Man With a Van Pinner Health and Safety Policy

This Health and Safety Policy sets out the principles and procedures adopted by Man With a Van Pinner to protect the health, safety and welfare of our workers, customers, visitors and members of the public who may be affected by our removal and transport activities. We are committed to carrying out all work in a safe and responsible manner, in line with applicable health and safety legislation and best practice for the removals sector.

Our Health and Safety Responsibilities

Man With a Van Pinner accepts overall responsibility for ensuring that effective arrangements are in place to manage health and safety throughout our operations. We will provide safe systems of work, adequate information, instruction, training and supervision, and suitable equipment to minimise risks associated with domestic and commercial removals, transport and related services.

Every worker has a duty to take reasonable care of their own health and safety, as well as that of colleagues, customers and any other persons who may be affected by their actions. All workers must follow the procedures set out in this policy, use equipment properly, and report hazards, near misses and incidents without delay.

Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work

We are committed to identifying hazards and assessing risks associated with our activities, including but not limited to lifting and carrying items, loading and unloading vehicles, working on or near roads, and working at different types of premises. Risk assessments are reviewed regularly and whenever there are significant changes in work practices, equipment, or the nature of the job.

Where risks cannot be eliminated, we will implement appropriate control measures, such as planning safe access routes, using suitable lifting techniques, limiting manual handling weights, and providing additional staff or specialist equipment where needed. Workers must follow all safe systems of work and immediately raise any concerns if a task appears unsafe.

Vehicle Safety and Driving Standards

Our vehicles are central to our removal services and must always be operated safely and responsibly. Vehicles will be maintained in a roadworthy condition, with regular checks and servicing carried out according to manufacturer recommendations and legal requirements. Drivers are responsible for carrying out daily vehicle checks, including tyres, lights, brakes and securing mechanisms, and for reporting any defects immediately.

All loads must be distributed and secured to prevent movement during transit. Drivers must comply with speed limits, parking regulations, and the Highway Code, and must not drive under the influence of alcohol, drugs or any substance that may impair safe driving. Mobile devices must only be used in a safe and lawful manner.

Manual Handling and Lifting Practices

Manual handling is a key aspect of removal work and is managed carefully to minimise the risk of injury. Workers will receive guidance in safe lifting techniques, including assessing the weight and shape of items, planning the route in advance, and using team lifts where necessary.

Heavy, bulky or awkward items should not be moved by a single person. Where appropriate, equipment such as trolleys, dollies, lifting straps or ramps should be used. Workers must avoid twisting while lifting, keep loads close to the body, and take regular breaks to reduce strain. Any item that is considered too heavy or unsafe to move must be reassessed and alternative arrangements made.

Customer Premises and Site Safety

We recognise that removal work frequently takes place at customer homes, business premises and other locations. Our workers will take care to protect both people and property at every site. This includes keeping access routes clear, managing trip hazards such as packaging materials and tools, and using suitable protective coverings where appropriate to prevent damage to floors, walls and fixtures.

Customers and other persons present at the premises are requested to keep clear of loading and unloading zones, stairwells and doorways while work is in progress, and to follow any safety instructions given by our team. Children and pets should be kept away from working areas at all times.

Training, Information and Supervision

Man With a Van Pinner will provide its workers with appropriate information and instruction to carry out their duties safely. This may include induction training, on the job guidance, toolbox talks and refreshers when necessary. Topics include manual handling, vehicle safety, safe loading practices, site awareness and emergency procedures.

Supervision will be proportionate to the risks and the level of experience of the worker. New or less experienced workers may be accompanied or monitored until they can demonstrate that they can perform tasks safely and competently.

Accidents, Incidents and Near Miss Reporting

All accidents, incidents, injuries and near misses must be reported as soon as possible to the responsible person within the company. Details will be recorded and, where necessary, investigated to identify root causes and prevent recurrence. We will take appropriate corrective and preventive action, which may include revising procedures, updating risk assessments, or providing additional training.

Where required by law, certain incidents will be reported to the relevant enforcing authority. We will cooperate fully with any official investigations and will review our health and safety arrangements in light of any recommendations or findings.

Health, Welfare and Fitness for Work

Workers must present themselves fit for work and inform the company if they have any medical conditions or injuries that may affect their ability to carry out tasks safely, particularly those involving driving or manual handling. Reasonable adjustments will be considered where appropriate.

We support good standards of personal welfare, including the availability of rest breaks, hydration and access to basic facilities, particularly on longer jobs or during demanding periods of work.

Review and Continuous Improvement

This Health and Safety Policy will be reviewed regularly and updated where necessary to reflect changes in legislation, industry standards or the nature of our services. We are committed to continuous improvement and welcome feedback from workers and customers on any aspect of health and safety related to our work.

By working together and following the principles set out in this policy, Man With a Van Pinner aims to provide a safe, reliable and professional removal service throughout our service area.