Health and Safety policy
Health and Safety Policy for Man with Van Enfield
Man with Van Enfield is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for our employees, contractors, customers, and members of the public. This Health and Safety Policy sets out our approach to managing risks associated with removal and transportation services, including domestic moves, office relocations, and collection and delivery work within our service area.
Our Health and Safety Commitment
We aim to prevent accidents, injuries, and work-related ill health through careful planning, training, and supervision. Health and safety considerations form an integral part of our decision-making and everyday operations. We expect all staff, subcontractors, and anyone working on our behalf to support and comply with this policy.
Responsibilities and Management
The overall responsibility for health and safety within Man with Van Enfield rests with the company management, who ensure that suitable resources are provided for implementation of this policy. Management duties include:
Ensuring that risk assessments are carried out and regularly reviewed, providing appropriate training, information, and equipment, monitoring performance and investigating incidents, and reviewing this policy periodically and whenever operations or legislation change.
Employees and contractors are required to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions. They must follow instructions, use equipment correctly, co-operate with risk control measures, and report hazards, accidents, or near misses promptly.
Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work
Risk assessments are conducted for our main activities, including handling and moving goods, loading and unloading vehicles, driving and parking, working in customer properties, and operating in shared areas, pavements, and access roads. Control measures are developed based on these assessments and communicated to staff through training, briefings, and written guidance.
We plan each job to minimise risk, taking into account the type and weight of items, access routes and obstacles, property layout and floor surfaces, and any special requirements such as fragile items, high-value goods, or restricted access.
Manual Handling and Lifting
Manual handling is a significant part of our removal activities and is managed with particular care. Staff are trained in correct lifting and carrying techniques, using team lifts and mechanical aids where appropriate. Key principles include assessing the load and the route before lifting, avoiding overreaching, twisting, and sudden movements, keeping loads close to the body and within a comfortable lifting range, asking for assistance when items are heavy, awkward, or unstable, and using trolleys, dollies, straps, and other aids wherever possible.
We encourage customers to inform us in advance of very heavy, bulky, or unusual items so that suitable equipment and sufficient manpower can be arranged.
Vehicle Safety and Loading
Our vehicles are maintained to a safe standard and checked regularly. Drivers are responsible for completing pre-use checks and reporting any defects immediately. We ensure that vehicles are appropriately insured and suitable for the loads carried.
Safe loading and securing of goods is essential to prevent injuries and damage. Our procedures include distributing weight evenly across the vehicle, using straps, blankets, and other securing equipment to stabilise items, preventing overloading and maintaining safe visibility and access, and checking that doors and tailgates are properly closed and locked before departure. Drivers must comply with all road traffic regulations and adjust their driving style to account for the nature of the load and current weather and traffic conditions.
Working at Customer Premises
Our teams work in a variety of properties, including homes, offices, and commercial premises. We aim to respect each environment while maintaining safe working practices. On arrival, staff assess the route and access to identify steps, slopes, loose carpets, low ceilings, narrow corridors, and any other potential hazards. Protective coverings may be used on floors and walls to reduce the risk of slips and damage. Where necessary, large items may be partially dismantled and reassembled to facilitate safer moving.
We request that customers keep children, pets, and other visitors away from areas where lifting and carrying is taking place. Staff may pause work if they believe conditions are unsafe until risks are controlled.
Use of Equipment and Personal Protective Equipment
We supply appropriate work equipment suitable for professional moving and handling tasks. This may include trolleys, furniture dollies, harnesses, straps, blankets, and tools for dismantling and reassembly. Equipment is inspected regularly and taken out of use if defective.
Where necessary, staff are provided with personal protective equipment, such as safety footwear, gloves, and high-visibility clothing. All equipment and PPE must be used in accordance with training and instructions, and any defects must be reported immediately.
Training, Competence and Supervision
We provide initial and ongoing training to ensure that all staff are competent to carry out their roles safely. Training may cover manual handling and lifting techniques, safe loading and unloading of vehicles, use of equipment and PPE, safe driving and journey planning, emergency procedures and incident reporting, and customer service in relation to health and safety.
New and inexperienced staff may work under closer supervision until they are assessed as competent. Refresher training is provided when required or when new risks, equipment, or procedures are introduced.
Accidents, Incidents and Near Misses
All accidents, injuries, and near misses involving our staff, vehicles, or work activities must be reported as soon as possible. We record and investigate incidents to identify causes and take action to prevent recurrence. Where appropriate, we will cooperate with insurers and relevant authorities and provide information that may help improve safety standards.
Consultation and Communication
Man with Van Enfield believes effective communication is key to good health and safety management. We consult with staff about proposed changes to working practices, invite feedback on hazards, equipment, and procedures, and share information arising from incident investigations and risk assessments.
Customers are encouraged to share any specific access issues, health considerations, or concerns in advance of their move so that we can plan a safe and efficient service.
Policy Review
This Health and Safety Policy is reviewed regularly to ensure it remains appropriate to the nature and scale of our activities. The review will consider changes in our services, vehicle fleet or equipment, relevant legislation or guidance, and feedback from staff, customers, and incident investigations.
By choosing Man with Van Enfield, customers can expect a professional removal service that prioritises safety, care for property, and respect for everyone involved in the moving process.
