This health and safety policy sets out the principles and practical measures used by Man With Van Sutton to protect employees, customers, and members of the public during every moving job. Our aim is to reduce risk, prevent accidents, and make each removal or delivery as safe and efficient as possible. We recognise that transporting goods, lifting items, loading vehicles, and working in varied environments can create hazards, so we manage these tasks with care, planning, and responsibility.

We are committed to maintaining a safe working environment through clear procedures, appropriate supervision, and continuous awareness of workplace conditions. Safety is not treated as a separate task; it is built into every stage of the service. This includes assessing the site before work begins, handling items correctly, using suitable equipment, and ensuring that all staff understand their duties. Our approach is based on prevention, good communication, and sensible decision-making.

The policy applies to all operations carried out under the man with van service, including domestic moves, office relocations, furniture transport, and single-item collections. It covers loading, unloading, manual handling, driving, parking, working near roads, and moving items through stairways or narrow spaces. Every job is expected to meet the same standard of care, regardless of size or complexity, so that risk is controlled consistently.

We expect all workers to take reasonable care for their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions. Employees must follow safe lifting techniques, use provided tools correctly, and report any unsafe condition without delay. A strong safety culture depends on shared responsibility, and everyone involved in the service has a role in helping to prevent incidents.

Before any move begins, a basic risk assessment is completed to identify potential hazards. Common risks include awkward lifting, unstable furniture, slippery surfaces, poor lighting, restricted access, and loose items inside boxes or vehicles. Where necessary, tasks are adjusted to reduce exposure to these risks. For example, heavier items may be moved by two people, fragile goods may be packed separately, and routes may be chosen to avoid unsafe conditions.

Manual handling is one of the most important areas of control in our removal van service. Staff are trained to bend the knees, keep loads close to the body, avoid twisting while lifting, and ask for assistance when an item is too heavy or bulky. We encourage the use of trolleys, straps, blankets, and ramps where appropriate. These measures reduce strain, protect property, and lower the chance of injury.

All vehicles used for work are kept in suitable condition and checked regularly to ensure they remain safe and roadworthy. Tyres, brakes, lights, mirrors, loading areas, and securing equipment are inspected before use. Loads are positioned and restrained so they do not move during transit. Drivers are expected to operate vehicles carefully, obey road rules, and plan journeys in a way that supports safe delivery rather than speed alone.

Personal protective equipment may be issued where needed, depending on the nature of the task. This can include gloves, safety footwear, high-visibility clothing, or other suitable items. While PPE is not the only control measure, it provides an additional layer of protection when handling goods, working outdoors, or dealing with weather-related risks. Staff must use any protective equipment correctly and keep it in good condition.

We also pay close attention to the welfare of anyone working on site. Breaks are arranged where necessary, heavy tasks are shared, and workers are encouraged to stay hydrated and report fatigue. Safe working pace matters as much as strength, because rushing increases the chance of damage or injury. A calm, organised approach supports better handling, better judgement, and better outcomes.

Communication is essential throughout every job. Staff must keep one another informed about obstacles, fragile items, restricted access, or any change in the conditions of the move. Customers may also be asked to highlight anything that could affect safety, such as uneven flooring, pets, parking limitations, or items requiring special handling. Clear information helps the team prepare properly and avoid unnecessary risk.

In the event of an accident, near miss, or property damage incident, the matter is recorded and reviewed so that lessons can be learned. First aid support is arranged where required, and emergency services are contacted whenever a situation needs immediate attention. We treat reporting seriously because early action can prevent a minor problem from becoming a bigger one.

Training and supervision are central to our commitment to safe operations. New staff are introduced to the policy and shown how to follow safe procedures in real working conditions. Refresher learning is provided as needed, especially when equipment, work methods, or risks change. Supervisors monitor performance to ensure standards remain consistent and to support improvement where required.

This policy is reviewed regularly to ensure it remains effective, practical, and suitable for the services provided by Man With Van Sutton. We may update it in response to legal changes, operational developments, incident reviews, or feedback from internal safety checks. Continuous improvement is part of our duty to protect people and maintain professional standards.

By following this health and safety policy, our man with van team aims to deliver dependable service while minimising risk at every stage of the job. Safety, care, and professionalism guide our working practices, and we expect everyone involved to uphold these principles. Through preparation, awareness, and responsible handling, we create a safer experience for staff, customers, and the wider public.