At Man And A Van Haringey, health and safety is treated as a core part of every move, collection, and delivery. This policy sets out the principles and working practices that help protect our team, customers, the public, and property during all van-based transport activities. We aim to carry out every job with care, control, and professionalism, reducing risk at each stage of the service.

The company recognises that moving goods can involve lifting, loading, driving, and working in changing environments. Because of this, our approach is built around prevention rather than reaction. We expect all workers to follow safe systems of work, use equipment properly, and report hazards as soon as they are identified. Health and safety responsibilities apply to everyone involved in the service, from planning through to completion.

This policy applies to all man and van services carried out under the business name, including domestic removals, office transport, single-item collections, and short-distance deliveries. It covers work performed on public roads, private premises, customer sites, and any location where staff may need to load, unload, or secure items. The policy is reviewed regularly to keep it current and effective.

Our Commitment

Man And A Van Haringey is committed to providing a working environment that is safe and well managed. We will take reasonable steps to prevent injury and ill health by identifying hazards, assessing risks, and introducing suitable control measures. Where risks cannot be eliminated entirely, we will reduce them to the lowest practical level.

Key commitments include:

• Providing clear instructions and safe working expectations
• Maintaining vans and equipment in a safe condition
• Ensuring loads are planned and secured correctly
• Using suitable lifting methods to avoid strain and injury
• Supporting staff to stop work if conditions become unsafe

We also expect a culture of shared responsibility. Safety is not limited to management; it depends on the active participation of everyone involved. Each person should work carefully, stay alert to hazards, and communicate concerns promptly so that issues can be addressed before they lead to harm.

Risk Assessment and Safe Working

Before any job begins, relevant hazards should be considered. This may include heavy or awkward items, slippery surfaces, narrow stairways, poor lighting, traffic movement, adverse weather, and restricted access. Risk assessment should be proportionate to the task and should help determine the safest way to complete the work.

Safe working practices include planning the route, checking access points, confirming the weight and size of items, and deciding whether additional help or equipment is needed. Manual handling is a major focus of this policy. Staff should avoid lifting beyond their capability and should use team lifts or handling aids when required. If an item is too heavy, unstable, or difficult to move safely, the job should be paused and reassessed.

In the middle of a job, conditions can change quickly. Floors may become wet, parking space may be limited, or weather may affect visibility and grip. For that reason, staff must stay observant and adapt their methods as needed. A safe task completed slightly slower is always better than a rushed task carried out unsafely.

Vehicle Safety and Equipment

Vehicle safety is essential to every operation. Vans must be kept roadworthy, clean, and suitable for the loads being carried. Daily checks should include tyres, lights, mirrors, fuel levels, load restraint points, and general condition. Any defect that could affect safety must be reported and dealt with before the vehicle is used again.

Loads must be balanced and secured so they do not move during transit. Overloading is not permitted. Items should be placed in a stable order, with heavier goods positioned carefully to reduce shifting and improve control. Where necessary, blankets, straps, trolleys, gloves, and other handling aids should be used correctly to reduce damage and injury risk.

Training, Communication, and Incident Reporting

Training is an important part of maintaining a safe operation. Staff should understand how to lift correctly, secure loads, drive responsibly, and recognise unsafe conditions. New or changing tasks should be explained clearly before work begins. Supervisors and workers must communicate openly to ensure that safety expectations are understood and followed.

Any accident, near miss, injury, or property damage incident must be reported promptly. Reporting helps identify patterns, improve controls, and prevent similar events in future. Records should be kept where appropriate so that the company can review what happened and make informed improvements to its procedures.

In addition to formal reporting, minor hazards should also be flagged without delay. Even small issues, such as poor lighting, a loose ramp, or blocked access, can create serious risks if ignored. A proactive reporting culture supports safer work and better outcomes for customers and staff alike.

Health, Welfare, and Customer Safety

The company also considers worker wellbeing. Repetitive lifting, long periods of driving, fatigue, and stress can all affect safety performance. Staff are encouraged to take appropriate breaks, remain hydrated, and work at a pace that allows concentration and good judgement. Fitness for work is important, and anyone feeling unwell or unfit should not continue with unsafe duties.

Customer safety matters too. Work areas should be left as tidy as reasonably possible, and care should be taken to avoid blocking exits, damaging fixtures, or creating trip hazards. When working in homes, offices, or shared buildings, staff should respect others on site and take extra care around children, pets, members of the public, and fragile surroundings.

This policy will be monitored and updated where necessary to reflect operational changes, new risks, or improved working methods. By keeping safety central to our services, Man And A Van Haringey aims to deliver reliable transport work while protecting people, property, and wellbeing at every stage.