Health and Safety Policy for Man with Van Fortis Green
Man with Van Fortis Green is committed to maintaining the highest standards of health and safety for our customers, team members and members of the public. This policy sets out our approach to managing risks associated with removal, collection and delivery services, including loading, unloading and transporting goods in homes, offices and other premises throughout our service area.
Our Health and Safety Objectives
Our core objectives are to prevent injury, protect health and ensure that all removal activities are conducted safely and responsibly. We aim to identify potential hazards in advance, apply sensible controls, provide effective training and maintain a culture in which safety is everyone’s responsibility. We will review this policy regularly to ensure it remains suitable and effective.
Legal Responsibilities and Management Commitment
The management of Man with Van Fortis Green accepts overall responsibility for health and safety within the company. We comply with relevant health and safety legislation and recognised industry standards for moving, handling and transportation. Management will provide the resources, equipment and information necessary to manage risks and will ensure that health and safety is considered in all operational decisions.
Supervisors and team leaders are responsible for implementing this policy on a day to day basis, monitoring working practices on site, and ensuring that staff follow agreed procedures. All employees and contractors must cooperate with these arrangements and take reasonable care for their own safety and the safety of others who may be affected by their actions.
Employee Responsibilities
Every member of the Man with Van Fortis Green team has a duty to work safely and report any hazards or incidents. Employees must
Follow all safe working procedures and instructions provided.
Use vehicles, equipment and protective gear correctly and never misuse them.
Report accidents, near misses, damage to property or unsafe conditions immediately to their supervisor.
Refuse to carry out tasks that they reasonably believe to be unsafe until suitable controls are in place.
Attend required health and safety training and apply what they learn in their daily work.
Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices
We carry out risk assessments for typical removal tasks and for specific jobs where there are unusual hazards, such as restricted access, heavy or awkward items, or shared entrances and public spaces. The findings of these assessments inform our safe working methods, which include
Planning access routes for loading and unloading to minimise manual handling distance and avoid trip hazards.
Assessing the weight, size and centre of gravity of items to be moved before lifting.
Using mechanical aids or additional staff for heavy or bulky items wherever practicable.
Ensuring that vehicle loading is balanced, secure and within safe weight limits.
Protecting floors, walls and fixtures to reduce damage and prevent slips, trips and falls.
Special attention is given to shared areas such as corridors, stairways and driveways, where members of the public may be present. Where necessary, we will cordon off areas, use warning signs or temporarily restrict access to ensure safe operation.
Manual Handling and Musculoskeletal Safety
Safe manual handling is essential in our removals work. We train our staff in correct lifting techniques, team lifting procedures and the use of trolleys, dollies and other handling equipment. Key principles include
Avoiding unnecessary lifting by using mechanical aids where possible.
Assessing the load before lifting and asking for help when needed.
Keeping loads close to the body and avoiding twisting while carrying.
Taking regular breaks when undertaking repetitive lifting tasks.
No employee is required to lift or move any item they believe to be beyond their capability or unsafe given the conditions on site.
Vehicle Safety and Driving Standards
Our vans are maintained in a safe and roadworthy condition in line with legal requirements and manufacturer recommendations. Regular checks are carried out on brakes, tyres, lights, securing points and loading areas. Drivers are responsible for conducting pre use checks and reporting any defects immediately so that appropriate action can be taken.
Drivers must adhere to road traffic laws and drive in a manner that protects passengers, other road users and the load. This includes maintaining safe speeds, leaving sufficient stopping distance and adjusting driving styles to suit weather and traffic conditions. Loads must be properly distributed and secured to prevent movement or instability during transit.
Customer and Public Safety
We take care to ensure the safety of customers, visitors and members of the public during removal activities. Our teams will
Explain proposed access routes, any temporary restrictions and any potential hazards at the start of the job.
Keep walkways and exits as clear as reasonably practicable.
Use safe systems for moving items on stairs and through doorways to avoid striking people or property.
Stop work immediately if a situation arises that could endanger others and put in place additional controls before continuing.
Training, Information and Supervision
All staff receive induction training covering health and safety responsibilities, safe lifting, use of equipment, vehicle safety and emergency procedures. Where appropriate, additional training is provided for tasks such as operating specialist handling equipment or managing complex moves.
Supervision is provided in proportion to the level of risk and the experience of the team. New or less experienced workers are closely supervised until they demonstrate that they can work safely and consistently follow procedures.
Equipment, Personal Protective Equipment and Maintenance
We provide appropriate equipment to support safe working, such as trolleys, straps, transit blankets, ramps and protective materials. Where necessary, personal protective equipment such as gloves or high visibility clothing is provided and must be worn as instructed. All equipment is inspected regularly and any item found to be defective is taken out of use until repaired or replaced.
Accident Reporting and Emergency Procedures
All accidents, near misses and incidents involving injury or damage are recorded and investigated so we can identify causes and implement corrective actions. This helps us continuously improve our health and safety performance. In the event of an emergency, our staff will follow agreed procedures, give priority to life safety, contact the relevant emergency services where necessary and cooperate fully with any subsequent investigation.
Continuous Improvement and Policy Review
Man with Van Fortis Green is committed to continual improvement in health and safety. We review this policy regularly, particularly after any significant change in our operations or after serious incidents. Employee feedback, customer comments and incident reports are considered to help us refine our procedures and maintain a safe and professional removal service across our operating area.
