Health and Safety policy
Man with Van Nags Head Health and Safety Policy
Man with Van Nags Head is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for our staff, customers and members of the public. This Health and Safety policy applies to all removal and transport services we carry out, whether for domestic moves, small office relocations or item collections and deliveries.
We recognise our responsibility to identify hazards, assess risks and implement effective control measures in every area of our operations. All staff and contractors working on behalf of Man with Van Nags Head are required to follow this policy and related procedures at all times.
Health and Safety Responsibilities
Overall responsibility for health and safety within Man with Van Nags Head rests with the company management. Management is responsible for ensuring that appropriate arrangements, resources and training are in place to protect employees, contractors and customers.
Supervisors and team leaders are responsible for day to day implementation of this policy on jobs, including briefings, monitoring safe working practices and dealing promptly with any health and safety concerns.
All employees and contractors have a duty to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions. They must cooperate with the company in following safe systems of work, using equipment correctly and reporting hazards or incidents without delay.
Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work
We carry out risk assessments for our typical activities, including lifting and carrying, loading and unloading vehicles, driving, working on customer premises and using equipment such as sack trucks, trolleys and moving blankets. These assessments are regularly reviewed and updated when work practices or equipment change.
Before starting a job, staff consider the specific risks at the location, such as access routes, stairs, parking, lighting, weather conditions and any vulnerable persons on site. Where necessary, work is paused so that additional control measures can be put in place, or the task is reorganised to ensure safe completion.
Safe systems of work are communicated to all team members and include agreed lifting techniques, team lifts for heavy or bulky items, safe positioning of vehicles and the use of appropriate protective equipment.
Manual Handling and Lifting
Manual handling is a core part of our removal work and is therefore treated as a priority risk. Staff receive training in safe lifting and carrying techniques, including the importance of assessing the weight and shape of items before moving them, planning the route in advance and using mechanical aids where practical.
Where items are too heavy, awkward or unstable for a single person, team lifting is required. Staff are instructed not to take unnecessary risks or attempt to move items beyond their capability. Customers may be advised that additional labour or alternative equipment is needed to move specific items safely.
Use of Equipment and Vehicles
All vehicles used by Man with Van Nags Head for removal services are maintained in a roadworthy condition and are subject to regular checks. Drivers must hold a valid licence for the vehicle they operate and must follow road safety regulations at all times.
Equipment such as sack trucks, trolleys, straps and blankets is inspected regularly to ensure it is in good condition and suitable for use. Any defective equipment is taken out of service immediately and reported to management.
Loads are secured within the vehicle to prevent movement during transit, reducing risks to the driver, other road users and the integrity of customer property. Weight limits for vehicles are respected and loads are distributed to maintain stability.
Customer Premises and Public Safety
When working at customer homes or business premises, our teams take care to protect both people and property. This includes keeping access routes clear, avoiding trip hazards such as loose packing materials, and using appropriate protective coverings where agreed.
We aim to minimise disruption and work considerately in shared spaces such as communal hallways, car parks and pavements. Where necessary, staff may ask bystanders to keep a safe distance while heavy items are being moved.
Our teams are trained to identify vulnerable individuals, such as children, older people or those with mobility issues, and to adapt their working methods to ensure everyone remains safe while removal activities are taking place.
Training, Supervision and Competence
Man with Van Nags Head provides appropriate health and safety training for all team members. This includes induction training for new starters covering our health and safety procedures, manual handling, safe driving practices and emergency arrangements.
Ongoing refresher training is provided where required, and additional instruction is given when new equipment or work methods are introduced. Less experienced staff are supervised by more experienced colleagues until they can demonstrate competence in their tasks.
We expect all workers to maintain a professional approach, avoiding substances or behaviours that could impair their ability to work safely. Any concerns about competence or fitness to work are taken seriously and addressed promptly.
Incident Reporting and Emergency Procedures
All accidents, near misses and dangerous occurrences must be reported as soon as possible to management. This allows us to investigate the causes, learn from the event and put preventative measures in place.
First aid arrangements are in place, and staff know how to access assistance in an emergency. Where appropriate, incidents will be recorded and, if required, notified to relevant authorities in line with legal obligations.
In the event of fire, serious injury or other emergencies at a customer location, staff are instructed to prioritise the safety of people on site, contact the emergency services and follow any existing site procedures.
Continuous Improvement and Policy Review
Man with Van Nags Head is committed to continual improvement of our health and safety performance. We review this policy on a regular basis, and sooner where there are significant changes to our operations, legislation or industry best practice.
Feedback from employees, contractors and customers regarding health and safety matters is welcomed and used to refine our processes. By working together, we aim to ensure that our removal and delivery services are carried out as safely and efficiently as possible.
This Health and Safety policy is endorsed by the management of Man with Van Nags Head and is made available to all employees, contractors and customers on request.
