Bow Man and Van Health and Safety Policy

Bow Man and Van is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for our employees, contractors, customers, and members of the public who may be affected by our removal and man and van services. This Health and Safety Policy sets out our general approach, responsibilities, and arrangements for managing risks associated with moving, handling, transport, and related activities.

1. Policy Statement and Objectives

Our objective is to conduct all removal and transport operations in a way that prevents injury, ill health, and damage to property or the environment. We aim to identify hazards, assess risks, and implement effective control measures to ensure work is carried out safely and professionally.

We will comply, as a minimum, with all applicable health and safety legislation and recognised industry best practice for the removals and transport sector. Continuous improvement in health and safety performance is central to how we manage and deliver our services.

2. Scope of the Policy

This policy applies to all Bow Man and Van activities, including but not limited to household and office removals, loading and unloading, packing and unpacking, handling of furniture and equipment, driving and vehicle operations, and onsite work at customer premises or storage facilities.

The policy covers all employees, temporary workers, subcontractors, and any other persons engaged by Bow Man and Van, as well as the safety of customers and others who may be affected by our work.

3. Management Responsibilities

Management at Bow Man and Van is responsible for ensuring that adequate resources, information, instruction, and training are provided to maintain high standards of health and safety. Management will:

• Establish and maintain safe systems of work for all removal and transport activities.
• Carry out and regularly review risk assessments for tasks such as lifting, carrying, stair work, and vehicle loading.
• Provide suitable equipment, vehicles, and protective measures to reduce risk to a practical minimum.
• Monitor compliance with this policy and take prompt action where improvements are required.
• Lead by example and promote a positive health and safety culture.

4. Employee Responsibilities

All employees and persons working on behalf of Bow Man and Van 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 expected to:

• Follow all safe working procedures, guidance, and instructions provided.
• Use vehicles, tools, and equipment correctly and report any defects immediately.
• Cooperate fully with training, supervision, and health and safety initiatives.
• Report accidents, incidents, near misses, and unsafe conditions without delay.
• Avoid taking unnecessary risks and stop work if a situation appears unsafe.

5. Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices

Bow Man and Van will undertake risk assessments for key activities involved in removals and transport. These assessments will identify potential hazards such as manual handling injuries, slips and trips, falls from height, vehicle accidents, and damage to property. Control measures will then be introduced and reviewed regularly.

Safe working practices will focus on areas including route planning, safe parking and unloading, handling heavy or awkward items, moving goods through confined or shared spaces, protecting customer property, and working safely in varying weather or site conditions.

6. Manual Handling and Use of Equipment

Manual handling is central to removal work and presents a significant risk of strain and musculoskeletal injury if not properly controlled. Bow Man and Van will:

• Provide appropriate manual handling training to all staff.
• Encourage team lifting for heavy or bulky items.
• Use suitable handling aids such as trolleys, dollies, and lifting straps where appropriate.
• Plan routes and loading patterns to minimise excessive lifting, carrying, and twisting.
• Instruct staff to refuse to move items where the risk of injury is judged to be unacceptable.

7. Vehicle Safety and Driving Standards

Vehicles used by Bow Man and Van will be maintained in a safe and roadworthy condition through regular checks and servicing. Drivers and crew members must:

• Conduct pre-use checks and report defects promptly.
• Follow safe loading practices, ensuring loads are secure and evenly distributed.
• Adhere to speed limits, traffic laws, and parking regulations.
• Drive considerately in residential and commercial areas to protect pedestrians and other road users.
• Avoid driving under the influence of drugs, alcohol, or any substance that impairs ability.

8. Customer and Public Safety

We recognise our responsibility to protect customers and the public where our work is carried out. Measures include:

• Planning access routes to minimise obstruction and trip hazards.
• Using signage or verbal warnings where there is a risk to others nearby.
• Taking care when moving large items through shared spaces such as hallways and stairwells.
• Securing doors, gates, and vehicles when unattended to prevent unauthorised access.

9. Training, Information, and Supervision

Bow Man and Van will provide training and information relevant to employees roles and the risks they face. This may include induction training, manual handling techniques, safe loading and driving practices, use of equipment, and emergency procedures.

Supervision will be proportionate to the experience and competence of staff, the complexity of the task, and the level of risk involved. New and less experienced workers will receive additional oversight until they are confident and capable in their duties.

10. Incident Reporting and Emergency Procedures

All accidents, injuries, near misses, and incidents involving damage to property or vehicles must be reported as soon as possible. Incidents will be investigated to identify underlying causes and to prevent recurrence.

Staff will be briefed on what to do in emergencies, including fires, serious injuries, road traffic collisions, or sudden structural hazards at customer premises. Where appropriate, emergency services will be contacted without delay.

11. Policy Review and Continuous Improvement

This Health and Safety Policy will be reviewed regularly and updated when necessary, for example following significant changes in our operations, the introduction of new equipment, or changes in relevant legislation or guidance.

Bow Man and Van is committed to learning from experience, listening to feedback from staff and customers, and continuously improving the way we manage health and safety in our removal and man and van services.