Health and Safety Policy for Man with Van Oakleigh Park
Man with Van Oakleigh Park is committed to providing removal and man and van services in a way that protects the health, safety and welfare of our customers, employees, contractors and members of the public. This policy sets out our approach to managing health and safety risks in connection with domestic and commercial moves, loading and unloading, transport of goods and associated activities.
Our Health and Safety Objectives
We aim to prevent injury, ill health and damage to property arising from our operations. Our key objectives are to provide safe systems of work, maintain vehicles and equipment in a safe condition, ensure that staff are trained and competent, and promote a culture in which safety is the responsibility of everyone involved in a move.
Management Responsibilities
Management is responsible for implementing and maintaining this policy. This includes planning work so that risks are identified and controlled, allocating sufficient resources to health and safety, monitoring performance, and reviewing the policy regularly to keep it up to date with current legislation and best practice in the removals industry.
Managers and supervisors ensure that risk assessments are carried out, that control measures are used, and that employees are given clear instructions and information about their tasks. Any significant changes to working practices, equipment or service areas are assessed for their impact on safety before they are introduced.
Employee Responsibilities
All employees have a duty to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions or omissions. Staff must follow all safety instructions, use equipment correctly, cooperate with training, and report any hazards, incidents, near misses or concerns to management without delay.
Employees are expected to avoid unsafe shortcuts, to lift and carry within their capabilities, and to request assistance or equipment when a task cannot be completed safely by one person. Any employee who is unfit for work due to illness, injury, fatigue or the influence of drugs or alcohol must not engage in removal activities.
Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices
Man with Van Oakleigh Park undertakes risk assessments for typical removal tasks, including packing, loading, unloading, carrying items, operating trolleys, and securing loads in vehicles. Site specific assessments are considered where access is restricted, items are unusually large or heavy, or there are additional hazards such as steep staircases, long carrying distances or limited parking and loading bays.
Safe working procedures are developed from these assessments and communicated to staff. These procedures cover manual handling methods, team lifting, use of moving equipment, safe driving, route planning and parking, and the protection of both property and people during a move. We review and update these procedures as our services and working environments evolve.
Manual Handling and Use of Equipment
Manual handling is a core part of removal work, and we recognise the potential for strain and musculoskeletal injuries. Our policy is to avoid unnecessary lifting wherever possible by planning access, using trolleys or other aids, and dividing loads into manageable parts. Where lifting and carrying are required, employees receive guidance on posture, lifting techniques, and team coordination.
All handling and removal equipment, such as sack trucks, dollies, straps, blankets and ramps, is maintained in good working order. Defective equipment is taken out of service immediately. Staff are instructed to use only equipment they are trained and authorised to operate and to inspect it before use.
Vehicle Safety and Load Security
Our vehicles are maintained, serviced and inspected in line with manufacturer recommendations and relevant road safety regulations. Drivers must perform basic pre use checks and report any faults. Only authorised and appropriately licensed personnel are permitted to drive company vehicles.
During loading and unloading, we ensure that traffic risks and pedestrian movements are considered and managed. Loads are packed and secured to prevent movement, falling objects and damage in transit. Items are stacked safely, and heavy or bulky pieces are positioned to maintain vehicle stability and even weight distribution.
Customer, Public and Property Protection
We take reasonable steps to safeguard customers, neighbours, passers by and their property during removal operations. This includes controlling access to areas where lifting or moving is taking place, using warning signs or verbal communication where appropriate, and keeping walkways as clear as reasonably practicable.
Protective materials such as covers and floor protection may be used to reduce the risk of damage to premises. We handle items with care to avoid damage and to minimise risks associated with sharp edges, fragile goods or awkward shapes.
Training, Information and Supervision
All employees receive induction covering general health and safety expectations and the specific requirements of working in removal services. Ongoing training is provided on manual handling, equipment use, vehicle safety and incident reporting. Where work practices change or new equipment is introduced, additional instruction is provided.
Supervision is proportionate to the experience and competence of employees and the risk level of the work being carried out. New staff or those in training are closely supervised until they are assessed as competent to work more independently.
Accident, Incident and Near Miss Reporting
We encourage prompt reporting of all accidents, incidents, injuries, near misses and hazardous conditions. Reports are reviewed by management to identify causes and to implement corrective actions that reduce the likelihood of recurrence.
Where required by law, incidents are recorded and notified to the relevant authorities. Lessons learned are shared with staff and are used to improve our risk assessments, procedures and training.
Consultation and Policy Review
Man with Van Oakleigh Park values feedback from employees and customers regarding health and safety. Staff are consulted about significant changes to working practices and are encouraged to suggest improvements to safety measures. Customer comments and concerns are taken seriously and can inform future policy and procedures.
This Health and Safety policy is reviewed periodically and whenever there are significant changes to our operations, equipment or legal requirements. Updated versions are communicated to employees and made available to customers on request.
Commitment to Continuous Improvement
Our goal is to continually improve the safety of our removal and transport services. By assessing risks, learning from experience and investing in training and equipment, Man with Van Oakleigh Park aims to provide a reliable, professional and safe service across our operating areas.
