Health and Safety Policy for Man and Van Queensbury

Man and Van Queensbury is committed to maintaining a safe, healthy, and responsible working environment for everyone involved in our transport and moving services. This policy sets out the standards we follow to protect staff, customers, visitors, and any other persons who may be affected by our operations. We recognise that safe handling, careful planning, and clear communication are essential to reducing risk and supporting reliable service delivery.

Our approach is based on prevention, awareness, and accountability. Every vehicle move, loading activity, and property access decision is carried out with health and safety in mind. We expect all team members to act with care, use equipment properly, and report hazards immediately. By keeping safety at the centre of our work, Man and Van Queensbury aims to prevent accidents, protect property, and promote confidence in every job we undertake.

Our Safety Commitments

Man and Van Queensbury will take all reasonably practicable steps to ensure that work is carried out safely. This includes identifying hazards before jobs begin, selecting suitable vehicles and tools, and making sure all tasks are performed by competent people. We maintain a proactive attitude toward risk control and continually review our working methods to support safe moving practices.

Responsibilities of the Team

Every worker has a duty to follow safe working procedures and to use their judgement when conditions change. Staff must wear appropriate protective equipment where required, avoid unsafe lifting methods, and never overload vehicles or storage spaces. In addition, all personnel are expected to keep working areas tidy, secure loose items, and communicate any concern that could affect the safety of the job.

Managers and supervisors are responsible for ensuring that team members understand the standards expected of them. They must also make sure that equipment is fit for purpose, that vehicles are inspected regularly, and that work is assigned according to the ability and training of the person carrying it out. Health and safety is a shared responsibility, but leadership must set the right example and maintain effective oversight.

Safe operations also depend on careful cooperation with customers and other parties on site. We expect access routes to be clear, pets and children to be kept away from active work areas where possible, and any known hazards to be shared in advance. This helps Man and Van Queensbury carry out work efficiently while reducing the risk of injury or damage.

Vehicle, Loading, and Manual Handling Standards

Transport work involves repeated physical activity, so manual handling must be managed properly. Loads should be assessed before lifting, split into smaller items when needed, and moved using correct techniques and suitable aids. Team members should avoid twisting, overreaching, or carrying weight that could cause strain. Where required, two-person lifting or mechanical assistance must be used to reduce the risk of musculoskeletal injury.

Vehicle safety is equally important. All vehicles used by Man and Van Queensbury should be kept clean, roadworthy, and appropriately equipped for the type of work being performed. Drivers must carry out basic checks before use, including tyres, lights, mirrors, brakes, and load security. Items must be packed so that they do not shift during transit, and the load should never obstruct safe driving or visibility.

Workplace and Property Protection

Before starting any job, the condition of the property or collection point should be considered. Narrow stairs, wet floors, poor lighting, and uneven surfaces can all create hazards. We take steps to protect both people and premises by using floor protection where suitable, moving items carefully through confined spaces, and avoiding actions that could damage walls, doors, or fittings. Respect for the environment we work in is an important part of safe practice.

Fire safety, emergency preparedness, and incident reporting are key parts of this policy. Team members must know how to act if an emergency arises, including how to stop work safely and raise the alarm. Any accident, near miss, injury, or damage must be reported as soon as possible so that corrective action can be taken. Reviewing incidents helps Man and Van Queensbury improve procedures and prevent repeat occurrences.

Training and supervision are used to reinforce good habits and maintain consistent standards. New workers should be introduced to safe systems of work, and all personnel should receive updates when procedures or equipment change. We encourage a culture of attentiveness, where concerns can be raised without hesitation and lessons are learned from everyday operations. This supports a stronger and more reliable safety framework across the business.

We also expect everyone to remain fit for work and to avoid tasks if illness, fatigue, or impairment could affect judgement or coordination. A responsible attitude is essential in a service that involves lifting, carrying, driving, and working in changing environments. By promoting awareness, respect, and caution, Man and Van Queensbury strives to deliver a safe moving service that protects people, property, and reputation alike.