Man with Van Belvedere Health and Safety Policy

This Health and Safety Policy sets out how Man with Van Belvedere manages risks and promotes safe working practices across all removal and transport activities. Our aim is to protect our customers, staff, contractors, the public, and property while delivering reliable man and van services.

The company recognises its responsibilities under relevant health and safety legislation and is committed to continually improving safety standards in all areas of work, including domestic moves, commercial removals, collections, deliveries, and short distance or longer journeys.

Health and Safety Objectives

Man with Van Belvedere is committed to:

Identifying, assessing, and controlling risks associated with lifting, loading, driving, and working in and around vehicles. Providing clear guidance, information, and instruction so staff understand their responsibilities and safe systems of work. Supplying and maintaining suitable equipment and vehicles that are safe to use and appropriate for removal work. Minimising accidents, injuries, damage to property, and disruption to local roads and public areas. Encouraging a positive health and safety culture where issues are reported promptly and improvements are implemented.

Management Responsibilities

Management is responsible for implementing this policy and ensuring that health and safety is considered in all planning and decision making. This includes:

Carrying out risk assessments for typical removal tasks and specific jobs where required. Providing appropriate training and refreshers, particularly in manual handling, vehicle safety, and use of equipment such as trolleys and straps. Ensuring that vehicles are regularly inspected, maintained, and kept roadworthy. Providing suitable personal protective equipment where needed and ensuring it is used correctly. Investigating incidents, near misses, and complaints so that corrective action can be taken.

Managers and supervisors will periodically review safe working methods and adjust them in line with any changes to services, equipment, or relevant regulations.

Employee Responsibilities

Every employee and regular contractor working on behalf of Man with Van Belvedere has a duty to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions.

All staff are expected to:

Follow training, instructions, and company procedures at all times. Use lifting techniques that reduce the risk of strain, including team lifting for heavy or awkward loads. Inspect vehicles and equipment before use and report any damage or defects immediately. Keep vehicle interiors, loading areas, and workspaces tidy and free from unnecessary obstructions. Wear appropriate footwear and clothing that supports safe movement and lifting. Avoid taking unnecessary risks, shortcuts, or engaging in unsafe behaviour. Report all accidents, near misses, unsafe conditions, or health and safety concerns without delay.

Customer and Public Safety

Man with Van Belvedere aims to keep customers and members of the public safe during collections, removals, and deliveries. We will:

Plan loading and unloading so that entrances, pavements, and driveways are kept as clear as possible. Use safe parking and stopping practices, considering other road users and pedestrians. Minimise trip and slip hazards by managing trailing straps, ramps, and packing materials. Take care when moving large items through shared corridors, stairways, and communal spaces. Communicate clearly with customers about any immediate risks on site and agree safe access routes wherever practical.

Manual Handling and Loading

Manual handling is a core part of removal work and is a significant source of potential injury. To reduce risk, Man with Van Belvedere will:

Provide task-specific manual handling guidance to staff. Encourage assessment of each load before movement, considering weight, size, shape, and the route. Use handling aids such as dollies, trolleys, blankets, and straps wherever suitable. Restrict single-person lifting of very heavy or unstable items and require team lifts as appropriate. Plan the loading of vehicles so that heavy items are positioned safely and loads are evenly distributed.

Where a particular item presents unusual risks, staff may refuse to move it until appropriate control measures are in place.

Vehicle Safety and Driving Standards

Our vehicles are central to our operations and must be operated safely at all times. Man with Van Belvedere will:

Ensure drivers are competent, authorised, and hold the correct licence for the vehicle type. Carry out regular checks on brakes, tyres, lights, and securing points. Require drivers to observe speed limits, parking rules, and local traffic restrictions. Emphasise safe loading and securing of goods to prevent movement of items during transit. Discourage mobile phone use while driving except through lawful hands free arrangements and only when it does not distract from road conditions.

Equipment and Personal Protective Equipment

Only suitable, well maintained equipment will be used for removal tasks. Where the work or environment requires it, Man with Van Belvedere will provide personal protective equipment such as gloves or high visibility clothing. Staff must:

Use all equipment solely for its intended purpose. Inspect equipment before use and notify management of any issues. Store equipment correctly in vehicles or secure locations after use. Wear and maintain any protective items provided as instructed.

Training, Communication, and Consultation

We recognise that effective training and open communication are essential to maintaining high safety standards. Man with Van Belvedere will:

Provide induction safety information to new staff before they undertake removal work. Offer periodic training on manual handling, vehicle safety, and hazard awareness. Brief staff on any job specific risks or particular access issues in advance where information is available. Encourage staff to raise suggestions for safety improvements and contribute to the development of safer working methods.

Incident Reporting and Emergency Procedures

All accidents, injuries, vehicle incidents, and near misses must be reported to management as soon as practical. This allows the company to review what happened, support anyone affected, and take steps to prevent recurrence.

Staff must familiarise themselves with basic emergency procedures including contacting emergency services when required, assisting customers safely, and securing affected areas to prevent further harm. Where appropriate, records will be kept of incidents and outcomes, including remedial actions taken.

Policy Review

This Health and Safety Policy will be reviewed regularly and updated where necessary to reflect changes in legislation, industry practice, company operations, or identified risks. Updated versions will be communicated to staff and will replace previous editions.

By following this policy, Man with Van Belvedere aims to provide a safe, professional, and reliable removal service for all customers while protecting the wellbeing of everyone involved in our operations.