Health and Safety Policy for Man with Van Enfield Lock

Man with Van Enfield Lock is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for our workers, customers, visitors and members of the public who may be affected by our removal and transport activities. This Health and Safety policy sets out our approach to managing risks associated with home and office moves, furniture removals and delivery services within our operating area.

Our Health and Safety Commitment

We recognise our duty to comply with relevant health and safety legislation and to promote a culture where safety is an integral part of everyday operations. Our objectives are to prevent injury and ill health, protect property, and ensure that our services are delivered in a responsible and professional manner.

All managers, drivers, movers and support staff share responsibility for health and safety. We expect everyone working on behalf of Man with Van Enfield Lock to follow this policy at all times and to prioritise safe working practices over speed or convenience.

Responsibilities and Management of Safety

The overall responsibility for health and safety rests with the management of Man with Van Enfield Lock. Management is responsible for ensuring that appropriate systems and resources are in place to implement this policy, including training, supervision and the provision of suitable equipment.

Supervisors and team leaders are responsible for day to day implementation of safe working procedures at job sites, during loading and unloading, and while vehicles are in operation. They must conduct checks to ensure that staff understand and follow risk control measures.

All workers are required to take reasonable care of their own safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions. They must cooperate with instructions, report hazards or incidents promptly, and use equipment correctly.

Risk Assessment and Safe Working Procedures

We assess risks relating to our removal and delivery operations on an ongoing basis. This includes risks associated with heavy lifting, working in confined spaces such as stairwells, moving large items through doorways, and operating in shared spaces such as car parks and residential streets.

Before carrying out a move, our team will consider factors such as access routes, the condition of floors and steps, potential trip hazards, and the size and weight of items to be moved. Where necessary, we will adjust our approach, request additional manpower, or use specialist handling equipment to reduce risk.

Standard operating procedures are in place for tasks including lifting and carrying, loading vehicles, securing loads, using ramps and trolleys, and parking safely at collection and delivery points.

Manual Handling and Use of Equipment

Manual handling is a core part of removal work and presents a significant risk of injury if not managed properly. All staff are instructed in safe lifting techniques, team lifting for heavy or awkward items, and the use of mechanical aids whenever practical.

We provide suitable equipment such as sack trucks, dollies, straps, blankets and ramps, and ensure it is maintained in good condition. Staff are required to inspect equipment before use and to report any defects immediately so that items can be repaired or replaced.

Loads must always be assessed for weight, shape and stability before lifting. Staff must never attempt to move items that are beyond their capability or to work in a way that compromises their safety or that of others.

Vehicle Safety and Load Securing

Our vehicles are maintained on a regular basis to ensure they are safe and roadworthy. Drivers are responsible for conducting pre use checks and reporting any issues without delay so that corrective action can be taken.

During loading and unloading, care is taken to prevent falls, slips and trips, and to avoid damage to property. Loads are distributed evenly, with heavier items placed at the bottom and secured using straps and other restraints. Nothing is permitted to obstruct emergency exits or the driver’s visibility.

Drivers must comply with road safety rules, drive in a considerate manner, and take weather and traffic conditions into account. Fatigue management, adequate breaks and adherence to driving time limits are essential components of safe vehicle operation.

Protection of Customers and the Public

We take reasonable steps to protect customers, their families, employees and members of the public while we carry out moving and transport activities. Where necessary, we will cordon off work areas, use warning signs, or request that people remain at a safe distance while large items are being moved.

Staff are instructed to be particularly mindful in shared spaces such as corridors, entrances, pavements and parking areas, and to minimise obstruction of access routes and emergency exits.

Training, Information and Supervision

All staff receive appropriate information, instruction and training relevant to their role, including induction training for new starters and ongoing refreshers when required. Topics include manual handling, safe use of equipment, vehicle safety, housekeeping and emergency procedures.

Less experienced staff are supervised by more experienced colleagues until they have demonstrated sufficient competence to work without direct supervision. We encourage open communication so that workers can seek guidance whenever they are unsure how to carry out a task safely.

Accident Reporting and Emergency Procedures

All accidents, incidents, near misses and damage to property must be reported as soon as possible. This allows us to investigate causes, identify corrective actions and prevent recurrence. Records of incidents and any resulting improvements are maintained for monitoring and review.

Our staff are briefed on emergency procedures, including what to do in the event of fire, serious injury, road traffic collision or other emergency situations. Where required, we will cooperate with landlords, building managers or site supervisors to align our procedures with local emergency arrangements.

Housekeeping, Cleanliness and Welfare

Good housekeeping is essential to maintaining safe working conditions. Staff must keep walkways clear of packing materials and tools, promptly manage spills or debris, and ensure that vehicles and equipment are stored safely when not in use.

We aim to provide adequate welfare arrangements for our teams while working, including access to rest breaks, drinking water and sanitary facilities, either directly or through arrangements at customer premises where appropriate.

Policy Review and Continuous Improvement

This Health and Safety policy is reviewed regularly and whenever there are significant changes to our operations, legislation or the nature of the risks we manage. Feedback from staff, customers and other stakeholders is actively welcomed and considered when updating procedures.

By following this policy and working together, Man with Van Enfield Lock strives to deliver reliable removal and transport services while protecting the health, safety and wellbeing of everyone involved.