Health and Safety policy
Man with Van Bulls Cross Health and Safety Policy
Man with Van Bulls Cross is committed to maintaining a safe and healthy working environment for our employees, contractors, customers, and members of the public. This Health and Safety Policy sets out our approach to managing risks associated with removal and transportation services, including loading, unloading, and moving items in homes, offices, and other premises within our service area.
Our Health and Safety Objectives
Our main objectives are to prevent injury, protect health, and promote safe systems of work. We aim to:
Identify, assess, and control foreseeable risks related to removal and delivery operations.
Provide and maintain safe vehicles, equipment, and methods of work.
Ensure all staff receive appropriate information, instruction, and training.
Encourage a culture where safety is a shared responsibility and concerns can be raised without hesitation.
Management Responsibilities
Management at Man with Van Bulls Cross has overall responsibility for implementing and monitoring this policy. This includes:
Ensuring that risk assessments are carried out and regularly reviewed.
Providing suitable equipment and personal protective equipment where required.
Ensuring that employees receive training relevant to their duties, particularly in manual handling and safe driving.
Investigating accidents, near misses, and incidents, and taking appropriate corrective action.
Reviewing this policy periodically and updating it in line with operational changes and relevant guidance.
Employee Responsibilities
Every employee and contractor working on behalf of Man with Van Bulls Cross has a duty to take reasonable care for their own health and safety, and that of others who may be affected by their actions. All staff are expected to:
Follow the safety procedures, guidance, and training provided.
Use equipment and vehicles only for their intended purpose and in a safe manner.
Report hazards, defects, or unsafe conditions as soon as they are identified.
Wear suitable clothing and personal protective equipment where necessary.
Cooperate with management in all matters relating to health and safety.
Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work
Before carrying out removal work, a basic risk assessment will be undertaken to identify potential hazards related to access, parking, lifting, and environmental conditions. Where necessary, adjustments will be made to working methods to reduce risk, such as:
Using additional staff for heavy or awkward loads.
Planning safe routes for carrying items, including consideration of stairs, tight corridors, and uneven surfaces.
Avoiding work in unsafe weather or lighting conditions where this may compromise safety.
Using appropriate equipment such as trolleys, straps, and blankets to assist with safe movement and protection of items.
Manual Handling and Lifting
Manual handling is a core part of our removal services, and incorrect techniques can lead to injury. To reduce these risks:
All staff are instructed in basic manual handling principles, including correct posture, lifting close to the body, and avoiding twisting while carrying loads.
Heavy or bulky items are assessed before lifting and, where necessary, moved by two or more people.
Mechanical aids and handling equipment are used when beneficial and practicable.
Staff are encouraged to speak up if they consider an item too heavy, awkward, or unsafe to move without additional help.
Vehicle and Driving Safety
Our vehicles are central to our service and must be operated safely at all times. We will:
Ensure vehicles are maintained in a roadworthy condition with regular checks and servicing.
Require drivers to hold the appropriate licence and drive responsibly, following road traffic laws and company guidance.
Ensure loads are secured properly in the vehicle to prevent movement during transit.
Avoid overloading vehicles beyond their safe capacity.
Plan routes where possible to minimise risk and delay, considering access restrictions and safe stopping points.
Customer Premises and Public Safety
Our work often takes place in and around customer premises, so we take care to protect both customers and the public. Our teams will:
Assess access routes and work areas for hazards and take reasonable steps to control them.
Keep walkways as clear as practicable while loading and unloading.
Use caution when moving large items through doors, hallways, and communal areas.
Communicate with customers about any immediate safety concerns, such as unstable furniture or obstructed exits.
Personal Protective Equipment
Where the nature of the work or identified risks make it necessary, personal protective equipment will be provided and used. This may include items such as gloves, safety footwear, or high visibility clothing, depending on the task and environment. Staff are responsible for using such equipment correctly and reporting any defects.
Accidents, Incidents and Near Misses
All accidents, injuries, and significant near misses that occur during work for Man with Van Bulls Cross must be reported to management as soon as reasonably possible. This enables us to:
Provide appropriate support and first aid where required.
Investigate what happened and identify any underlying causes.
Implement additional control measures if needed to prevent recurrence.
Training, Information and Supervision
We recognise that effective training and supervision are essential to maintaining a safe working environment. Man with Van Bulls Cross will:
Provide new staff with an introduction to our health and safety expectations and procedures.
Offer ongoing guidance on manual handling, vehicle loading, and customer site safety.
Ensure that staff understand how to report concerns or incidents.
Monitor working practices and provide feedback to encourage safe behaviour.
Policy Review and Continuous Improvement
This Health and Safety Policy will be reviewed periodically and whenever there are significant changes in our operations, legislation, or recognized best practice. Feedback from employees and customers is welcomed, as it helps us to continually improve the safety and reliability of our removal services across our operating area.
By instructing Man with Van Bulls Cross, customers can be confident that we take our health and safety responsibilities seriously and work proactively to create a safe environment for everyone involved.
