Health and Safety policy

Health and Safety Policy for Man with Van Queensbury

Man with Van Queensbury 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 sets out our approach to managing risks associated with house moves, office removals, loading, unloading, driving, and handling of goods.

Our Health and Safety Commitment

We aim to prevent accidents, injuries, and work-related ill health by identifying hazards and implementing sensible control measures. Health and safety considerations form an integral part of planning, organising, and delivering our moving and transport services. We comply with all relevant health and safety legislation and continually seek to improve our performance.

Management Responsibilities

Management is responsible for ensuring that appropriate systems and resources are in place to manage health and safety. This includes:

Planning removal activities in a way that reduces risk to staff and customers. Providing suitable vehicles, equipment, and protective gear that are maintained in safe working order. Ensuring that employees receive training, instruction, and supervision appropriate to their roles. Monitoring health and safety performance and implementing improvements where required. Investigating incidents, accidents, and near misses to prevent recurrence.

Employee Responsibilities

All employees, drivers, and porters have a duty to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions. Staff must:

Follow company procedures and safe working practices at all times. Use equipment, vehicles, and personal protective equipment correctly. Report hazards, incidents, or unsafe conditions to management without delay. Cooperate with health and safety instructions, training, and risk control measures. Avoid taking unnecessary risks or shortcuts that could endanger themselves or others.

Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices

We carry out risk assessments for our moving and transport activities, including home and office removals, loading and unloading vehicles, working in and around properties, and driving between locations. These assessments consider risks such as manual handling injuries, slips and trips, vehicle movements, and damage to property.

Control measures are put in place where necessary, including appropriate lifting techniques, the use of moving equipment, safe routes for carrying goods, and guidance on working in confined or challenging spaces such as staircases and narrow hallways. Our team is instructed to stop work if conditions become unsafe and to contact management for further guidance.

Manual Handling and Use of Equipment

Manual handling is a significant part of our removals work, so we give particular attention to safe lifting and carrying techniques. We seek to minimise manual handling risks by planning access routes, assessing the weight and size of items, and using suitable moving aids such as trolleys and straps whenever appropriate.

Employees are trained in correct body positioning, team lifting, and the importance of not attempting to move loads beyond their capability. Any equipment provided must be used as instructed, and defects or damage must be reported immediately so that items can be repaired or replaced.

Vehicle Safety and Driving Standards

All vehicles used for our services must be roadworthy, regularly maintained, and suitable for the type of removals being undertaken. Drivers are required to hold the appropriate licence and follow road safety laws at all times.

Loads must be secured properly within vehicles to prevent movement that could cause injury or damage. Drivers must not exceed safe driving hours, must adapt driving style to prevailing weather and traffic conditions, and must not drive under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or any substance that may impair their ability to operate a vehicle safely.

Customer and Public Safety

We recognise our responsibility to protect customers and members of the public during the course of our work. Our teams take care to maintain safe walkways, avoid blocking exits, and minimise any trip or collision risks while carrying furniture and boxes.

Where necessary, customers will be advised to keep a safe distance while loading and unloading is in progress. Special attention is given in busy areas, shared access spaces, and locations with limited parking or traffic movement, in order to reduce the risk of accidents and property damage.

Training, Information, and Supervision

All staff receive induction training that covers the key health and safety requirements relevant to removal and transport work. Ongoing training is provided where new procedures, equipment, or risks are identified.

Employees are informed about company policies, risk assessments, and safe systems of work so that they understand their responsibilities. Supervisors and experienced staff provide guidance on best practice, particularly for new team members or when dealing with unusual or challenging moves.

Accident Reporting and Emergency Procedures

Any accident, injury, near miss, or incident involving damage to property or vehicles must be reported to management as soon as possible. Accurate records are kept so that trends can be identified and corrective action taken where necessary.

Our teams are instructed on how to respond in emergency situations, including contacting the emergency services where required, protecting the scene from further harm, and cooperating with any subsequent investigations. We encourage open reporting so that lessons can be learned and shared across the company.

Continuous Improvement and Policy Review

Man with Van Queensbury is committed to the continuous improvement of its health and safety performance. We review this policy regularly and whenever there are significant changes to our operations, relevant legislation, or industry guidance.

We welcome feedback from employees and customers on health and safety matters and use that information to improve our procedures, training, and service delivery. By working together, we aim to maintain a safe, professional, and reliable removal service for all who use or are involved in our operations.