Health and Safety policy

Man with Van Putney Health and Safety Policy

Man with Van Putney is committed to providing removal and delivery services in a way that protects the health, safety and welfare of our customers, our employees, contractors and the public. This Health and Safety Policy sets out the principles and procedures we follow to manage risks associated with moving, lifting, driving and working in customers homes, offices and other premises.

Our Health and Safety Objectives

Our main objectives are to prevent accidents, injuries and damage by planning work carefully, training our team, and maintaining high standards at all times. We aim to identify and control hazards associated with removal work, promote a culture of safety awareness, and continuously improve our health and safety performance.

Management Responsibilities

The management of Man with Van Putney has overall responsibility for health and safety within the company. This includes ensuring that adequate resources are provided, such as training, suitable equipment and protective gear, to maintain safe working conditions. Management will regularly review this policy, monitor compliance, and update procedures when required by changes in legislation or best practice in the removals industry.

Employee Responsibilities

All employees and regular contractors have a duty to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of people who may be affected by their actions. Staff must follow company procedures and training, use equipment correctly, report hazards or incidents promptly, and cooperate with management to implement safety improvements. No employee should undertake any task for which they have not been trained or that they believe to be unsafe.

Risk Assessment and Planning

Before starting a removal or delivery job, we assess the risks involved in the specific property and access routes. This may include considering staircases, narrow doorways, lifting distances, parking locations, external steps and weather conditions. Where necessary, we will adjust the methods of work, team size, or tools used to manage risks. For larger or more complex moves, a more detailed risk assessment and job plan will be completed prior to the moving day.

Safe Handling and Lifting

Manual handling is one of the key risks in removal work. To minimise the risk of strain, sprain and back injuries, our staff are trained in safe lifting techniques and team handling. We use appropriate moving aids, such as dollies and trolleys, wherever reasonably practicable. Heavy or awkward items are only moved by staff who are physically capable, using coordinated team lifts and agreed communication signals to ensure everyone moves together safely.

Use of Vehicles and Driving Safety

Our drivers are expected to follow all road safety laws, drive courteously and adjust speed and driving style to road and weather conditions. Vehicles must not be overloaded, and loads are secured properly to minimise movement during transit. Routine visual checks are carried out by drivers, and vehicles are maintained at regular intervals to help keep them roadworthy and safe for use.

Safe Working at Customer Premises

When working at customer homes or business premises, our team will take reasonable steps to prevent damage or injury. This includes keeping walkways as clear as possible, using protective covers where appropriate, and avoiding unsafe practices such as lifting beyond capacity or rushing tasks. Staff will be mindful of other people on site, including children, pets and visitors, and will stop work if an immediate danger to safety is identified.

Equipment and Personal Protective Equipment

Man with Van Putney provides suitable equipment for removal activities, including moving straps, blankets and other tools designed to reduce risk and protect property. When required by the nature of the task, we also provide personal protective equipment such as gloves or high-visibility vests. Employees must use this equipment in line with their training and report any damage or defects so items can be repaired or replaced promptly.

Incident Reporting and Investigation

All accidents, near misses and unsafe conditions must be reported to management as soon as possible. We record and review these events to understand what happened and to identify corrective actions. This may involve changes to procedures, updated training, or adjustments to equipment. Our aim is to learn from every incident to prevent similar occurrences in the future.

Training and Competence

We provide initial and ongoing training to ensure staff are competent to carry out their duties safely. This may include manual handling techniques, safe use of vehicles and equipment, awareness of hazards on removal jobs, and emergency procedures. We also encourage staff to raise any concerns they have regarding the safety of a task so that additional guidance or support can be provided.

Customer Cooperation

We ask customers to support our health and safety measures by providing accurate information about access, parking, and any known hazards at their property. Customers should keep children and pets away from areas where lifting and loading are taking place and avoid entering confined spaces where staff are moving large items. Proper cooperation helps reduce the likelihood of accidents and ensures a smooth, safe moving experience.

Review and Continuous Improvement

This Health and Safety Policy is reviewed on a regular basis and following any significant changes in operations. We seek opportunities to improve our practices, equipment and training, and we take into account feedback from employees and customers. By maintaining a strong focus on health and safety, Man with Van Putney aims to deliver reliable removal services while protecting the wellbeing of everyone involved.