Health and Safety Policy for Man And Van Harrow

This health and safety policy sets out the standards followed by a man and van service to protect staff, customers, and the public during every stage of a job. It applies to loading, transport, parking, lifting, carrying, and delivery activities, with the aim of preventing injury, damage, and avoidable disruption.

The company is committed to carrying out work in a safe, controlled, and professional manner. Every member of the team is expected to take responsibility for their own actions and to consider the wellbeing of others. Safety is not treated as an extra step; it is part of how each move is planned and completed.

All employees and contractors must follow safe systems of work, use equipment properly, and report hazards immediately. Where necessary, tasks are adjusted to reduce risk, and no job is allowed to continue if conditions become unsafe.

General Safety Principles

The man and van Harrow operation follows a simple principle: every task should be completed without placing people, property, or vehicles at unnecessary risk. Work is assessed before it begins so that likely hazards can be identified in advance and controlled effectively.

Team members must wear suitable clothing and footwear for manual handling and moving items. Loose or unsafe attire is avoided, and personal protective equipment is used whenever the task requires it. This may include gloves, high-visibility clothing, or other practical protection depending on the activity.

A clear working area is maintained around vehicles, entrances, stairways, and loading points. Slips, trips, and falls are among the most common avoidable incidents, so the team keeps paths free of debris, makes sure lighting is adequate, and remains alert to wet or uneven surfaces.

Manual Handling and Load Safety

Safe lifting is central to the policy. Items are assessed before being moved, and the team checks weight, shape, stability, and possible sharp edges. When a load is too heavy or awkward for one person, it is lifted by two people or moved using suitable aids.

Proper lifting technique is always expected. This includes keeping the back straight, bending the knees, holding the load close to the body, and avoiding sudden twists. Team members are encouraged to pause and reorganise a load rather than forcing a difficult lift.

The Man and Van Harrow service also takes care to secure goods inside the vehicle. Items are packed evenly, restrained where needed, and separated to reduce movement during travel. Fragile, valuable, and unstable items receive extra attention so that they do not shift, fall, or break in transit.

Vehicle and Route Safety

Every vehicle is kept in safe working order through regular checks. Tyres, lights, mirrors, brakes, fuel levels, and load restraints are inspected before use. If a fault is found, the vehicle is not used until it is confirmed safe. This helps prevent breakdowns and reduces the risk of incidents on the road.

Drivers are expected to operate vehicles responsibly, follow speed limits, and take weather and traffic conditions into account. Journeys are planned to avoid unnecessary pressure, and enough time is allowed for safe driving, parking, and unloading. Rushing is not acceptable if it compromises safety.

Parking and access are carefully considered before work starts. The team avoids blocking walkways, driveways, emergency routes, or visibility lines. Where space is limited, communication and patience are used to manage the task without creating danger to pedestrians, neighbours, or other road users.

Risk Assessment and Communication

Before a job begins, a practical risk assessment is carried out. This helps identify issues such as narrow stairs, heavy furniture, poor access, weather conditions, or fragile goods. The assessment is designed to be straightforward and effective, allowing the team to choose safer methods from the start.

Clear communication is essential throughout the work. Instructions are given in a calm and direct manner, and team members confirm when they are ready before lifting or moving any item. If a customer needs to make a change to the plan, it is reviewed before action is taken.

Any concern about safety must be raised immediately. No one should feel pressured to continue if they believe the situation is unsafe. The policy supports stopping work, reassessing the task, and making the necessary changes before proceeding.

Incident Reporting and Emergency Response

If an accident, near miss, or damage incident occurs, it is reported as soon as possible. Details are recorded so that the cause can be understood and corrective action taken. Learning from incidents is an important part of preventing similar problems in future.

First aid arrangements are kept available and relevant team members are aware of the response process. In the event of a serious injury or emergency, the priority is to protect anyone at risk, call for assistance, and follow the appropriate emergency procedure without delay.

Fire safety is also taken seriously. Vehicles are not overloaded with flammable waste or dangerous materials, and all staff are expected to act sensibly if smoke, heat, or fire is suspected. Safe evacuation and immediate notification are essential.

Training, Responsibility, and Review

Everyone working under this health and safety policy receives suitable instruction for the tasks they carry out. Training focuses on safe lifting, vehicle checks, hazard awareness, and sensible work practices. New staff are supervised until they can demonstrate safe and consistent performance.

Management is responsible for ensuring the policy is applied, reviewed, and improved where needed. Workers are expected to cooperate, use equipment correctly, and help maintain a safe environment. Safety standards apply equally to short jobs, large removals, and routine transport work.

This policy is reviewed periodically to make sure it remains effective and fit for purpose. Changes in work practices, equipment, or risk levels are considered during review, and updates are made where they support better protection for staff, customers, and the public.