Health and Safety policy
Harrow Man and Van Health and Safety Policy
Harrow Man and Van is committed to providing a safe, healthy and secure working environment for our employees, contractors, 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, responsibilities and procedures that guide our day-to-day operations across all moving, loading, transport and delivery services.
Our aim is to prevent injury, ill health, property damage and environmental harm by identifying and controlling risks associated with man and van services, including domestic and commercial removals, furniture transport and general light haulage.
Management Commitment and Responsibilities
The management of Harrow Man and Van accepts overall responsibility for health and safety performance within the company. We will provide the leadership, resources and support required to implement this policy effectively and to ensure that health and safety considerations are integrated into all planning and operational decisions.
Managers and supervisors are responsible for:
Ensuring that risk assessments are carried out, recorded where appropriate and kept up to date for activities such as loading, unloading, lifting, driving and working at customers premises.
Providing suitable work equipment, including vehicles, lifting aids and protective equipment, and ensuring that these are properly maintained and used in accordance with training and instructions.
Ensuring that employees are competent to carry out their duties safely and that they receive any necessary training, supervision and information.
Monitoring health and safety standards on sites, during journeys and at storage locations, and taking prompt action where improvements are required.
Employee Responsibilities
All employees of Harrow Man and Van share responsibility for maintaining a safe working environment. Every team member must:
Take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions or omissions.
Follow all safe systems of work, instructions, training and company procedures relevant to removal and transport tasks.
Use the equipment and protective items provided, and report any defects, damage or safety concerns immediately to a supervisor.
Report accidents, incidents, near misses and hazardous conditions so that they can be investigated and prevented from recurring.
Cooperate with the company to enable it to fulfil its legal and moral obligations regarding health, safety and welfare.
Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices
We regularly review our activities to identify hazards and reduce risks associated with removal work and van operations. This includes consideration of manual handling, slips and trips, working in and around vehicles, working at height when loading, and risks present at customer locations.
Before and during each removal or delivery, staff are expected to assess the specific conditions on site, such as access routes, stairs, flooring, weather and congestion. Where significant risks are identified, they must adopt suitable control measures, which may include adjusting the route, using additional lifting aids, requesting support from colleagues or rearranging tasks.
Manual Handling and Load Security
Manual handling is a core element of our work and is approached with particular care. Harrow Man and Van will:
Provide training in safe lifting, carrying and team handling techniques tailored to removal activities, including handling of bulky and fragile items.
Encourage the use of mechanical aids such as trolleys and dollies whenever reasonably practicable to reduce strain and the risk of musculoskeletal injury.
Plan lifting tasks to avoid unnecessary carrying distances, awkward postures and handling on uneven or obstructed routes.
Ensure that loads are arranged, stacked and secured safely within vehicles, taking account of weight distribution, stability and the protection of goods in transit.
Vehicle Safety and Driving Standards
Our vehicles are central to our operations, and we recognise the importance of safe driving and vehicle maintenance. Harrow Man and Van is committed to:
Maintaining all vans and associated equipment in a roadworthy condition, with regular checks and servicing in line with manufacturer guidance and legal requirements.
Requiring drivers to conduct daily vehicle safety checks, reporting any defects or concerns before commencing journeys.
Promoting safe driving practices, including adherence to speed limits, avoidance of mobile phone use while driving and compliance with parking and loading restrictions.
Planning routes and schedules that, as far as possible, avoid excessive driving hours and allow for rest breaks to reduce fatigue.
Working at Customer Premises
We recognise that our teams frequently work in environments not under our direct control, such as homes, offices and shared buildings. To manage risks at customer premises we will:
Take care to protect customers, residents, visitors and members of the public from hazards created by our work, for example by managing trip hazards from equipment and packing materials.
Use appropriate techniques and equipment to move items safely on stairs, through narrow corridors and in confined spaces.
Respect property, avoiding damage to buildings, fixtures and fittings by planning routes for items and using protective coverings where appropriate.
Follow any reasonable safety instructions provided by building managers or site controllers, provided they do not conflict with our own safety standards.
Training, Information and Supervision
Harrow Man and Van provides employees with health and safety information and training appropriate to their roles. This may include induction training for new staff, on-the-job instruction, toolbox talks, refresher sessions and specific training on safe driving, manual handling and the use of lifting equipment.
Supervisors and experienced staff are expected to support new and less experienced colleagues, providing guidance and feedback to reinforce safe working practices. Where necessary, additional supervision will be provided for higher risk tasks.
Accident Reporting and Emergency Procedures
All accidents, incidents, injuries and near misses arising from our activities must be reported as soon as possible to a responsible person within the company. We will record and investigate these events to identify causes and implement corrective actions.
Staff must be familiar with emergency procedures relevant to their work, including actions in the event of fire, road traffic collision, personal injury or damage to property. Vehicles will carry basic emergency and first aid provisions appropriate to the nature of our work.
Continuous Improvement and Policy Review
Harrow Man and Van is committed to the continuous improvement of our health and safety performance. We will review this policy periodically, and also following any significant changes in our operations or relevant regulations, to ensure that it remains suitable and effective.
Feedback from employees, customers and other stakeholders is encouraged and will be considered when updating procedures, training and working practices. Everyone involved in our operations plays a part in helping us maintain a safe, reliable and professional removal and transport service.
