Hire Man and Van Health and Safety Policy

Hire Man and Van is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for all employees, contractors, customers, and members of the public affected by our activities. As a professional removal service, we recognise that our operations involve manual handling, loading and unloading, driving, and working in varied locations. We take all reasonable steps to manage these risks and to promote a strong health and safety culture across our business.

Policy Aims and Objectives

The purpose of this Health and Safety Policy is to set out our approach to preventing injury, ill health, and damage to property during all removal and transport activities. We aim to:

Promote safe systems of work for all moving and handling tasks.

Comply with all applicable health and safety legislation and guidance relevant to removal and transport operations.

Provide information, instruction, training, and supervision so that staff can carry out their duties safely and competently.

Regularly review and improve our health and safety arrangements, procedures, and performance.

Management Responsibilities

Management at Hire Man and Van has overall responsibility for ensuring that this Health and Safety Policy is implemented and maintained. This includes:

Ensuring that suitable and sufficient risk assessments are carried out for removal work, including domestic and commercial moves.

Providing appropriate equipment, vehicles, and personal protective equipment that are safe, well maintained, and suitable for the job.

Ensuring that staff receive adequate training in manual handling, use of equipment, safe driving practices, and emergency procedures.

Monitoring health and safety performance, investigating incidents, and implementing corrective actions where necessary.

Allocating resources to meet health and safety commitments.

Employee Responsibilities

All employees and contractors working on behalf of Hire Man and Van have a duty to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions. This includes:

Following all safe working procedures, guidance, and instructions provided by the company.

Using vehicles, lifting equipment, tools, and protective equipment properly and reporting any defects or concerns without delay.

Cooperating with management in the implementation of this policy, including attending training and toolbox talks.

Reporting all accidents, near misses, injuries, and unsafe conditions so that improvements can be made.

Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work

Prior to starting a removal job, Hire Man and Van will assess the risks associated with the task. This may include reviewing access routes, stairways, parking, loading areas, and the nature of the items to be moved. We will:

Identify potential hazards such as heavy or awkward loads, fragile items, poor access, trip hazards, and traffic risks.

Determine appropriate control measures, such as team lifting, use of trolleys, securing loads, or adjusting the work method.

Communicate the agreed safe system of work to all members of the moving team.

Review assessments when circumstances change or when new equipment or methods are introduced.

Manual Handling and Use of Equipment

Manual handling is a key part of removal work, and poor technique can result in strains and other injuries. Hire Man and Van will:

Provide manual handling training for all removal staff, covering correct lifting techniques, team lifts, and assessment of load weight and stability.

Encourage staff to avoid lifting loads that are too heavy or awkward and to ask for assistance or use equipment whenever necessary.

Supply moving aids such as sack trucks, skates, straps, and blankets and ensure these are suitable and maintained in good condition.

Plan jobs to minimise unnecessary carrying distances and to make best use of available equipment.

Vehicle and Driving Safety

Safe driving and vehicle operations are essential to protect our drivers, passengers, other road users, and the public. Hire Man and Van will:

Ensure vehicles are regularly inspected, serviced, and maintained in a roadworthy condition.

Require drivers to hold the appropriate valid licences and to follow all road traffic laws and company driving policies.

Ensure loads are properly secured, evenly distributed, and within the vehicle’s weight limits before travel.

Encourage safe driving practices, including appropriate speed, adherence to rest breaks, and avoidance of distractions while driving.

Customer and Public Safety

During removal activities at customers’ homes or business premises, we will take reasonable steps to protect customers, visitors, and members of the public. This includes:

Maintaining clear walkways free from trip hazards wherever reasonably practicable.

Using safe lifting routes to reduce risks in confined or shared spaces.

Advising customers of any necessary temporary restrictions, such as avoiding certain doorways or corridors while heavy items are being moved.

Handling customers’ property with care to avoid damage and hazards arising from broken or unstable items.

Training, Information, and Supervision

Hire Man and Van recognises that competent staff are essential to safe operations. We will:

Provide induction training for new staff, covering general health and safety expectations and specific risks associated with removal work.

Offer ongoing training and refresher sessions on manual handling, vehicle safety, use of equipment, and emergency procedures.

Ensure adequate supervision is in place, particularly for new or inexperienced staff members.

Communicate safety information clearly, including any changes to procedures or equipment.

Accidents, Incidents, and Emergency Procedures

All accidents, near misses, and incidents must be reported to management. Hire Man and Van will:

Record and investigate incidents to identify root causes and implement measures to prevent recurrence.

Provide first aid equipment in vehicles and depots where appropriate.

Ensure staff know how to respond in an emergency, including contacting emergency services, making the area safe, and providing basic assistance within their level of training.

Monitoring, Review, and Policy Updates

This Health and Safety Policy will be reviewed regularly and updated as required to reflect changes in legislation, industry best practice, and the nature of our removal services. We will:

Monitor health and safety performance through incident reports, staff feedback, and periodic inspections.

Consult with employees on health and safety matters and seek suggestions for improvement.

Revise procedures and provide additional training where necessary.

Commitment to Continuous Improvement

Hire Man and Van is committed to continuously improving health and safety standards across all aspects of our removal and transport activities. By working together and following the procedures set out in this policy, we aim to ensure that every move is carried out as safely and efficiently as possible for our staff, customers, and the wider community.