Health and Safety Policy for Man and Van Queen's Park

Man and Van Queen's Park is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for all employees, contractors, customers, and members of the public who may be affected by our removal and man and van services. This Health and Safety policy sets out our approach to managing risks associated with transport, lifting, loading, unloading, packing, and operating in homes, offices, and other premises.

Our Health and Safety Commitments

We actively promote a positive health and safety culture across all of our removal operations. Our main commitments are to:

Identify, assess, and control risks associated with moving and handling furniture, boxes, and equipment.

Provide clear information, instruction, and training to staff on safe working practices.

Ensure that vehicles, tools, and equipment are maintained in a safe and roadworthy condition.

Plan each removal or delivery so that access, parking, and lifting requirements are considered before work begins.

Consult with staff on matters affecting their health and safety and encourage feedback.

Comply with applicable health and safety legislation and good industry practice for removal companies.

Roles and Responsibilities

Health and safety is the responsibility of everyone working with or for Man and Van Queen's Park. Specific responsibilities include:

Management is responsible for implementing this policy, providing resources, organising risk assessments, and ensuring that safe systems of work are in place and followed.

Supervisors and team leaders are responsible for day-to-day monitoring of safety on jobs, checking that staff use correct techniques and equipment, and reporting hazards or incidents.

Employees and contractors must take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others, follow all safety instructions and training, use equipment correctly, and report any issues, near misses, or accidents immediately.

Risk Assessment and Planning

Before each job, we assess the work to identify potential hazards and control measures. This includes considering:

Access to the property, including stairs, narrow corridors, lifts, and outdoor surfaces.

Parking and vehicle positioning to minimise reversing and manual handling distances.

Weight, size, and fragility of items to be moved, and the need for additional lifting equipment or team members.

Customer requirements such as packing, dismantling, and reassembly that may involve tools and extra handling.

Weather conditions and any environmental factors that may affect loading, unloading, or driving.

We adapt our plans on arrival if we identify new risks, and we may refuse or postpone work if it cannot be carried out safely.

Manual Handling and Lifting Safety

Manual handling is a key aspect of our business, and we manage it carefully to prevent injury. Our approach includes:

Training staff in safe lifting techniques, including team lifts and use of lifting aids.

Using equipment such as sack trucks, trolleys, straps, and blankets where appropriate.

Assessing each item before lifting to determine if it can be moved safely by the team on site.

Avoiding unnecessary carrying by planning the route and vehicle position in advance.

Encouraging staff to stop work and seek assistance if they believe a load is unsafe to handle.

Vehicle Safety and Driving Standards

Our vehicles are central to our removal and man and van services, and we operate them responsibly. We:

Regularly inspect and maintain all vehicles to ensure they are roadworthy and safe.

Secure loads properly within the vehicle to prevent movement during transit.

Allow sufficient time for journeys to reduce the risk of speeding or rushed driving.

Expect drivers to comply with traffic laws, drive considerately, and adjust their driving in poor weather or heavy traffic.

Monitor incidents involving vehicles and take action to prevent recurrence.

Customer Safety and Protection of Property

We take reasonable steps to protect customers, their families, and their property while we are on site. This includes:

Keeping walkways as clear as possible and managing trip hazards such as straps, tools, and packaging.

Using protective materials such as blankets and floor protection where necessary, subject to the nature of the job.

Ensuring that children, pets, and other household members remain at a safe distance from lifting and loading activities.

Handling all items with care to minimise the risk of damage during packing, removal, transit, and delivery.

Accident, Incident, and Near Miss Reporting

We encourage open reporting of all accidents, incidents, and near misses. This enables us to:

Provide first aid and support to anyone who has been injured.

Investigate the circumstances and identify the root causes.

Update our risk assessments, training, and procedures where required.

Learn from experience and continuously improve our safety performance.

Training, Supervision, and Continuous Improvement

Man and Van Queen's Park provides relevant health and safety induction and ongoing training for all staff involved in removals and related services. This may include:

Manual handling and lifting best practice.

Safe use of equipment, tools, and protective materials.

Vehicle loading, securing, and driving awareness.

Customer care and working safely in domestic and commercial settings.

Supervision is adjusted to reflect the experience and competence of each team member. We periodically review this policy and our procedures to reflect changes in our services, legal requirements, and industry guidance.

Policy Review and Availability

This Health and Safety policy is reviewed regularly and updated when necessary to ensure it remains suitable and effective for our removal and man and van operations. It is available to employees, contractors, and customers on request, and forms part of our overall commitment to safe, reliable, and professional service delivery across our operating areas.