Harringay Man and Van Health and Safety Policy
This Health and Safety Policy sets out how Harringay Man and Van manages the safety and wellbeing of our staff, customers, visitors, and members of the public. As a professional removal and transport service, we recognise that our activities involve manual handling, vehicle movements, and work in varied environments. We are committed to preventing injury, safeguarding health, and continuously improving our safety performance.
Policy Statement and Commitment
Harringay Man and Van is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment. We will take all reasonably practicable steps to minimise risks arising from our removal, packing, loading, transport, and unloading operations. Safety is an integral part of how we plan and deliver every move, whether for homes, offices, or commercial premises.
We will comply with all applicable health and safety legislation, regulations, and recognised industry standards. Our policy is reviewed regularly to reflect changes in our operations, best practice, and legal requirements.
Responsibilities
Overall responsibility for health and safety within Harringay Man and Van rests with the company management. Management will ensure adequate resources, training, equipment, and supervision are provided so that work can be carried out safely and efficiently.
Supervisors and team leaders are responsible for implementing this policy on site, including briefings, checks, and monitoring day-to-day practices. They must ensure that staff follow safe systems of work, use equipment correctly, and report hazards or incidents promptly.
All employees, contractors, and helpers 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 cooperating with safety instructions, attending training, using protective equipment, and reporting concerns or near misses.
Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices
We carry out risk assessments for core activities such as lifting and carrying, use of trolleys and ramps, loading vehicles, operating tail lifts, and working in confined or busy areas. These assessments identify potential hazards and set out control measures to prevent accidents and injuries.
Risk assessments are kept under review and are updated whenever there are changes in work methods, equipment, locations, or where an incident highlights the need for improvement. Staff are briefed on the relevant risks and procedures before starting work at each site.
We maintain clear, practical safe systems of work, including recommended lifting techniques, maximum load guidelines, communication signals for team moves, and safe positioning when using vehicles and handling equipment.
Manual Handling and Use of Equipment
Manual handling is a central part of our removal service. To reduce the risk of strain and injury, we provide training on correct lifting and carrying, team lifts, and how to recognise when a load is too heavy or awkward to be moved safely. Staff are instructed never to attempt tasks beyond their capabilities or ignore signs of fatigue.
We provide appropriate handling aids such as trolleys, dollies, straps, and blankets wherever possible. These must be used as trained and kept in good condition. Damaged or defective equipment must be reported immediately and taken out of service until repaired or replaced.
Vehicle Safety and Driving Standards
Our vehicles are maintained on a regular schedule to ensure they are roadworthy, clean, and suitable for carrying goods safely. Pre-use checks are completed by drivers, including tyres, lights, securing points, and any lifting or loading equipment fitted to the vehicle.
All drivers must hold the appropriate licence, follow traffic laws, and drive in a manner that protects passengers, other road users, and the load being carried. Speed limits, rest breaks, and route planning are managed to reduce risk and avoid unnecessary pressure on drivers.
Loading and unloading are carried out to ensure stability of the vehicle and security of goods. Loads are secured using suitable restraints, and doors or tailgates must be properly closed and locked before moving off.
Customer Premises and Public Safety
Our teams work at private homes, shared buildings, business premises, and in public areas such as pavements and car parks. We take care to protect the safety of customers, neighbours, and passers-by during all removals.
Where necessary, we will identify and, where reasonably practicable, control risks such as trip hazards, obstructed walkways, poor lighting, and moving vehicles. This may include using warning signs, cordoning off work areas, or scheduling work to avoid busy times.
We will always act with respect for property and surroundings, taking suitable steps to avoid damage and keep access routes as clear and safe as possible while work is in progress.
Training, Supervision, and Communication
New staff receive an introduction to our health and safety expectations, including safe lifting, use of equipment, vehicle rules, and incident reporting. Ongoing refresher training is provided to reinforce good practice and introduce any updated procedures.
Supervision is provided in proportion to the complexity and risk of the task. Less experienced staff are supported by more experienced colleagues and leaders until they are competent to work more independently.
We encourage open communication about safety. Staff are expected to raise concerns, suggest improvements, and report hazards without fear of criticism. Constructive feedback from customers on our safety performance is also welcomed.
Accident, Incident, and Near-Miss Reporting
All accidents, injuries, damage to property, and near-miss events must be reported as soon as possible. This allows us to provide appropriate support, investigate the causes, and take corrective action to prevent recurrence.
Records of incidents are kept and reviewed periodically to identify patterns or recurring issues. Findings are used to improve risk assessments, training, and work procedures.
Health, Welfare, and Fitness for Work
Our work can be physically demanding, and we recognise the importance of fitness, rest, and wellbeing. Staff are expected to present fit for duty, not under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or medication that may impair their ability to work safely.
We encourage staff to report any health issues, injuries, or conditions that may affect their capability to carry out removal tasks safely. Where appropriate, we will adjust duties or provide alternative tasks to reduce risk.
Continuous Improvement and Review
This Health and Safety Policy forms part of our wider commitment to quality and professional standards in the removals and transport sector. We will review the policy at regular intervals, or following significant changes in our operations or relevant legislation, to ensure it remains effective and up to date.
By working together, management and staff will maintain a culture where safety is taken seriously, risks are controlled, and every removal is carried out with care for people, property, and the wider community.
