Health and Safety policy
Man with Van Harold Park Health and Safety Policy
Man with Van Harold Park is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for our team members, customers, visitors, and the wider public. This Health and Safety Policy sets out the principles and procedures we follow to reduce risks associated with our removal and transport activities, including home moves, office moves, collections, and deliveries.
Our management and staff work together to identify hazards, assess risks, and implement control measures so that services are carried out in a professional and responsible manner across our operating area.
Health and Safety Responsibilities
Overall responsibility for health and safety rests with the management of Man with Van Harold Park. Management is responsible for ensuring that suitable arrangements, resources, and training are in place to control risks related to removal and transport operations.
All employees, contractors, and operatives working on behalf of Man with Van Harold Park share responsibility for following this policy. They must take reasonable care of their own health and safety, and that of others who may be affected by their actions, by:
• Following company procedures and safe systems of work
• Using equipment, vehicles, and protective gear correctly
• Reporting hazards, accidents, near misses, and unsafe conditions promptly
• Cooperating with managers and supervisors on health and safety matters
Risk Assessment and Safe Methods of Work
We carry out risk assessments for our main activities, including packing, loading, transport, unloading, and handling of goods in residential and commercial settings. These assessments identify significant hazards such as manual handling, slips and trips, vehicle movements, and working in confined or cluttered spaces.
Based on these assessments, we implement safe systems of work, which may include:
• Planning access routes and parking to minimise reversing and unsafe manoeuvres
• Using trolleys, dollies, and lifting aids where reasonably practicable
• Assigning sufficient operatives to handle heavy or bulky items
• Avoiding hazardous lifting techniques and excessive loads
• Managing work to prevent fatigue and overexertion
Risk assessments are reviewed periodically and after any significant incident, change of process, or introduction of new equipment or vehicles.
Manual Handling and Lifting
Manual handling is a key part of our removal service. To protect our team and customers, Man with Van Harold Park provides guidance and, where appropriate, training on safe lifting and carrying techniques. Our approach includes:
• Assessing the weight, size, and shape of items before moving
• Planning the route and clearing obstructions in advance
• Using team lifting for heavy, awkward, or valuable items
• Avoiding twisting, overreaching, or sudden movements while carrying loads
• Stopping work if an item is too heavy or unsafe to move with available resources
We will not ask staff to handle items that present an unacceptable risk to health and safety.
Vehicle Safety and Driving Standards
Our vehicles are an essential part of our service. We are committed to maintaining them in safe working condition and ensuring that driving standards support the safety of staff, customers, and other road users. Measures include:
• Regular vehicle checks and servicing in line with manufacturer guidance
• Daily basic safety checks by drivers, including tyres, lights, and load areas
• Securing loads properly to prevent movement during transit
• Following speed limits and road traffic laws at all times
• Planning routes to reduce unnecessary risks and delays
Drivers must not operate vehicles under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or any substance that may impair safe driving. They must report any defects or incidents involving company vehicles without delay.
Customer Premises and Site Safety
Our teams often work at customer homes, offices, and other premises within our service area. We aim to carry out all work with minimal disruption while maintaining a safe environment. This includes:
• Introducing ourselves and explaining any relevant safety considerations
• Identifying and discussing potential hazards such as narrow stairways, uneven paths, or restricted access
• Using protective coverings where appropriate to reduce trip hazards and damage
• Keeping walkways clear of packaging, tools, and debris wherever possible
• Taking care to avoid damage to property, fixtures, and fittings
Customers are asked to inform us in advance of any unusual hazards, restricted access, or site rules that may affect our work.
Equipment, Tools, and Personal Protective Equipment
We provide suitable equipment and tools to support safe lifting, securing, and transport of goods, and maintain them in good working order. Where necessary, staff are provided with personal protective equipment, such as gloves or safety footwear, and must use such equipment correctly.
Faulty or damaged equipment must not be used and must be reported immediately so that it can be repaired or replaced.
Accidents, Incidents, and Near Misses
All accidents, work-related injuries, damage to property, and near misses that occur during our operations must be reported to management as soon as possible. We record and investigate such events to determine causes and put in place corrective actions to prevent recurrence.
Where appropriate, we cooperate with any external investigations by relevant authorities.
Health, Welfare, and Fitness for Work
We recognise the importance of general health and wellbeing in carrying out physical work safely. Staff are expected to present themselves fit for duty and to inform management of any condition that may affect their ability to work safely, especially where lifting and driving responsibilities are involved.
Reasonable adjustments may be made, where practical, to accommodate health needs while maintaining safe operations. We do not tolerate the use of illegal drugs or the misuse of alcohol or medication in connection with work.
Training, Information, and Supervision
Man with Van Harold Park provides suitable information and instruction on our procedures, including manual handling, vehicle safety, equipment use, and emergency arrangements. Where needed, new staff work under supervision until they are competent to carry out tasks independently.
Ongoing guidance is provided to reinforce safe practices and address any identified gaps in knowledge or performance.
Continuous Improvement and Policy Review
We are committed to the continual improvement of our health and safety performance. This policy is reviewed periodically and whenever there are significant changes to our activities, legislation, or industry best practice.
By booking or working with Man with Van Harold Park, customers, contractors, and employees acknowledge the importance of health and safety and agree, as far as is reasonable, to cooperate with the measures outlined in this policy.
