Health and Safety policy

Health and Safety Policy for Man with Van Cubitt Town

Man with Van Cubitt Town is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for our staff, customers, contractors and members of the public affected by our removal and transport services. This Health and Safety Policy sets out our approach to managing risks, preventing accidents and promoting safe working practices during all moves, collections and deliveries.

Our Health and Safety Commitment

We recognise our responsibility to manage our activities in a way that protects people, property and the environment. Our objectives are to prevent injury, reduce work-related ill health, and ensure that all removal operations are carried out safely and efficiently. Every employee and contractor working with us is expected to take reasonable care for their own safety and the safety of others.

Responsibilities and Management

Overall responsibility for health and safety rests with the company management, who will ensure that appropriate procedures, resources and training are in place. Supervisors and team leaders are responsible for implementing safe systems of work on each job, monitoring compliance and reporting incidents. All removal operatives, drivers and support staff must follow instructions, use equipment correctly and report any hazards or concerns immediately.

Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work

Before each removal or transport job, we assess the risks associated with access, loading, unloading, manual handling and vehicle movements. Where necessary, a site-specific assessment is carried out to identify hazards such as narrow staircases, high floors, long carrying distances, poor lighting, uneven surfaces and restricted parking. Control measures are then implemented, which may include using additional staff, specialist equipment, adjusted routing, or changes to the planned method of work.

Safe systems of work are developed for routine tasks such as lifting and carrying items, dismantling and reassembling furniture, using trolleys or dollies, loading vehicles and securing loads. These procedures are reviewed regularly and updated when new risks or improved methods are identified.

Training, Competence and Supervision

All removal operatives and drivers receive appropriate training to carry out their duties safely. This includes induction training on our health and safety policy, manual handling techniques, safe lifting practices, use of equipment and emergency procedures. Drivers receive additional instruction on safe driving, vehicle checks and load security.

We ensure that staff are competent for the tasks they perform and that new or less experienced workers are supervised until they can work safely on their own. Refresher training is provided as required, particularly when introducing new equipment, vehicles or working methods.

Manual Handling and Use of Equipment

Manual handling is a key part of our removal work and is managed to minimise the risk of injury. Staff are trained to assess the load, their capability and the route before lifting. Heavy or awkward items are moved by team lifts or with mechanical aids such as sack trucks, skates or furniture dollies. Where lifting is unsafe, we will refuse to move an item until a safer method has been arranged.

All equipment used in our operations, including trolleys, straps, blankets and lifting aids, is maintained in good condition and inspected regularly. Defective equipment is taken out of service immediately and replaced or repaired.

Vehicle Safety and Load Security

Our vehicles are checked regularly to ensure they are roadworthy, clean and suitable for transporting customers belongings. Drivers complete basic pre-use checks and report any faults without delay. Loads are arranged to ensure even weight distribution and stability, and are secured using straps and other restraints to prevent movement during transit.

Vehicle movements at collection and delivery locations are planned to reduce the risk of collisions and to protect pedestrians. Where possible, vehicles are parked safely and legally, with consideration for other road users and local residents.

Customer and Public Safety

We take reasonable steps to protect customers, neighbours and members of the public during our work. Where necessary, we will cordon off working areas, keep passageways clear and avoid leaving trip hazards such as boxes, tools or packing materials in walkways. Our teams will communicate clearly with customers about the safest routes through the property while work is in progress.

Housekeeping, Cleanliness and Environment

Good housekeeping is essential for safe working. Our teams aim to keep work areas tidy, stacking items safely and removing waste materials promptly. We take care to avoid damage to property, fixtures and fittings, and will use protection such as blankets or covers where appropriate. Where packing materials are provided by us, we encourage customers to reuse or recycle them whenever possible.

Incident Reporting and Continuous Improvement

All accidents, near misses, injuries and dangerous occurrences must be reported to management as soon as possible. Incidents are investigated to identify root causes and to determine what actions are needed to prevent recurrence. Lessons learned are shared with staff and, where relevant, procedures are updated.

We are committed to continually improving our health and safety performance. This includes reviewing this policy on a regular basis, monitoring compliance, acting on feedback from staff and customers, and keeping up to date with relevant guidance and best practice within the removals industry.

Employee Duties and Cooperation

Employees have a duty to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions. They must cooperate with the company in implementing this policy, use the protective equipment provided, follow training and instructions, and not misuse or interfere with anything provided in the interests of health and safety.

Any employee who is unsure about how to perform a task safely must seek guidance from a supervisor or manager before proceeding. Concerns about health and safety will be taken seriously and addressed promptly.

Policy Review

This Health and Safety Policy is reviewed periodically and whenever there are significant changes to our operations, services or legal requirements. The latest version of this policy is made available to all employees and can be provided to customers on request. By following this policy, Man with Van Cubitt Town aims to deliver reliable removal services while safeguarding the wellbeing of everyone involved.