Health and Safety policy

Health and Safety Policy for Barnet Man and Van

Barnet Man and Van 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 transportation activities. This Health and Safety Policy sets out our approach to managing risks associated with domestic and commercial moves, loading and unloading, driving, and handling goods.

Policy Statement and Objectives

Our objective is to prevent accidents, injuries and work-related ill health arising from our services. We aim to continually improve our health and safety performance through effective planning, implementation, monitoring and review of safe systems of work.

We will comply with relevant health and safety legislation and recognised industry good practice for removal and transport operations. Health and safety considerations form an integral part of our planning and decision-making processes.

Management Responsibilities

The management of Barnet Man and Van is responsible for implementing this policy and ensuring adequate resources are made available for health and safety. This includes providing appropriate vehicles, equipment, information, training and supervision.

Management will:

Ensure that risk assessments are carried out for removal activities, including manual handling, use of equipment and vehicle operations, and that suitable control measures are implemented and maintained.

Provide and maintain safe vehicles, tools and lifting equipment appropriate for the tasks being undertaken.

Ensure all staff are competent for their roles, receive necessary health and safety training and understand the importance of following safe working procedures.

Investigate accidents, near misses and incidents to identify root causes and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence.

Regularly review this policy and associated procedures to ensure they remain effective and up to date.

Employee Responsibilities

All employees, whether permanent, temporary or contracted, 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.

Employees are expected to:

Follow all health and safety instructions, training and procedures provided by Barnet Man and Van.

Use vehicles, lifting aids, tools and protective equipment correctly and report any defects immediately.

Adopt safe manual handling techniques and avoid taking shortcuts that could result in accidents or damage.

Report all accidents, near misses, unsafe conditions and hazards to management without delay.

Refrain from working under the influence of alcohol, drugs or any substance that may impair judgement or performance.

Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work

We conduct risk assessments for typical removal company tasks and for any non-standard or higher risk activities. These assessments consider hazards such as manual handling, working in confined or restricted spaces, stairways, loading and unloading vehicles, traffic movements, and environmental conditions.

Control measures may include pre-move surveys, planning access routes, selecting appropriate vehicles and equipment, limiting load weights, team lifting, using trolleys and lifting straps, and scheduling sufficient time to avoid rushed or unsafe practices.

Safe systems of work are communicated to staff through induction, ongoing training and on-site instructions. Supervisors and drivers are responsible for ensuring that these systems are followed during each job.

Manual Handling and Use of Equipment

Manual handling is a core part of removal work and presents a significant risk of injury if not properly controlled. Barnet Man and Van provides training in proper lifting techniques, including how to assess loads, avoid twisting, keep items close to the body and seek assistance when needed.

We will, where reasonably practicable, use mechanical aids such as sack trucks, dollies, straps and other specialist equipment to reduce manual handling risks. Staff are required to use these aids correctly and to never attempt to lift or carry items that are beyond their capability.

Vehicle Safety and Driving Standards

Our vehicles are maintained in a safe and roadworthy condition. Regular inspections and servicing are carried out in accordance with manufacturer recommendations and legal requirements.

Drivers must hold the appropriate valid driving licence for the vehicles they operate and are required to follow all road traffic laws, drive responsibly and protect the safety of passengers, other road users and pedestrians.

Loads must be properly secured to prevent movement during transport. Drivers and crew members must follow safe loading and unloading procedures, ensuring that vehicle access areas remain clear and that ramps, steps and tailgates are used safely.

Protection of Customers and the Public

Barnet Man and Van recognises its duty to safeguard customers and members of the public during removal operations. We plan moves to minimise disruption and ensure that access routes, pavements and shared areas are kept as clear and safe as practically possible.

Where necessary, signs, barriers or verbal warnings will be used to alert people to moving vehicles, lifting activities or other potential hazards. Our staff are expected to act courteously and responsibly at all times, respecting the property and safety of customers and neighbours.

Training, Information and Supervision

All new staff receive an induction that covers our Health and Safety Policy, safe working procedures, manual handling, vehicle safety and emergency arrangements. Additional job-specific training is provided where required.

Ongoing refresher training and toolbox talks are used to reinforce key safety messages and to introduce any procedural changes. Supervisors and team leaders are responsible for monitoring working practices on site and providing guidance to less experienced staff.

Accident Reporting and Emergency Procedures

All accidents, incidents and near misses must be reported as soon as practicable to management. We maintain appropriate accident records and use this information to identify trends and areas for improvement.

Staff are briefed on emergency procedures, including what to do in the event of injury, fire, road traffic collisions or other serious incidents. Emergency exits and escape routes at customers premises must be kept clear wherever possible during our work.

Policy Review and Continuous Improvement

This Health and Safety Policy is reviewed regularly and updated when necessary to reflect changes in legislation, guidance or our operating practices. Feedback from staff, customers and other stakeholders is welcomed and will be considered as part of our ongoing improvement process.

All employees and contractors working with Barnet Man and Van are required to cooperate in implementing this policy and maintaining high standards of health and safety in all aspects of our removal and transportation services.