Health and Safety policy

Man with Van Maryland Health and Safety Policy

Man with Van Maryland is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for our employees, customers, contractors, and members of the public who may be affected by our removal and transportation activities. This policy sets out our health and safety aims, responsibilities, and arrangements to ensure that work is carried out safely and professionally at all times.

Our Health and Safety Objectives

The primary objective of this policy is to prevent accidents, injuries, and work-related ill health arising from our moving and delivery operations. We aim to identify and control hazards associated with lifting, carrying, driving, loading, unloading, and operating within homes, offices, and public areas. We will continually improve our health and safety performance and integrate safety considerations into all aspects of our planning and service delivery.

Management Responsibilities

Management at Man with Van Maryland is responsible for implementing this policy and ensuring that adequate resources are provided to maintain high safety standards. Management will:

Provide clear instructions, information, and supervision to staff for all tasks related to removals and transportation.
Carry out regular risk assessments covering manual handling, vehicle use, working at height when required, and handling of fragile or heavy items.
Ensure that vehicles, equipment, and tools are maintained in safe working condition and inspected at suitable intervals.
Promote a positive safety culture where employees feel able to raise concerns and suggest improvements.

Employee Responsibilities

Every employee, whether permanent, temporary, or agency, has 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. All staff must:

Follow the safety instructions, training, and procedures provided by Man with Van Maryland.
Use equipment, vehicles, and protective gear correctly and report any defects immediately.
Adopt safe manual handling techniques and request assistance or lifting aids for heavy or awkward loads.
Cooperate fully in risk assessments, safety briefings, and incident investigations.
Report accidents, near misses, property damage, and hazards without delay so that corrective action can be taken.

Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices

Man with Van Maryland will identify hazards and assess risks relating to each removal or delivery job. This includes considering access routes, stairways, parking arrangements, heavy or bulky items, and any special hazards in domestic or commercial properties. Where necessary, we may adjust the work method, number of staff, timing, or equipment used to ensure safe completion of the job.

Standard safe working practices will be followed, including planning lifting operations, using team lifts for large items, avoiding obstructions in pathways, and maintaining clear communication between team members. Staff will not be asked to undertake unsafe tasks or to work in conditions that present unacceptable risk.

Manual Handling and Use of Equipment

Manual handling is a core part of removal work and is managed carefully to reduce the risk of musculoskeletal injuries. Our approach includes:

Providing training on correct lifting, carrying, and posture techniques.
Using trolleys, dollies, straps, and other handling aids whenever appropriate.
Breaking down loads where feasible to reduce weight and bulk.
Ensuring that only trained personnel operate any specialist equipment.

All handling equipment will be checked routinely and taken out of service if faults are identified. Employees are required to notify management immediately of any defects.

Vehicles, Driving, and Road Safety

Man with Van Maryland recognises that driving and transportation present significant risks. We will ensure that all drivers are competent and appropriately licensed, and that vehicles are roadworthy and suitable for the loads carried. We will:

Carry out regular vehicle inspections and servicing.
Secure loads properly to prevent movement during transit.
Plan routes to support safe driving times and realistic schedules.
Discourage the use of mobile devices while driving, other than for permitted hands-free use when safe to do so.

Drivers must comply with traffic laws, drive responsibly, and report any incidents, defects, or concerns related to vehicle safety without delay.

Customer Premises and Public Safety

Our teams work in a variety of locations, including residential properties, business premises, storage facilities, and public streets. We will take reasonable steps to protect customers, visitors, and the public from harm by:

Maintaining clear walkways, especially on stairs, corridors, and entrances.
Using safe lifting routes and avoiding unnecessary blocking of access points.
Taking extra care when moving items near glass, fixtures, and fittings.
Minimising noise and disruption where reasonably practicable.

Customers will be advised, where necessary, to keep children, pets, and non-essential persons away from active moving areas to reduce the risk of accidents.

Training, Information, and Supervision

All employees will receive suitable induction training when they join Man with Van Maryland, as well as ongoing instruction tailored to their role. This may include manual handling, vehicle safety, equipment use, hazard awareness, and emergency procedures. Supervisors will provide on-the-job guidance, monitor compliance with safety rules, and address unsafe behaviour or conditions promptly.

Accident Reporting and Investigation

All accidents, near misses, injuries, and safety-related complaints are to be reported to management. Man with Van Maryland will keep appropriate records, investigate incidents to identify root causes, and adopt measures to reduce the likelihood of recurrence. Where required, incidents will be reported to the relevant authorities in line with applicable regulations.

Emergency Preparedness

Our staff are instructed in basic emergency procedures including safe evacuation from customer premises, responding to fire alarms, and handling minor injuries. Vehicles and worksites will be organised so that escape routes are not blocked, and equipment is stored safely. Staff are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the specific emergency arrangements of any premises they are working in.

Continuous Improvement and Policy Review

Man with Van Maryland is committed to continually improving its health and safety performance. This policy will be reviewed regularly, and whenever there are significant changes to our operations, services, or relevant regulations. Feedback from employees and customers regarding safety matters is welcomed and will be considered during policy reviews and operational planning.

By working together and adhering to this Health and Safety Policy, Man with Van Maryland aims to provide a professional, efficient, and safe removal service throughout our service area, protecting the wellbeing of everyone involved in our activities.