Man with Van Brent Health and Safety Policy

Man with Van Brent 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 activities. This Health and Safety Policy sets out our approach to managing risks associated with removals, transportation, loading and unloading, and work carried out at customers premises or on the road.

We recognise our responsibility to comply with relevant health and safety legislation and to continually improve our standards, so that every move is carried out efficiently and safely.

Policy Aims and Objectives

The primary aim of this policy is to prevent injury, ill health, and damage to property. Our objectives include

Identifying and controlling hazards associated with lifting, carrying, driving, and working in and around properties and vehicles.

Providing clear guidance and training for our staff so that they can perform their duties safely and responsibly.

Ensuring vehicles and equipment are suitable, properly maintained, and used in accordance with safe working procedures.

Encouraging open communication about health and safety concerns and responding promptly to issues raised.

Reviewing and improving our health and safety arrangements on a regular basis.

Management Responsibilities

Management at Man with Van Brent holds overall responsibility for implementing this Health and Safety Policy. This includes

Ensuring that risk assessments are carried out for typical removal activities, including manual handling, working in confined or cluttered spaces, stair work, and road use.

Providing appropriate information, instruction, and supervision to all staff so they understand their responsibilities and follow safe systems of work.

Maintaining vehicles in a roadworthy and safe condition, including regular checks of tyres, brakes, loading areas, securing points, and lifting aids where these are used.

Allocating sufficient resources for training, equipment, and safety measures.

Monitoring health and safety performance and taking corrective action where necessary.

Employee Responsibilities

All employees and workers engaged by Man with Van Brent are required to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions. Every member of the team must

Follow all safety instructions, training, and guidance provided by the company.

Use vehicles, tools, and equipment only for their intended purpose and in a safe manner.

Report accidents, near misses, hazards, or unsafe conditions immediately to management.

Refrain from engaging in unsafe practices, including overloading vehicles, taking unnecessary risks on stairs, or attempting to move items that are beyond safe lifting limits.

Never work under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or any substance that could impair judgment or performance.

Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices

Before each job, our team will consider the specific risks at the collection and delivery addresses and during transport. This may include

Assessing access routes, staircases, lifts, doorways, and parking arrangements for safe loading and unloading.

Planning how heavy, large, or awkward items will be moved, using team lifting methods or mechanical aids where appropriate.

Identifying potential trip hazards, slippery surfaces, low ceilings, or other obstructions that may affect safe movement.

Considering weather conditions and visibility when loading, unloading, and driving.

Ensuring that all items are loaded securely so they do not shift during transit, and that the overall load is stable and within safe weight limits.

Manual Handling and Lifting

Manual handling is a core part of removal work and presents a significant risk of injury if not managed correctly. Our approach includes

Training staff in correct lifting techniques and team lifting methods.

Avoiding single person lifting of heavy or bulky items where the weight or shape makes this unsafe.

Using lifting aids and trolleys wherever the environment allows.

Encouraging staff to stop and reassess if an item feels too heavy, awkward, or unsafe to move as initially planned.

Vehicle Safety and Driving

Our vehicles are essential to our service, and their safe operation is a priority. We will

Ensure drivers hold the correct licence and are competent to operate the vehicles they are assigned.

Carry out regular vehicle inspections and maintenance, including checks before use.

Require drivers to follow all road safety laws, adhere to speed limits, and drive in a manner that protects passengers, other road users, and the load being carried.

Plan routes to minimise unnecessary risk, taking into account access restrictions and safe stopping points for loading and unloading.

Customer Cooperation and Site Safety

We ask customers to support our health and safety efforts by

Providing accurate information about access, parking, and any known hazards at the property or site.

Ensuring that walkways, stairs, and access points are as clear as reasonably possible on the day of the move.

Keeping children, pets, and unnecessary persons away from loading and unloading areas while work is in progress.

Not requesting staff to undertake tasks that fall outside agreed services or that appear unsafe, such as lifting beyond safe limits or working in hazardous areas.

Accidents, Incidents, and First Aid

All accidents, near misses, and incidents, however minor, must be reported to management. This enables us to

Provide or arrange appropriate medical assistance where needed.

Investigate the circumstances and identify root causes.

Implement measures to reduce the likelihood of similar incidents in the future.

First aid provisions are made available in vehicles and at operational bases, and staff are briefed on how to seek emergency assistance when required.

Training, Communication, and Review

Man with Van Brent is committed to providing suitable health and safety training and to keeping staff informed of any changes in procedures or legal requirements that affect their work. We

Offer induction training for new staff, covering key risks and safe practices.

Provide ongoing instruction where new equipment, vehicles, or methods are introduced.

Encourage employees to raise concerns and suggestions for safety improvements.

Review this Health and Safety Policy periodically or when there are significant changes in our operations.

Policy Commitment

This Health and Safety Policy reflects the commitment of Man with Van Brent to protect the wellbeing of our staff, customers, and the wider public. Safe working is integral to our removal services, and everyone involved in our operations is expected to support and uphold the standards set out in this policy.