Health and Safety policy
Health and Safety Policy for Man with Van Brondesbury
Man with Van Brondesbury is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for our employees, contractors, customers and members of the public who may be affected by our removal and transport services. This Health and Safety policy sets out our approach to managing risks associated with moving, loading, unloading, driving and working on or near customer premises.
Policy Statement and Objectives
Our objective is to prevent accidents, injuries and work-related ill health by identifying hazards, assessing risks and implementing sensible control measures. We aim to deliver professional removal services while protecting people, property and the environment. Health and Safety is an integral part of our day-to-day operations and decision making.
Management accepts overall responsibility for Health and Safety and will provide appropriate resources, training and supervision to ensure this policy is implemented and maintained. All staff and contractors are required to cooperate with this policy and follow our safe working procedures at all times.
Legal Compliance and Continuous Improvement
Man with Van Brondesbury complies with applicable health and safety legislation and relevant industry guidance relating to removal and transport activities. We review this policy regularly and revise it when necessary, including in response to changes in legislation, operational practices, or following incidents and near misses.
We are committed to continuous improvement. Lessons learned from jobs, feedback from staff and customers, and findings from risk assessments are used to improve our procedures and reduce risk.
Responsibilities
Management is responsible for:
Ensuring that health and safety arrangements are in place, understood and implemented. Providing and maintaining safe vehicles, equipment and tools. Organising appropriate training, instruction and supervision. Conducting or arranging risk assessments and taking action on identified risks. Investigating accidents and incidents and ensuring corrective actions are completed.
Employees and contractors are responsible for:
Taking reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions. Following all safety instructions, training and procedures. Using equipment and vehicles correctly and reporting defects immediately. Reporting accidents, near misses, hazards and unsafe conditions. Cooperating with investigations, audits and safety improvement measures.
Risk Assessment and Planning
Before starting a removal job, a risk-based approach is used to plan the work. Where appropriate, a site-specific assessment is carried out to identify hazards such as restricted access, stairs, uneven ground, vehicle movement, manual handling requirements, and weather conditions.
Control measures may include the allocation of sufficient staff, selection of suitable vehicles, use of handling aids, route planning, and agreement of safe loading and unloading areas with the customer. Complex or high-risk jobs receive additional planning and supervision.
Safe Driving and Vehicle Operations
Safe driving is essential to our removals service. Drivers must hold valid licences and be medically fit to drive. They must obey road traffic laws, drive defensively and adjust their driving to suit road, weather and traffic conditions.
Vehicles are maintained in a safe and roadworthy condition, with regular checks on brakes, tyres, lights, securing points and load-carrying areas. Pre-use vehicle checks are carried out and any defects reported immediately. Loads are secured to prevent movement during transit and weight limits are respected.
Manual Handling and Use of Equipment
Manual handling is a key part of our work and is managed carefully to prevent injury. Staff receive training on safe lifting techniques, team lifting and the correct use of handling aids such as trolleys and straps.
Heavy, bulky or awkward items are assessed individually. Where necessary, additional staff, specialist equipment or alternative methods of movement are arranged. Staff are instructed not to attempt to move items that they believe are beyond their capability or cannot be handled safely.
Working at Customer Premises
Our teams often work in and around homes, offices and other premises. We take care to protect both people and property. Walkways are kept as clear as reasonably practicable, doors and gates are used safely, and particular attention is paid to stairs, narrow corridors and slippery surfaces.
Where possible, we agree a safe working area and access route with the customer. Children, pets and other occupants are kept away from loading and unloading areas wherever practical. Staff are instructed to work respectfully, avoid unnecessary noise or disruption, and report any damage or concerns immediately.
Personal Protective Equipment
Suitable personal protective equipment is provided where required by risk assessments or specific tasks. This may include safety footwear, work gloves, high-visibility clothing or other items appropriate to the job and environment.
Staff are required to use the equipment provided, keep it in good condition and report loss or damage so it can be replaced promptly.
Welfare, Health and Fitness for Work
We recognise the importance of staff welfare and fitness for work in providing safe removal services. Employees are encouraged to report any health issues that could affect their ability to carry out manual handling or driving tasks safely.
Drugs and alcohol are not permitted during working hours or in any way that could impair performance or safety. Staff must be adequately rested and are encouraged to take reasonable breaks during long or physically demanding jobs.
Emergency Procedures, Accidents and Near Misses
Where practical, staff are briefed on emergency arrangements at each job, including exits, assembly points and any known site-specific risks. Vehicles are equipped with basic emergency equipment appropriate for road use.
All accidents, incidents and near misses must be reported as soon as possible. They are recorded, investigated and used to improve systems of work and prevent recurrence. Customers are informed of any significant incidents that occur at their premises which may affect them.
Communication, Training and Policy Review
This Health and Safety policy is communicated to all staff and contractors as part of their induction and is available for customers to view on request. Additional guidance and updates are provided as necessary.
The policy is reviewed periodically to ensure it remains suitable, adequate and effective in supporting safe, reliable removal services across our operating area.
