Health and Safety policy

Health and Safety Policy for Man With a Van Brockley

Man With a Van Brockley is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for our team members, customers, and members of the public who may be affected by our removal and transport activities. This Health and Safety Policy sets out our approach to managing risks associated with moving, loading, transporting, and unloading goods across our service areas.

Our objectives are to prevent accidents, injuries, and damage to property, while delivering reliable and professional moving services. We comply with all relevant health and safety legislation and continually aim to improve our standards.

Scope of the Policy

This policy applies to all employees, contractors, and temporary workers engaged by Man With a Van Brockley. It covers all work carried out at customer premises, in vehicles, in storage areas, and in any other location where we operate our removal services.

Roles and Responsibilities

Management is responsible for implementing this policy, providing appropriate resources, and ensuring that health and safety is integrated into all aspects of the business. This includes risk assessment, training, supervision, and the maintenance of equipment and vehicles.

Employees must 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 safe working procedures, use equipment correctly, report hazards and incidents promptly, and cooperate fully with safety instructions and training.

Risk Assessment and Planning

Before each job, we assess potential risks associated with access routes, parking, lifting tasks, and the nature of the items being moved. Where necessary, we conduct a more detailed site-specific risk assessment to identify hazards such as narrow stairways, uneven surfaces, poor lighting, or restricted access.

We plan each move to minimise manual handling risks and protect customers, neighbours, and the general public. This may include allocating sufficient staff, planning safe loading sequences, and using appropriate lifting aids and securing methods during transport.

Manual Handling and Lifting

Manual handling is a key part of removal work, and we take particular care to reduce the risk of musculoskeletal injuries. Staff receive instruction in safe lifting techniques, team lifting, and the use of handling equipment.

Where possible, we use trolleys, dollies, straps, and other handling aids to move heavy or bulky items. No employee is required to lift or carry loads they consider unsafe. Heavy or awkward loads are assessed and, if necessary, broken down into smaller components or handled by additional team members.

Use of Equipment and Vehicles

All vehicles used by Man With a Van Brockley are maintained in a safe and roadworthy condition. Regular checks are carried out on tyres, brakes, lights, securing points, and loading areas. Any defects are reported immediately and rectified before further use.

Lifting and securing equipment, such as straps, blankets, and trolleys, is inspected regularly. Defective or worn equipment is taken out of service. Staff are instructed in the correct use of this equipment to prevent accidents, damage to goods, and injury.

Driving Safety and Route Planning

Our drivers are expected to follow all road traffic laws and to drive safely and responsibly at all times. Routes are planned to allow sufficient time for safe travel, taking into account traffic, weather, and loading or unloading restrictions.

Drivers must not operate vehicles if they are unfit through fatigue, illness, or any other cause that could impair their ability to drive safely. The safe loading and securing of goods is prioritised to prevent shifting of loads and to maintain vehicle stability.

Customer Premises and Public Safety

We recognise our duty to protect customers and the public during moving operations. Care is taken to position vehicles safely and legally, avoiding obstruction of pavements and access routes wherever possible.

Within customer premises, we aim to keep access routes clear and free from trip hazards such as loose packaging, tools, or trailing straps. When moving large items through shared areas such as corridors or communal entrances, our team members take care to warn anyone nearby and minimise disruption.

Training, Information, and Supervision

All team members receive appropriate instruction relevant to their role, including manual handling, safe loading, use of equipment, and general health and safety practices. New staff are supervised until they are competent to work safely and independently.

We provide ongoing guidance so that staff are aware of any changes in procedures, equipment, or legislation that may affect their work. Supervisors monitor working practices to ensure that safety standards are maintained.

Accident, Incident, and Near-Miss Reporting

All accidents, incidents, and near-misses, however minor, must be reported to management as soon as practicable. This allows us to record what happened, provide support where needed, and take steps to prevent recurrence.

We investigate significant incidents to identify root causes and implement corrective actions. Lessons learned are communicated to the team so that improvements in safety can be shared across the business.

Health, Welfare, and Fitness for Work

We recognise the physical demands of removal work and encourage employees to look after their health and fitness. Staff are expected to inform management of any medical conditions or injuries that could affect their ability to carry out tasks safely.

Suitable breaks are planned during longer jobs to help prevent fatigue. Drinking water and basic welfare provisions are made available to support the wellbeing of staff while at work.

Continuous Improvement and Policy Review

Man With a Van Brockley is committed to continuous improvement in health and safety performance. We review this policy periodically, and after any significant change in our operations or relevant legislation, to ensure it remains effective and up to date.

Feedback from staff and customers is welcomed, and we use this information to refine our working methods, reduce risks, and enhance the safety of our removal services throughout the areas we serve.