Toms Man and Van Health and Safety Policy

This health and safety policy sets out the commitment of Toms Man and Van to maintain safe operations for all staff, contractors and customers during moving and transportation activities. Our primary aim is to prevent injury, protect health and ensure that our mobile workforce operates with appropriate controls. The policy applies to all services provided by the company, including man and van moves, light removals and vehicle-based deliveries, and focuses on practical measures rather than legal specificities.

All employees of Tom's Man & Van are required to follow established safe working procedures. Management leads by example and is responsible for ensuring that safe systems are implemented, while every worker has a duty to take reasonable care of their own safety and that of others. Training, correct equipment and clear communication underpin these responsibilities and are central to our approach to risk management.

Risk assessment is the foundation of our safety management. We identify hazards associated with manual handling, vehicle operation, loading/unloading and working at customer premises. Controls include the use of appropriate lifting techniques, mechanical aids, vehicle securing methods and restrictions on solo heavy-lifting. Equipment inspections and routine vehicle checks are carried out to keep working conditions safe and reliable.

Responsibilities and Safe Working Practices

Managers and supervisors at Toms Moving & Van ensure staff receive induction and refresher instruction tailored to their duties. Responsibilities include allocating tasks within the competence of the crew, monitoring compliance and ensuring personal protective equipment (PPE) is available and used correctly. Supervision is proportionate to the task risk and experience of personnel.

Employees must report hazards, near misses and incidents promptly so that corrective actions can be taken. The reporting process is designed to be straightforward and non-punitive to encourage transparency. Where an injury or incident occurs, a clear investigation will follow and measures will be implemented to prevent recurrence.

Key operational controls include:

• Pre-shift vehicle checks covering brakes, lights, tyre condition and secure load restraints;
• Proper manual handling techniques and mechanical aids for heavy or awkward items;
• Safe loading and unloading methods and use of protective packaging where required;
• Clear communication between crew members and with customers to manage access, stairs and obstacles.

Training, Equipment and Monitoring

Training is provided to ensure staff understand the risks associated with relocation work. This includes defensive driving, manual handling refreshers, safe use of trolleys and straps, and basic first aid awareness. Competence is regularly reviewed and additional instruction is provided when new equipment or methods are introduced.

The company supplies suitable PPE and tools, including gloves, back supports where appropriate, hi-vis clothing and securement straps. All items are inspected and replaced when necessary. Maintenance of vans and moving equipment follows a scheduled regime to reduce the likelihood of breakdowns and accidents.

Emergency preparedness is maintained through accessible procedures for incidents, vehicle breakdowns and medical events. Crews are briefed on steps to take in common scenarios, and escalation routes are clear so help can be summoned without delay. Regular review of emergency arrangements ensures they remain practical and effective.

Monitoring and review of the policy is ongoing. Safety performance is tracked using operational checks, vehicle logs and incident records, and findings are used to improve practices and training. Toms Van Service encourages an open safety culture where improvements are implemented promptly and lessons are shared across the team.

Special attention is given to tasks with increased risk, such as multi-drop routes, confined property access and handling fragile or hazardous items. Where tasks cannot be completed safely with available resources, crew members are empowered to postpone or adapt operations until adequate controls are in place. Prevention and mitigation are preferred over reactive measures.

In summary, the health and safety policy for Toms Removals is based on responsibility, competence and continuous improvement. We protect people through sensible risk management, practical controls and a commitment to learning. Effective communication, training and properly maintained equipment form the backbone of our safe working approach and ensure we deliver reliable, secure moving services with the wellbeing of everyone involved as the priority.