Health and Safety policy

Health and Safety Policy for Man with Van Brockley

Man with Van Brockley is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for our team members, customers, visitors and members of the public who may be affected by our moving and removal services. This Health and Safety Policy explains how we manage risks associated with domestic and commercial removals, transportation of goods and related activities.

Health and Safety Objectives

Our primary objectives are to prevent injury, protect health and minimise risk throughout every stage of our service, from initial loading to final delivery. We aim to continuously improve our health and safety performance by reviewing working practices, listening to feedback and staying informed about industry standards relevant to man and van and removal operations.

Responsibilities and Management Commitment

Overall responsibility for health and safety rests with the company management, who ensure that appropriate resources, equipment and training are provided. Managers and supervisors are responsible for implementing this policy on a day-to-day basis and for monitoring safe working practices during moves and deliveries.

All workers, whether employed or subcontracted, 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 must cooperate fully with this policy, follow all safety instructions, use equipment correctly and report hazards, near misses, incidents or unsafe conditions without delay.

Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work

Before carrying out removal or transport work, we assess the significant risks associated with the task. This may include evaluating access routes, stairways, lifts, parking arrangements, traffic risks, weather conditions and the nature, weight and fragility of the items being moved.

Where necessary, we will adapt our methods to reduce risk, such as changing the route, using additional lifting equipment, allocating extra personnel or rescheduling where conditions are unsafe. We maintain and review safe systems of work for loading, unloading, securing loads, manual handling and driving.

Manual Handling and Safe Lifting

Manual handling is central to removal and man and van services, and it carries a risk of back injuries, strains and other musculoskeletal disorders if not carried out correctly. Our approach to safe manual handling includes:

Assessing the size, weight and shape of items before lifting or moving them.

Using handling aids such as trolleys, dollies, skates and straps where practical.

Splitting loads into smaller parts where possible, rather than lifting heavy items in one piece.

Using team lifting for bulky or heavy items such as furniture and appliances.

Following safe lifting techniques, keeping loads close to the body and avoiding twisting.

Where an item cannot be moved safely, our team is instructed not to proceed until a safer solution is found.

Use of Equipment and Vehicles

We ensure that vehicles used for our removal services are roadworthy, regularly inspected and maintained. Drivers are responsible for basic checks such as tyres, lights and load security before departing. Loads are positioned and secured in a way that prevents movement during transit and reduces the risk of damage or injury.

All handling equipment is inspected and maintained to ensure it remains safe and suitable for use. Only trained personnel may operate such equipment, and any defects or concerns must be reported immediately so that items can be repaired or removed from service.

Personal Protective Equipment

Where risks cannot be sufficiently reduced by other measures, personal protective equipment may be provided. This can include protective footwear, gloves, high-visibility garments and other items appropriate to the task and environment.

Workers are required to use such equipment as instructed, keep it in good condition and report any damage or loss so that it can be replaced promptly.

Customer Premises and Access

The safety of our team and others is influenced by the condition of the premises and access routes where we work. We ask customers to cooperate by ensuring that driveways, paths, corridors, staircases and work areas are as clear, well lit and free from hazards as reasonably possible.

Common examples include removing obstacles, securing pets, keeping children away from moving activity, and informing us of any known hazards such as loose steps, uneven surfaces or restricted access. Where our team identifies unsafe conditions, they are authorised to pause work until the risks are addressed or an alternative plan is agreed.

Driving and Road Safety

Safe driving is essential to protect our staff and other road users. Drivers must comply with road traffic laws, observe speed limits and drive in a manner appropriate to road and weather conditions. They must not drive under the influence of alcohol, drugs or any substance that may impair their ability to operate a vehicle safely.

Fatigue is managed by planning routes sensibly, allowing for reasonable driving times and breaks. Use of mobile devices while driving must be in accordance with legal requirements and company rules, and must never distract from safe vehicle control.

Training, Competence and Supervision

We provide training appropriate to the role of each worker, which may include induction training, manual handling guidance, use of equipment, vehicle safety and emergency procedures. Additional supervision is provided where workers are new to the role or carrying out unfamiliar tasks.

We encourage continuous learning and improvement, and we review training needs periodically to ensure that skills remain current and relevant to our removal and transport activities.

Incident Reporting and Investigation

All accidents, injuries, near misses and dangerous occurrences must be reported as soon as possible. These reports allow us to investigate what happened, understand the underlying causes and introduce measures to prevent recurrence.

Where necessary, we will review risk assessments, update working procedures or provide additional training. We do not tolerate victimisation of anyone who raises a genuine safety concern or reports an incident.

Consultation and Policy Review

We value input from workers and customers on health and safety matters related to our man and van and removal services. Suggestions and concerns are taken seriously and can lead to changes in procedures, equipment use or communication methods.

This Health and Safety Policy is reviewed regularly and whenever there are significant changes to our services, work practices or legal requirements. Updated versions will be made available so that our commitment to safe and reliable moving services remains clear and current.

Commitment to Continuous Improvement

Man with Van Brockley aims not only to meet, but where reasonably possible to exceed, minimum safety standards. By planning work carefully, training our team, using suitable equipment and engaging with customers, we strive to deliver removal services that protect people, property and the wider community.