Health and Safety Policy — Mikes Man and Van

Mikes Man and Van is committed to delivering safe, reliable moving and transport services. This Health and Safety Policy outlines the responsibilities, standards and practical measures adopted by Mike's Man & Van and its team to protect employees, clients and the public. The policy applies to all operations, including collection, transit, delivery and short-term storage. It emphasises hazard identification, risk control, training and ongoing review to maintain high standards of safety across every job.

All staff are expected to understand their roles and to work under the guidance of nominated safety leads. Managers will allocate resources for training, personal protective equipment and vehicle maintenance. Every operative will be given instruction on safe manual handling, use of vehicle restraints and correct loading procedures. Regular toolbox talks and refresher briefings are part of the routine to ensure that Mikes Man & Van services remain consistent with best practice.

The organisation carries out systematic risk assessments for each assignment, taking into account access, parking, site layout and any customer-supplied information. Risk controls follow the hierarchy of elimination, substitution, engineering controls and administrative measures. When hazards cannot be fully removed, appropriate protective equipment and safe systems of work will be provided. Reporting near misses and hazards is encouraged to support a culture of continuous improvement.

Vehicle and equipment safety is central to the operation of Mikes Man & Van and associated brands. All vans and trailers are inspected before use and maintained to a standard that minimises breakdowns and on-road risks. Load security, tyre condition, lighting and braking systems are checked regularly. Drivers are trained to perform pre-trip inspections and to record any defects so that repairs are scheduled without delay.

Manual handling procedures are a key component of safe operations. Staff are taught to assess loads, use mechanical aids where available and adopt safe lifting techniques to reduce the risk of musculoskeletal injury. Appropriate lifting straps, trolley trucks and moving blankets are supplied to protect both personnel and customer property. Supervisors will allocate two-person lifts for heavy or bulky items and plan routes to avoid repetitive or hazardous maneuvers.

Operational Controls and Emergency Response

Drivers and crew are required to follow operational controls that include secure loading practices, reduced speed in confined areas and clear communication during complex moves. Emergency procedures are in place for accidents, vehicle breakdowns and medical incidents, ensuring a coordinated response that prioritises safety. Incident records are kept and reviewed to identify trends and preventative actions.

Training, Supervision and Responsibilities

Training is provided to all employees to cover core topics such as safe driving, manual handling, use of restraints, and customer site awareness. Supervisors monitor compliance and provide effective on-the-job coaching. Individual responsibilities include:

• Employees: follow safe systems of work, use provided PPE and report hazards;
• Supervisors: ensure staff competency, confirm risk assessments are actioned and maintain records;
• Management: provide resources, maintain vehicles and evaluate performance against safety objectives.

These roles ensure that Mikes removals and van services are carried out with professional attention to safety and quality.

Monitoring and review processes measure effectiveness. Routine checks, periodic audits and performance indicators provide feedback for continual improvement. Investigations into incidents focus on root causes and practical corrective measures rather than blame, supporting a learning culture that values safety and openness.

The company recognises that safety is a shared responsibility. Everyone from drivers to administrative staff contributes to reducing risk and protecting property. Policy reviews occur regularly to reflect operational changes, new equipment, and lessons learned. In summary, the Health & Safety Policy for Mikes Man and Van sets out a clear framework to manage hazards, support employees and deliver dependable, safe moving services.