Health and Safety policy

Man with Van Bromley Health and Safety Policy

Man with Van Bromley is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for our employees, customers, contractors 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 risk, preventing injury, and maintaining safe standards during house moves, office moves and related services throughout our operating area.

Our Health and Safety Commitment

We recognise our duty to comply with relevant health and safety legislation and industry best practice. Our objectives are to prevent accidents, work-related ill health and damage to property, and to continuously improve health and safety performance. Management accepts overall responsibility for health and safety and ensures that adequate resources, information, instruction and supervision are provided.

Every worker has a responsibility to work safely, to follow the procedures described in this policy and to report any hazards, near misses or incidents so that they can be addressed promptly.

Responsibilities and Management

Management is responsible for implementing this policy, reviewing it regularly and ensuring that safe systems of work are in place for all removal services. Supervisors and team leaders are responsible for day-to-day monitoring on site and ensuring that staff comply with safe working procedures. All employees and contractors must cooperate with management, use equipment correctly, and avoid any action that could put themselves or others at risk.

We will periodically review our risk assessments, method statements and safe working practices to reflect changes in services, equipment, legal requirements or operating locations.

Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices

Before starting any removal, loading or delivery job, we assess the potential hazards associated with the property, access points, parking locations, routes, loads and customer requirements. Where necessary, a site-specific risk assessment is carried out. Risks identified may include manual handling, slips and trips, falling objects, vehicle movements, working in confined or cluttered spaces and adverse weather conditions.

Control measures may include planning safe access routes, securing parking arrangements where possible, using appropriate lifting techniques and equipment, wearing suitable personal protective equipment and ensuring clear communication between team members. Work will be planned so that time pressures do not compromise safe practice.

Manual Handling and Lifting

Manual handling is a key part of our removal activities and is managed carefully to prevent injury. Staff are trained in correct lifting and carrying techniques, including team lifting for heavy or awkward items. Wherever reasonable, handling aids such as trolleys, dollies, straps and blankets are used to reduce physical strain and protect property.

Employees must assess the weight, shape and stability of items before moving them, and are instructed not to attempt lifts that may exceed their capability. Heavy or high-risk items may be refused or rescheduled if safe handling cannot be ensured with available staff and equipment.

Vehicles, Driving and Road Safety

All vehicles used by Man with Van Bromley must be roadworthy, maintained in a safe condition and suitable for the loads they carry. Regular inspections and servicing are carried out in line with manufacturers recommendations and legal requirements. Loads are secured to prevent movement, damage or risk to occupants and other road users.

Drivers must hold valid licences for the vehicles they operate and follow the Highway Code at all times. Safe driving standards are expected, including adherence to speed limits, consideration of weather and traffic conditions, safe reversing practices and the use of banksmen where appropriate in tight or busy locations. The use of mobile phones or other distractions while driving is not permitted, except through approved hands-free systems where legally allowed.

Use of Equipment and Personal Protective Equipment

Where equipment is provided, such as lifting straps, trolleys, ramps or protective coverings, it must be used according to training and instructions. Equipment is periodically inspected and removed from service if unsafe. Employees must report faults or defects immediately so that they can be rectified.

Personal protective equipment, such as safety footwear and gloves, is provided as appropriate to the work being undertaken. Staff are required to wear such equipment where specified and to look after it properly.

Customer Premises and Public Safety

When working at customer homes, offices or other premises, our teams take reasonable steps to ensure the safety of occupants, visitors and members of the public. This includes keeping access routes as clear as is reasonably practicable, using caution when carrying items through shared areas, and taking care around children, pets and vulnerable people.

Furniture and belongings are handled with care to minimise the risk of damage. Where there are known hazards at the premises, such as uneven surfaces, narrow staircases or low ceilings, our staff will adapt their working methods or request assistance to maintain safety.

Training, Information and Supervision

All staff receive appropriate induction and ongoing training relevant to their roles, including manual handling, basic vehicle safety, site awareness and the specific procedures used by Man with Van Bromley. Additional instruction is provided when introducing new equipment, vehicles or methods of work.

Supervision is provided to ensure that procedures are followed and that any unsafe behaviour is corrected. We encourage open communication so that staff can raise concerns, ask questions and contribute to improvements in health and safety practices.

Accident Reporting and Emergency Procedures

All accidents, incidents, injuries, near misses and cases of work-related ill health must be reported to management as soon as reasonably possible. This enables us to provide necessary support, investigate causes and take corrective action to prevent recurrence. Records of incidents are kept in accordance with legal and internal requirements.

Our teams are instructed in basic emergency procedures, including what to do in the event of fire, traffic collisions, injury on site or sudden illness. Where necessary, emergency services will be contacted without delay and accurate information about the location and nature of the incident will be provided.

Monitoring, Review and Continuous Improvement

Man with Van Bromley monitors health and safety performance through incident reports, feedback from staff and customers, and periodic reviews of working practices. This policy and the associated procedures are reviewed regularly and updated when required to reflect changes in law, guidance, services or operational experience.

By working together, following this policy and maintaining a strong safety culture, we aim to provide reliable, professional and safe removal services for all customers within our service area.