Health and Safety Policy for Man with Van The Hyde

Man with Van The Hyde 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 transport activities. This Health and Safety Policy explains how we manage risks associated with household and office moves, loading and unloading vehicles, and working in customers premises and public spaces.

Policy Aims and Scope

This policy applies to all employees, contractors, and representatives of Man with Van The Hyde engaged in packing, lifting, carrying, loading, unloading, driving, route planning, and on-site customer service. Our aims are to prevent injury and ill health, comply with relevant health and safety legislation, and continually improve our safety performance across all removal and delivery activities.

Management Responsibilities

Company management is responsible for implementing and maintaining this Health and Safety Policy. Management will provide suitable resources, training, supervision, and equipment to enable safe working practices. We will review this policy regularly and update it when our services, working methods, or legal requirements change. Any serious health and safety concerns raised by staff or customers will be investigated promptly and appropriate corrective actions taken.

Employee Responsibilities

All employees and contractors of Man with Van The Hyde must take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions. Staff must follow training and instructions, use equipment properly, report hazards and near misses, and cooperate with the company to ensure that legal and safety requirements are met. Aggressive, reckless, or unsafe behaviour, including dangerous driving or lifting practices, is not tolerated.

Risk Assessment

We undertake risk assessments for our core activities, including moving heavy and awkward items, operating in confined spaces, working in stairwells, handling fragile goods, and driving in busy areas. Where necessary, we will carry out site-specific risk assessments for particularly complex or high-risk moves, such as properties with limited access, high-rise buildings, or locations with restricted parking. Identified risks are controlled through appropriate planning, equipment, staffing levels, and safe working methods.

Manual Handling and Lifting

Manual handling is a significant part of our work, and we place strong emphasis on safe lifting. Staff are trained in correct lifting techniques, team lifting, and the use of trolleys, dollies, straps, and other aids. We assess the weight, size, and shape of items before moving them and will refuse to lift items that cannot be handled safely. Where a move requires additional manpower or specialist equipment to remain safe, we will discuss this with the customer in advance wherever possible.

Use of Vehicles and Driving Safety

Our vehicles are maintained in a roadworthy condition and subject to regular checks. Drivers must hold valid licences and comply with all traffic laws, speed limits, and parking regulations. Fatigue, mobile phone use while driving, and any form of impaired driving are strictly prohibited. Loading and unloading are carried out with attention to safe access, secure parking, and the safety of pedestrians and other road users. Loads must be properly secured within the vehicle to reduce the risk of movement, damage, or accidents.

Working at Customer Premises

When operating in homes, offices, storage units, and other premises, our teams will take care to prevent slips, trips, falls, and damage to property. Walkways and staircases should be kept as clear as reasonably possible, and staff are instructed to highlight any immediate hazards they identify, such as loose flooring or poor lighting. We encourage customers to keep children and pets away from active working areas during loading and unloading to minimise the risk of accidents.

Equipment and Personal Protective Equipment

We provide suitable equipment for the tasks we undertake, such as removal blankets, trolleys, lifting straps, and securing straps. Where required by risk assessment, staff will be provided with personal protective equipment including gloves, footwear with protective toecaps, and high-visibility clothing for work on or near roads and car parks. All equipment and PPE must be used in accordance with training and instructions, and any damage or defects must be reported immediately.

Training and Competence

Training is essential for safe operations. New staff receive induction covering our health and safety expectations, manual handling, vehicle loading, and customer-site behaviour. Ongoing training and refresher sessions are provided as required. Only competent and authorised individuals are allowed to operate vehicles or undertake higher-risk tasks. We encourage staff to raise any training needs so that we can maintain high standards of competence and safety.

Incident Reporting and Investigation

All accidents, injuries, near misses, and damage incidents must be reported to management as soon as possible. We investigate these events to understand causes and identify improvements to our procedures, equipment, or training. Customers are encouraged to inform us promptly about any safety concerns occurring during a move, so that we can take appropriate action and prevent recurrence.

Health, Welfare and Fitness for Work

Removal work can be physically demanding. We expect employees to attend work fit for duty and to inform management of any health conditions that may affect their ability to carry out tasks safely. We will make reasonable adjustments where possible to protect employee health and maintain safety standards. Substance misuse, including drugs or alcohol that impair judgement or performance, is strictly prohibited while working or driving on company business.

Consultation and Continuous Improvement

We recognise that effective health and safety management depends on communication and cooperation. We encourage staff to offer suggestions for improving safety and to report hazards or unsafe practices without fear of reprisal. Feedback from customers about our working methods and safety standards is also welcomed as part of our commitment to continuous improvement.

Policy Review

This Health and Safety Policy is reviewed periodically to ensure it remains suitable, adequate, and effective for the services provided by Man with Van The Hyde. Updates may be made following changes in legislation, best practice guidance, company operations, or as a result of incident investigations and staff feedback.

By working together and following this policy, we aim to deliver reliable and efficient removal services while protecting the health, safety, and welfare of everyone involved.