Man with Van Cann Hall Health and Safety Policy
This Health and Safety Policy sets out how Man with Van Cann Hall manages the safety, health and welfare of employees, contractors, customers, and members of the public affected by our removal and transport activities. Our services include household and office removals, loading and unloading, furniture transport, and related man and van operations across our service area.
Health and Safety Commitment
Man with Van Cann Hall is committed to conducting all removal and transport work in a manner that prevents injury, ill health and property damage. We aim to provide and maintain safe vehicles, equipment, and working environments, and to ensure that health and safety considerations are integrated into all planning and operational decisions.
We comply with relevant health and safety legislation and recognised industry best practice for removal and logistics services. Continuous improvement is encouraged through regular review of working methods and feedback from staff and customers.
Management Responsibilities
Management at Man with Van Cann Hall has overall responsibility for implementing this policy and ensuring that adequate resources are provided for health and safety. Management will:
Plan removal operations so that health and safety risks are assessed, controlled and communicated to those involved.
Provide suitable vehicles, lifting equipment, and protective gear that are maintained in safe working condition.
Ensure that employees and regular contractors receive appropriate training, information, and supervision for the work they carry out.
Investigate accidents, near misses and incidents to identify causes and implement corrective actions.
Review this Health and Safety Policy periodically, and when there are significant changes in our activities or operating conditions.
Employee Responsibilities
Every employee and contractor working on behalf of Man with Van Cann Hall 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 workers are expected to:
Follow all safety instructions, safe systems of work, and training provided.
Use vehicles, tools, and equipment only for their intended purpose and in accordance with guidance.
Wear appropriate clothing and personal protective equipment when required.
Report any hazards, defects, accidents or near misses to management without delay.
Refrain from any unsafe behaviour, including horseplay, working under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or ignoring risk control measures.
Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices
Before undertaking removal activities, Man with Van Cann Hall will identify significant hazards and assess the associated risks. This includes consideration of access routes, parking and loading locations, manual handling demands, stairways, confined spaces, high-value or fragile items, and interaction with the public.
Where risks cannot be eliminated, they will be minimised through planned safe systems of work. These may include using additional staff, mechanical aids, appropriate lifting techniques, staged loading plans, and time allowances to avoid rushing and fatigue.
Manual Handling and Lifting
Manual handling is a core part of removal work and requires particular care. Man with Van Cann Hall will:
Plan lifts in advance, considering the weight, size, and stability of items.
Avoid single-person lifting of heavy or awkward objects where team lifting or equipment is more appropriate.
Provide guidance and instruction on correct posture, lifting, and carrying techniques.
Use trolleys, straps, blankets and other aids to reduce strain and protect both workers and customers property.
Stop work where an item is judged to present an unacceptable risk to health or safety, and seek an alternative method or additional assistance.
Vehicle and Driving Safety
Safe operation of vehicles is essential to protecting our staff, customers and other road users. Man with Van Cann Hall will ensure that vehicles used for removal services are roadworthy, regularly inspected, and suitable for the loads carried. Drivers will:
Hold the appropriate driving licence and follow all road traffic regulations.
Conduct pre-use checks on tyres, lights, securing points and any tail lifts or ramps.
Secure loads to prevent movement during transit and to protect the vehicle and its occupants.
Plan routes to allow safe access to collection and delivery points, including consideration of low bridges, weight limits and restricted streets.
Adapt driving to weather, traffic and road conditions to minimise risk.
Customer Premises and Public Safety
Our teams often work in and around customer homes, offices and public spaces. Man with Van Cann Hall will take reasonable steps to safeguard customers, neighbours, visitors and passers-by by:
Maintaining clear walkways and avoiding trip hazards such as loose packaging or trailing straps.
Using safe lifting paths on stairs and corridors, and working as a team to manage large items.
Positioning vehicles so that loading areas are as safe as practicable, avoiding unnecessary obstruction.
Taking care to protect fixtures, fittings and customer property by using blankets, covers and careful handling methods.
Training, Information and Supervision
Man with Van Cann Hall will provide training and information relevant to the tasks undertaken, proportionate to the level of risk involved. This may include induction for new staff, demonstration of safe lifting techniques, vehicle safety briefings, and instruction on the correct use of equipment.
Supervision will be provided to ensure that safe working methods are followed, particularly where new or younger workers are involved. Staff are encouraged to raise questions about safety and to suggest improvements.
Accident, Incident and Near Miss Reporting
All accidents, incidents and near misses connected with our removal and transport services must be reported to management as soon as possible. Man with Van Cann Hall will record and, where required, investigate such events to understand what happened and to prevent recurrence.
Corrective actions may include changes to procedures, additional training, maintenance work, or updates to this policy. Information gathered will be used constructively and is not intended to place blame on individuals who act in good faith.
Wellbeing and Fitness for Work
Removal work can be physically demanding. Man with Van Cann Hall recognises the importance of fitness for work and the wellbeing of staff. Workers are expected to inform management if they are unfit for particular tasks due to injury, illness or other factors.
Workloads and schedules will be managed, as far as reasonably practicable, to avoid excessive fatigue. Rest breaks will be taken as needed, particularly during long or intensive jobs and extended driving periods.
Policy Review
This Health and Safety Policy reflects the current activities of Man with Van Cann Hall and will be reviewed on a regular basis. Revisions may be made to reflect changes in legislation, industry practice, the nature of our removal services, or the findings of incident investigations. The latest version of this policy is made available to staff, contractors and customers on request.
