Health and Safety Policy for Man and Van Barnet

This Health and Safety Policy sets out how Man and Van Barnet manages risks, protects people, and maintains safe working practices during removals, deliveries, loading, unloading, and transport. The policy applies to all staff, contractors, and anyone supporting a job on behalf of the business. It is designed to promote a safe environment for workers, customers, and the public while ensuring that every move is handled responsibly.

Our approach is based on prevention, awareness, and continual improvement. We recognise that moving and handling tasks can involve hazards such as slips, trips, falls, heavy lifting, poor visibility, vehicle movement, and manual strain. For that reason, health and safety is not treated as an optional extra; it is part of every stage of the service. All team members are expected to follow safe procedures, use appropriate equipment, and report any concern without delay.

Before any task begins, a risk assessment is carried out to identify possible dangers and decide on suitable controls. This may include checking access routes, stairways, flooring, parking space, weather conditions, and the weight or fragility of items being moved. If a load appears unsafe, too heavy, or unstable, the job will be adjusted to reduce the risk. In this way, Man and Van Barnet ensures that each project is planned with care and that safe methods are chosen from the outset.

All workers are required to use proper manual handling techniques. Heavy or awkward items should be lifted with correct posture, steady movement, and, where needed, team lifting. Where practical, trolleys, straps, blankets, dollies, and other equipment should be used to reduce strain and improve control. The business expects everyone to stop and assess a situation if a lift feels unsafe rather than forcing the task to continue.

Vehicle safety is another important part of this policy. All vans used for work must be kept in good condition, roadworthy, clean, and suitable for the type of loads carried. Drivers are responsible for checking tyres, lights, mirrors, load security, and fuel levels before setting off. Items must be loaded evenly and secured properly to prevent movement during transit. Seat belts should be worn where fitted, and drivers must not operate a vehicle when tired, distracted, or unfit to do so. At Man and Van Barnet, careful driving and load control are essential to preventing accidents.

Customers, visitors, and members of the public must also be protected. Work areas should be kept as clear as possible, especially entrances, hallways, pavements, and shared access points. When moving items through a property or communal space, workers should take care to avoid damage, obstruction, or unnecessary noise. If children, pets, or vulnerable individuals are present, additional caution must be used. Communication is encouraged so that everyone involved understands what is happening and can remain safe.

Personal protective equipment, or PPE, should be used where the situation requires it. This may include gloves, safety footwear, high-visibility clothing, or other suitable protection. PPE does not replace safe working methods, but it provides an extra layer of control when handling goods or working in busy environments. Employees are expected to inspect equipment regularly and report any item that is damaged, worn, or no longer fit for use.

Training and supervision support this policy. Every worker should understand the basic risks linked to lifting, carrying, vehicle use, and site awareness. New staff or helpers must be shown how to complete tasks safely before working independently. Refresher instruction may be given whenever procedures change or when a concern has been identified. Man and Van Barnet believes that a well-informed team is more likely to work carefully, confidently, and consistently.

Any incident, near miss, injury, or equipment failure must be reported as soon as possible. Prompt reporting helps the business investigate the cause, take action, and prevent the same issue from happening again. Records should be kept where appropriate, and lessons learned should be used to improve future operations. This commitment to review and action is part of our wider health and safety culture.

We also expect everyone to maintain good housekeeping standards. Packaging, straps, tools, and waste materials should not be left in walkways or loading areas. Clear spaces reduce trip hazards and make it easier to work efficiently. Whenever conditions change, such as wet floors, poor lighting, or restricted access, the team must adapt its approach and take extra care. Safety depends on attention to detail as much as physical effort.

Work should never proceed if there is a serious risk that cannot be controlled. In such cases, the job may be paused until it is safe to continue. This may involve rearranging the schedule, changing the loading method, requesting additional help, or refusing to move an item that cannot be handled safely. The priority is always to protect people first and property second. Safe decisions are a sign of professionalism, not delay.

This policy will be reviewed regularly to ensure it remains suitable, effective, and aligned with best practice. Updates may be made after an incident, when working methods change, or when new hazards are identified. By following this policy, Man and Van Barnet demonstrates its commitment to responsible operations, risk reduction, and the wellbeing of everyone affected by its services.