Man with Van Freezywater Health and Safety Policy

Man with Van Freezywater is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for our employees, customers, and members of the public who may be affected by our removal and transport activities. This Health and Safety Policy sets out the principles and arrangements we follow to manage risks associated with moving, loading, transport, and delivery of goods across our service area.

Policy Statement and Objectives

The objective of this policy is to prevent injury, ill health, and damage to property during all stages of our moving and delivery operations. We aim to identify, assess, and control risks arising from manual handling, traffic movements, use of equipment, and work carried out in domestic and commercial premises. We will comply with all relevant health and safety legislation and recognised industry best practice.

This policy applies to all staff, whether permanent, temporary, subcontracted, or agency, and to anyone working on behalf of Man with Van Freezywater. All employees are required to cooperate fully with this policy and to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others.

Responsibilities for Health and Safety

The company management holds overall responsibility for ensuring that effective health and safety arrangements are in place and that this policy is implemented, reviewed, and updated when necessary. Management duties include providing adequate resources, suitable equipment, and appropriate training to control health and safety risks arising from our work.

Supervisors and team leaders are responsible for day-to-day health and safety management on jobs, including briefing staff, allocating tasks with safety in mind, checking equipment, and ensuring that agreed safe systems of work are followed. They must report hazards, near misses, and incidents promptly so that corrective action can be taken.

All employees have a duty to follow safety instructions, use equipment correctly, wear any required protective clothing, and immediately report any unsafe conditions or practices. Staff must not undertake tasks for which they have not received suitable training or instructions.

Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices

We undertake risk assessments for our main work activities, including loading and unloading vehicles, moving heavy items, working in confined spaces such as narrow stairways, and operating in busy residential or commercial areas. These assessments identify significant hazards and define the control measures required to reduce risks to an acceptable level.

Before starting any removal or delivery, staff will perform a dynamic on-site assessment, considering access routes, parking, floor conditions, lighting, weather, and the presence of vulnerable persons such as children, elderly occupants, or pets. Where risks are judged to be unacceptable, the work will be postponed or alternative arrangements will be agreed with the customer.

Manual Handling and Use of Equipment

Manual handling is a core part of our service and presents significant risk of strain and musculoskeletal injury. We minimise these risks by planning lifts, sharing loads between team members, and using mechanical aids such as sack trucks and moving equipment where feasible. Staff are trained in correct lifting techniques, team handling, and safe use of ramps, straps, and securing devices.

All equipment used for removals and transport is maintained in good condition and checked regularly. Defective or damaged equipment must not be used and must be reported to management immediately. Only trained personnel may operate specialised equipment.

Vehicle Safety and Road Risk Management

Our vehicles are maintained to a safe and roadworthy standard in line with legal requirements and manufacturer recommendations. Regular checks are carried out on brakes, tyres, lights, securing points, and loading areas. Any defects are reported immediately and the vehicle is not used until it is safe.

Drivers must hold appropriate licences and follow safe driving practices at all times, including adherence to speed limits, securing of loads, and avoidance of distractions. Routes are planned to reduce unnecessary risks, considering access restrictions, loading zones, and safe stopping points near customers premises.

Working at Customer Premises

Our staff work in a variety of premises, including homes, offices, and shared buildings. We take care to minimise disruption and maintain a safe environment for occupants and visitors. Where necessary, temporary controls such as warning signs, controlled access areas, or protective coverings will be used to manage risks.

Staff will keep walkways as clear as reasonably practicable, avoid blocking fire exits, and take extra care on stairs, ramps, and uneven surfaces. Customers may be asked to stay clear of loading areas while heavy or bulky items are being moved for their own safety.

Training, Information, and Supervision

We provide training and information to ensure that employees understand the hazards associated with removal work and know how to perform their tasks safely. Training topics include manual handling, use of moving equipment, vehicle safety, personal protective measures, and incident reporting. Additional, job-specific instruction is provided where required.

New staff receive an induction that covers key health and safety arrangements, emergency procedures, and company rules. Ongoing supervision is provided, especially for less experienced team members, to ensure that working practices remain safe and consistent with this policy.

Accident, Incident, and Near Miss Reporting

All accidents, injuries, damage incidents, and near misses must be reported as soon as practicable to a supervisor or manager. Details will be recorded and investigated to identify root causes and any improvements needed in training, equipment, or procedures.

We keep appropriate records to support continuous improvement of our safety performance. Where relevant, lessons learned from incidents are shared with staff and incorporated into updated risk assessments and work instructions.

Emergency Preparedness

Our staff are briefed on what to do in the event of an emergency, such as fire, serious injury, road traffic incidents, or sudden structural hazards at a property. They must follow local emergency arrangements at customer premises, including evacuation routes and assembly points, and cooperate fully with emergency services.

Policy Review and Continuous Improvement

This Health and Safety Policy will be reviewed regularly and whenever there are significant changes in our operations, applicable law, or recognised best practice. We are committed to continually improving our health and safety management, with the aim of reducing incidents and enhancing the protection we provide to employees, customers, and the public throughout our removal service area.