Health and Safety policy
Man with Van Tokyngton Health and Safety Policy
Man with Van Tokyngton 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 the principles and procedures we follow to manage risks associated with moving, loading, transporting and unloading goods.
Policy Aims and Scope
This policy applies to all operations carried out by Man with Van Tokyngton, including domestic and commercial removals, furniture deliveries, and man and van services. Our aims are to prevent injury and ill health, protect property, and minimise disruption or harm during any move or collection.
We recognise that moving items, working in and around vehicles, and operating in varied locations present specific risks. We will identify, assess and control these risks so far as is reasonably practicable and promote a positive safety culture throughout our business.
Management Responsibilities
Company management is responsible for implementing and maintaining this Health and Safety Policy. This includes:
Ensuring that suitable risk assessments are carried out for typical removal tasks and that appropriate control measures are implemented and monitored. Providing vehicles, tools, equipment and lifting aids that are safe, well maintained and suitable for the work undertaken. Ensuring that staff receive appropriate information, instruction, training and supervision to carry out their duties safely. Reviewing incidents, near misses and feedback, and updating procedures when necessary. Allocating sufficient resources to support effective health and safety management.
Employee Responsibilities
All employees and operatives working for Man with Van Tokyngton have a duty to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions. They are required to:
Follow the training, procedures and safe systems of work provided by the company. Use equipment, vehicles and personal protective equipment correctly and report any defects immediately. Co operate with supervisors and managers on health and safety matters. Report hazards, near misses, accidents and concerns without delay. Refrain from any reckless or unsafe behaviour during lifting, driving or handling customer property.
Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices
We undertake risk assessments for our key activities, including manual handling, vehicle movements, loading and unloading, working in customers homes and business premises, and operating in busy streets or shared access routes.
From these assessments, we develop safe systems of work and practical guidance for staff. These include planning the route and parking arrangements, assessing access points and stairways, selecting appropriate lifting methods, and using additional manpower or lifting aids for heavy or awkward items.
Manual Handling and Lifting
Manual handling is a core element of removal services and presents a risk of strains, sprains and other injuries if not managed correctly. Man with Van Tokyngton is committed to reducing manual handling risks by:
Training staff in safe lifting and carrying techniques, including team lifts and the correct use of trolleys and other aids. Encouraging staff to assess the weight and stability of items before moving them and to seek assistance where required. Avoiding unnecessary lifting by using tools, equipment and suitable loading methods wherever possible. Planning the order of loading and unloading to reduce carrying distances and awkward movements.
Vehicle Safety and Driving Standards
The safe operation of our vans is essential for protecting staff, customers and other road users. Our approach to vehicle safety includes:
Routine vehicle inspections and maintenance to ensure brakes, lights, tyres, restraints and other safety features are functioning correctly. Securing loads appropriately to prevent movement during transit and reduce the risk of damage or injury when doors are opened. Requiring drivers to follow all relevant traffic laws and adjust driving style to suit weather, traffic, and road conditions. Preventing driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs or any substance that may impair judgement or reaction times.
Customer Premises and Public Safety
Our teams often work inside customer homes, offices, and shared or public areas. We take reasonable steps to minimise risks in these settings by:
Maintaining clear walkways where possible and avoiding unnecessary trip hazards such as loose packing materials or trailing straps. Handling customer property with care to reduce the risk of falling objects or damage to fixtures and fittings. Communicating with customers about any significant risks or limitations identified when assessing access, stairways or lift capacities. Being mindful of neighbours, pedestrians and other building users during loading, unloading and vehicle movements.
Training, Information and Supervision
Man with Van Tokyngton ensures that staff receive appropriate induction and ongoing training relevant to their roles. This includes guidance on manual handling, safe driving, use of equipment, incident reporting and working respectfully in customer premises.
Supervisors and experienced team members provide on the job guidance and support to less experienced staff. Instructions and safety information are communicated clearly and updated when policies, equipment or working practices change.
Incident Reporting and Investigation
We encourage open reporting of all accidents, incidents, injuries and near misses. This information is used to investigate causes, identify trends and implement corrective actions to improve safety performance.
Where necessary, work practices may be adjusted, additional training provided, or equipment upgraded to reduce the likelihood of recurrence. Lessons learned are shared within the team so that improvements benefit all staff and customers.
Continuous Improvement and Policy Review
Health and safety is an ongoing priority for Man with Van Tokyngton. This policy and our related procedures are reviewed regularly and whenever there are significant changes to our services, vehicles, equipment or regulations affecting our work.
We welcome feedback from employees and customers about safety matters and use this input, together with incident data and operational experience, to continually refine our approach. Our goal is to deliver reliable man and van and removal services while maintaining high standards of safety and care for everyone involved.
