing training in health and safety procedures relevant to their roles. Topics include manual handling, vehicle safety, hazard awareness, use of equipment and incident reporting.

Supervision is provided in proportion to the risks and complexity of the work. Less experienced staff are supported by more experienced colleagues, and any concerns raised during a job are addressed promptly through clear communication and guidance.

Incident Reporting and Investigation

All accidents, injuries, near misses and significant safety concerns must be reported to management as soon as reasonably practicable. Man with Van Capham records such events, investigates underlying causes and implements corrective actions to reduce the likelihood of recurrence.

We treat incident reporting as a positive tool for learning and improvement, not for blame. Staff cooperation in providing accurate information is essential to maintain and enhance safety standards.

Review of this Policy

This Health and Safety Policy is reviewed regularly and updated when necessary to reflect changes in legislation, best practice, our operations or the results of risk assessments and incident investigations. Any amendments will be communicated to staff, and updated procedures will be incorporated into training and day-to-day working practices.

By working together and following this policy, Man with Van Capham aims to ensure that every move is carried out safely, efficiently and with full regard for the wellbeing of our staff, our customers and the wider community.