Man with Van Brentford Health and Safety Policy
Man with Van Brentford is committed to providing a professional removal service that protects the health, safety and welfare of our customers, our staff and the general public. This Health and Safety Policy sets out our approach to identifying and managing risks associated with moving, loading, transporting and unloading goods for domestic and commercial clients.
Policy Objectives
The primary objectives of this policy are to prevent accidents and work-related ill health, minimise damage to property and goods, and ensure that our removal operations are carried out in a safe, controlled and responsible manner. We aim to continuously improve our health and safety performance through regular review, training and communication.
Management Responsibilities
Management at Man with Van Brentford is responsible for implementing and maintaining this Health and Safety Policy. This includes providing appropriate equipment, allocating sufficient time for jobs to be completed safely, and ensuring that staff receive suitable information, instruction and training. Management will review risk assessments, investigate any incidents, and update procedures where necessary.
Employee Responsibilities
Every staff member has a duty to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions. This includes following safe working practices, using equipment correctly, reporting hazards or incidents promptly, and cooperating with any health and safety instructions or training provided. Employees must not undertake tasks for which they are not trained or which appear unsafe.
Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work
Before commencing any removal job, our team assesses the work environment, access points, parking arrangements and any specific risks related to the property, goods or route. We identify potential hazards such as narrow staircases, uneven surfaces, heavy or awkward items, and traffic risks when loading or unloading. Based on this assessment, the team agrees a safe method of work, including the number of staff required, the equipment to be used and the safest way to handle particular items.
Manual Handling and Use of Equipment
Manual handling is a core part of removal work and is managed carefully to reduce the risk of injury. Staff are trained in correct lifting techniques, team lifting and the use of handling aids. Where possible, sack trucks, dollies, sliders, straps and blankets are used to move heavy or bulky items safely and to protect both the goods and the property. No individual is expected to lift or carry loads beyond their capability, and staff must request assistance whenever needed.
Vehicle Safety and Loading
All vehicles used by Man with Van Brentford must be roadworthy, regularly checked and suitable for the loads they carry. Drivers are responsible for daily visual checks of lights, tyres, mirrors and securing mechanisms. Goods are loaded to distribute weight safely and to prevent movement during transit. Items are secured using straps and appropriate packing materials to reduce the risk of damage and to avoid shifting loads that could affect vehicle stability or cause injury when doors are opened.
Customer and Public Safety
During collections and deliveries, our staff take care to protect customers, visitors and members of the public. This may include placing warning signs or verbal notices where work is taking place, keeping routes clear of trip hazards and avoiding blocking fire exits or communal passageways. We ask customers and other occupants to keep children and pets away from working areas and moving vehicles while loading or unloading is in progress.
Protection of Property and Goods
To maintain a safe working environment and reduce damage, our team uses suitable protective materials such as blankets, covers and floor protection where appropriate. Items are handled with care, avoiding rushed movements or unsafe shortcuts. Particular attention is given to fragile, high value or unusually shaped items, for which additional measures may be agreed with the customer before moving.
Personal Protective Equipment
Where the risk assessment identifies a need, staff are provided with and required to use personal protective equipment such as safety footwear and gloves. Equipment must be worn and maintained according to instructions. Any defects or issues with protective equipment must be reported so that replacements can be arranged promptly.
Training, Information and Supervision
Man with Van Brentford provides initial and ongoing training to ensure staff understand their health and safety responsibilities and are competent to carry out removal work safely. This includes induction training, practical guidance on manual handling and vehicle loading, and regular reminders of safe working practices. New or less experienced staff may be supervised until they demonstrate the required level of competence.
Incident Reporting and Investigation
All accidents, near misses, injuries or dangerous occurrences must be reported to management as soon as practicable. Incidents are recorded and, where necessary, investigated to identify underlying causes and to prevent recurrence. Lessons learned from incidents are used to update training, risk assessments and working practices.
Subcontractors and Third Parties
Where subcontractors or third parties are engaged to assist with removal work, they are expected to follow this Health and Safety Policy and any specific instructions relevant to the job. We take reasonable steps to ensure that subcontractors are competent and aware of the safety standards required when working with our team.
Review and Continuous Improvement
This Health and Safety Policy is reviewed periodically and whenever there are significant changes in our operations, vehicles, equipment or relevant regulations. Feedback from staff and customers, as well as findings from incident investigations, is considered as part of the review process. Our aim is to continually improve how we manage health and safety in all aspects of our removal services.
By choosing Man with Van Brentford, customers can be confident that health, safety and the protection of people and property are central to the way we plan and deliver every move.
