Man with Van Arkley Health and Safety Policy

Man with Van Arkley is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for our employees, customers, contractors, and members of the public who may be affected by our removals and transport activities. This Health and Safety policy sets out our approach to managing risks associated with moving, loading, transporting, and unloading household and commercial items.

We aim to conduct all removal and delivery services in a way that prevents injury, ill health, and damage to property. Health and safety considerations are central to planning and carrying out our work, whether we are handling single-item moves or full property relocations.

Health and Safety Responsibilities

Overall responsibility for health and safety rests with the company management, who ensure that appropriate resources, training, and equipment are provided. Management will regularly review working practices and update this policy when necessary.

All employees and contractors working with Man with Van Arkley share a responsibility to work safely, follow instructions, use equipment correctly, and report any hazards, near misses, or incidents promptly. Each team member is expected to take reasonable care for their own health and safety and that of others affected by their actions.

Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices

We identify and assess the risks associated with our moving and transport activities. This includes evaluating hazards at collection and delivery locations, during loading and unloading, and while goods are in transit.

Where risks are identified, we implement proportionate control measures, which may include the use of mechanical aids, team lifts, route planning, and restrictions on the maximum weight a single person may handle. Our staff are briefed on site-specific risks, such as narrow staircases, uneven surfaces, restricted parking, and shared access areas, to ensure work is planned and executed as safely as possible.

Safe systems of work are developed for typical removal tasks, including lifting techniques, furniture dismantling and reassembly, securing loads in vehicles, and operating in residential streets and commercial premises.

Manual Handling and Lifting

Manual handling is a significant part of our operations, and we take steps to reduce the likelihood of injuries such as strains and sprains. Employees receive guidance on correct lifting and carrying techniques, team lifting procedures, and the importance of assessing the load and route before moving items.

Where practical, we use trolleys, dollies, straps, and other handling equipment to minimise manual exertion and reduce the risk of injury. Staff are encouraged to refuse unsafe lifts and request assistance or alternative methods if an item is beyond safe individual handling limits.

Use of Vehicles and Driving Safety

Our vehicles are maintained in good working order in line with manufacturer recommendations and applicable road safety obligations. Regular checks are carried out on tyres, brakes, lights, securing points, and other safety-critical components.

Drivers are expected to adhere to road traffic rules, speed limits, and parking regulations at all times. Journey planning takes account of traffic conditions, delivery times, and rest breaks to reduce fatigue. Loads are secured carefully to prevent movement during transit, minimising the risk of damage to goods and ensuring vehicle stability.

Handling of Customer Property

We treat customer property with care and take reasonable precautions to avoid damage during lifting, moving, and transport. Protective coverings such as blankets, wraps, and padding are used where appropriate to safeguard furniture, appliances, and other items.

When working inside homes and commercial premises, we take steps to protect floors, walls, and doorways from accidental damage. Staff are instructed to report any incidents or damage promptly so that they can be addressed in a fair and transparent manner.

Workplace Environment and Site Safety

At each site we attend, we aim to create and maintain a safe working environment. This includes keeping access routes clear, avoiding obstruction of emergency exits, and managing parking and loading so as not to create unnecessary risks to pedestrians or other road users.

Team members are required to use appropriate lifting aids and, where necessary, personal protective equipment such as gloves or safety footwear. Care is taken when operating in shared spaces such as communal hallways, car parks, and service yards.

Training, Information, and Supervision

We provide our staff with information and guidance relevant to their roles, including safe handling techniques, vehicle safety, and general site awareness. New team members receive an introduction to our health and safety expectations before undertaking removal work.

Ongoing supervision and monitoring help to ensure that safe working practices are followed and that any training needs are identified. Where necessary, additional instruction is provided to address specific risks or to reinforce safe behaviour.

Incident Reporting and Emergency Procedures

All accidents, injuries, near misses, and damage to property must be reported to management without delay. Incidents are recorded and reviewed in order to identify underlying causes and to implement corrective actions that reduce the likelihood of recurrence.

Staff are briefed on what to do in case of emergencies, including injury to a team member or member of the public, fire at a customer location, or road traffic accidents involving company vehicles. Where appropriate, emergency services are contacted and information is shared clearly and accurately.

Health, Welfare, and Fitness for Work

We recognise that the physical nature of removal work requires staff to be fit for duty. Employees are expected to present for work in a condition that allows them to carry out their tasks safely, including being free from the influence of alcohol or drugs.

We encourage team members to raise any health concerns that may affect their ability to work safely, particularly issues involving back, joint, or mobility problems. Where possible, work will be adjusted to accommodate individual limitations, or medical advice will be sought before certain tasks are undertaken.

Continuous Improvement and Policy Review

Man with Van Arkley is committed to continually improving its health and safety performance. We periodically review this policy and our working practices to take account of changes in legislation, industry standards, and the nature of the services we provide.

Feedback from employees and customers is welcomed and is used to refine our procedures, enhance safety, and support the reliable delivery of our removal and transport services.

This Health and Safety policy applies to all activities carried out under the name of Man with Van Arkley and is made available to employees and customers on request.