Health and Safety Policy — Adam Van Hire

Adam Van Hire is committed to maintaining a safe working environment for all staff, drivers, hirers and members of the public affected by our operations. This policy outlines the approach we take to vehicle safety, workplace practices and on-road responsibilities, and explains the practical measures we apply to reduce risk and prevent harm.

Scope and Objectives

The policy covers all activities associated with Adam Van Hire, including vehicle preparation, hire procedures, loading and unloading, driver competence, on-road conduct and routine servicing. Our objectives are to minimize incidents, ensure regulatory compliance where applicable, and promote a culture of continuous improvement in safety performance.

Responsibilities — Everyone has a role. Management will provide resources and oversight; supervisors will monitor day-to-day safety; drivers and hirers must follow safe systems of work. Employees and contractors are expected to report hazards without delay and to cooperate with safety investigations and corrective actions.

Risk Assessment and Control

Risk assessments are conducted for routine and non-routine tasks. Where hazards are identified we apply the hierarchy of controls: elimination, substitution, engineering controls, administrative controls and personal protective equipment. Controls are reviewed periodically or after any significant change in operations.

Vehicle-specific risks include load security, gross mass limits, driver fatigue, vehicle defects and adverse weather. Our approach includes pre-hire inspections, secure load guidance, and clear limits on vehicle usage to prevent overloading and instability. Load restraint procedures are documented and enforced.

Vehicle Maintenance and Inspections

Regular servicing is scheduled and recorded. Daily and pre-trip checks are mandatory for drivers: tyres, lights, fluid levels, brakes and security systems. Faults are reported immediately and vehicles with safety-critical defects are taken out of service until repaired. Strong emphasis is placed on documented inspection checklists.

Driver selection and training are central to safe operation. Applicants are assessed for eligibility and ability to operate the specific class of van. Ongoing refresher briefings, safe driving reminders and practical instructions for loading and reversing are provided. We encourage a defensive driving approach and zero tolerance for impaired driving.

Personal protective equipment (PPE) is supplied where tasks require it, such as gloves, hi-vis clothing and appropriate footwear. PPE use is monitored and included in training. Storage of PPE and its maintenance are part of routine checks to ensure items remain serviceable.

Loading and unloading procedures are designed to protect both people and property. A clear exclusion zone is promoted where practical, and mechanical aids are used to reduce manual handling risks. Team lifting techniques and safe stacking practices are communicated and practiced.

Emergency preparedness and incident response are defined and rehearsed. In the event of an incident, priority is given to preserving life and preventing further injury. Incidents, near misses and hazardous occurrences are recorded, investigated proportionally and used to inform corrective actions to prevent recurrence.

Accident reporting procedures are straightforward and accessible. Where appropriate, we conduct formal root cause analysis and implement measurable actions. Records of incidents and actions taken are retained to track trends and identify areas for improvement.

Safe fuel handling and vehicle refuelling controls are enforced to prevent spills and fires. Refuelling is conducted in designated areas with attention to static discharge control, and spill kits are maintained with staff trained in their use.

Contractors and third-party service providers engaged by Adam Van Hire must operate in accordance with this policy. Procurement processes include basic safety assessments and expectations for subcontractor performance. Where subcontractors bring their own vehicles or equipment, they must provide evidence of adequate maintenance and safe systems of work.

Monitoring and review — Safety performance is monitored through audits, inspections and routine management reviews. Performance indicators include incident frequency, vehicle downtime due to defects, inspection completion rates and corrective action closure times. Results are used for continuous improvement and to reinforce accountability.

To promote a positive safety culture we encourage open communication, recognition of safe behaviors and timely feedback on concerns raised. Management supports staff in raising issues without fear of reprisal, and positive suggestions for safety improvements are welcomed.

Conclusion — Adam Van Hire is committed to effective health and safety management across all aspects of van hire and vehicle operation. This policy is supported by practical procedures and active supervision, and it is reviewed regularly to reflect evolving risks and lessons learned. By working together and following the controls set out here, we aim to maintain safe operations and protect the wellbeing of everyone who interacts with our service.

Key commitments:

• Maintain safe, roadworthy vehicles through systematic inspection and maintenance.
• Ensure drivers and staff are competent, informed and supported.
• Assess and control risks associated with loading, driving and vehicle servicing.
• Record, investigate and learn from incidents and near misses.
• Foster a cooperative safety culture with clear responsibilities and open communication.

This policy is a statement of intent and a framework for action. It is the responsibility of all associated with Adam Van Hire to implement and uphold its principles to maintain safe, reliable van hire operations.