Health and Safety policy

Man with Van Brent Park Health and Safety Policy

Man with Van Brent Park is committed to maintaining the highest practical standards of health and safety in all aspects of our removal and transport operations. This policy sets out how we protect our customers, members of the public, our workers, and any third parties who may be affected by our activities. It applies to all services we provide, including home removals, office moves, collection and delivery, and related loading and unloading work.

Health and Safety Objectives

Our primary objectives are to prevent injury, ill health, and damage to property, and to ensure all work is carried out in a way that is safe, responsible, and professional. We aim to identify and manage risks associated with lifting, carrying, driving, working in and around customer premises, and handling equipment and goods. We will review this policy on a regular basis and update it when necessary to reflect changes in legislation, best practice, or our own operations.

Management Responsibilities

Management is responsible for implementing and maintaining this Health and Safety Policy. This includes assessing risks, providing suitable vehicles and equipment, ensuring staff receive appropriate training, and monitoring safe working practices. Managers will ensure that work is planned to minimise risk, time pressures are managed realistically, and staff are not encouraged to take shortcuts that could compromise safety. Any incidents, near misses, or hazards reported will be investigated and used to improve procedures.

Employee Responsibilities

All workers engaged by Man with Van Brent Park, including drivers, porters, and subcontractors, have a duty to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions. Staff must follow instructions and training provided, use equipment correctly, and report any defects or hazards immediately. Employees are required to cooperate fully with this policy, wear suitable clothing and footwear, use any personal protective equipment provided, and refrain from unsafe practices such as running while carrying loads or riding on tail lifts.

Risk Assessment and Planning

Before work begins, we assess the potential hazards associated with each removal or delivery. This may include considering access routes, stairways, parking arrangements, building layouts, and the nature of the items to be moved. Where necessary, we will adapt our methods, allocate additional staff, or use mechanical aids to ensure work can be carried out safely. For larger or more complex moves, a site visit and more detailed planning may be undertaken to identify specific risks and control measures.

Safe Manual Handling

Manual handling is a key aspect of our work, and we recognise the potential for strains, sprains, and other injuries if it is not managed correctly. Staff receive guidance on safe lifting techniques, including assessing the weight and shape of items, lifting with a straight back and bent knees, keeping loads close to the body, and avoiding twisting while carrying. Heavy or awkward items are moved using appropriate equipment such as trolleys, dollies, and straps, and where required additional team members are assigned to share the load or guide the movement. No employee is expected to lift or carry an item that they reasonably believe to be unsafe.

Vehicle Safety and Driving Standards

Our vehicles are maintained in a roadworthy condition, with regular checks on brakes, lights, tyres, securing points, and lifting equipment where fitted. Drivers are required to hold the appropriate licence for the vehicle they operate and to adhere to all road traffic laws. Loads must be distributed and secured in a way that prevents movement during transit and does not exceed the vehicle's capacity. Drivers must not operate vehicles under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and must not drive while excessively tired. Journey planning aims to minimise stress and avoid unnecessary risks.

Working at Customer Premises

When working at homes, offices, or other premises, our team will act with consideration and care to avoid accidents and damage. We will seek to keep access routes clear, avoid trip hazards such as trailing straps or loose packaging, and use floor protection where appropriate. Where there are particular on-site risks, such as low ceilings, narrow staircases, or uneven surfaces, these will be highlighted to the team and taken into account when planning the move. We will cooperate with any reasonable safety requirements in place at customer or third-party sites.

Equipment and Protective Measures

Man with Van Brent Park provides and maintains equipment suitable for the safe performance of removal activities. This may include moving blankets, straps, trolleys, ramps, and other handling aids. Equipment must only be used for its intended purpose and in accordance with any instructions or training provided. Workers are responsible for checking equipment before use and reporting any faults so that defective items can be repaired or replaced. Where personal protective equipment is supplied, such as gloves or high-visibility garments for roadside work, it must be worn as directed.

Training, Information and Supervision

We recognise that competent staff are essential to safe operations. New team members are given an introduction to our health and safety procedures, safe lifting techniques, vehicle use, and customer site conduct. Ongoing guidance is provided to reinforce good practice and address any emerging issues. More experienced staff are expected to lead by example and assist in supervising newer workers, especially during complex or high-risk tasks.

Accidents, Incidents and Near Misses

All accidents, injuries, and near misses that occur during our activities must be reported as soon as possible to management. Information about what happened, where, and how will be recorded to help identify underlying causes. We will take appropriate action to prevent a recurrence, which may include changes to procedures, additional training, or equipment improvements. Where a customer or member of the public is affected, we will respond promptly and cooperatively.

Customer Cooperation and Communication

We encourage customers to support our health and safety arrangements by providing accurate information about access, parking, and any special risks at their premises. Customers are asked to keep children, pets, and non-essential persons clear of work areas during loading and unloading, and to inform us of any concerns they may have during the service. Clear communication between our team and customers helps ensure that work is carried out smoothly and safely.

Policy Review and Continuous Improvement

This Health and Safety Policy is reviewed regularly to ensure it remains suitable and effective for the services offered by Man with Van Brent Park. We are committed to continuous improvement and will update our procedures whenever new risks are identified, guidance changes, or better methods become available. By working together, we aim to provide a safe, reliable, and professional removal service for every customer.