Man and Van Brompton Health and Safety Policy

Man and Van Brompton 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 delivery activities. This Health and Safety Policy sets out our approach to managing risk, preventing injury and promoting safe working practices throughout all stages of our moving and transport services.

Policy Aims and Objectives

The primary aims of this policy are to prevent accidents, injuries and work-related ill health, and to continually improve our health and safety performance. We will identify hazards associated with our man and van operations, including packing, lifting, loading, unloading, driving and operating in residential and commercial environments, and will take proportionate measures to control these risks.

Health and safety considerations form an integral part of our planning, decision making and day-to-day working practices across our service area. All employees and representatives are required to work safely and report any concerns or incidents promptly.

Management Responsibilities

Management at Man and Van Brompton is responsible for ensuring that this policy is implemented, maintained and reviewed regularly. This includes allocating adequate resources for training, equipment, supervision and risk management. Managers must lead by example, promote a positive safety culture and ensure that safe working procedures are followed during all removal and transport activities.

We will continually review our practices in light of changes in legislation, industry standards, operational requirements and lessons learned from incidents or near misses.

Employee Responsibilities

All employees and contractors working on behalf of Man and Van Brompton 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:

Use equipment and vehicles only as instructed and in accordance with training received. Follow safe lifting techniques and manual handling guidelines at all times. Wear appropriate clothing and use any personal protective equipment provided. Report hazards, accidents, incidents and near misses as soon as practicable. Refrain from working under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Cooperate fully with management in implementing this policy.

Failure to follow safe systems of work may lead to disciplinary action where appropriate.

Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work

We will carry out risk assessments for our core activities, including but not limited to home and office removals, single-item transport, loading and unloading of vehicles, and the handling of heavy, bulky or fragile items. These assessments will identify significant hazards and outline control measures to reduce risks to an acceptable level.

Safe systems of work and method statements may be produced for higher risk activities, such as moving large furniture through restricted spaces, using lifting aids, working in shared access areas or operating at height for loading purposes. All staff will be briefed on the relevant risk control measures before work begins.

Manual Handling and Use of Equipment

Manual handling is a key part of our removals service. To reduce the risk of strains, sprains and musculoskeletal injuries, Man and Van Brompton will:

Provide training in correct lifting techniques and team lifting methods. Encourage the use of trolleys, dollies, straps and other handling aids whenever reasonably practicable. Plan loading and unloading to minimise unnecessary carrying and awkward movements. Ensure that loads are assessed for size, shape and weight before lifting.

All handling equipment must be checked regularly, used correctly and taken out of service if damaged or defective. Only trained personnel may operate any specialist equipment that we provide for removal tasks.

Vehicle Safety and Driving Standards

Our vehicles are essential to our man and van operations, and their safe use is a priority. Man and Van Brompton will maintain vehicles in a roadworthy condition, ensuring that they are inspected, serviced and cleaned on a regular basis. Drivers must carry out basic pre-use checks and report any defects immediately.

Drivers are expected to observe all road traffic laws, drive responsibly and plan routes to minimise stress and risk. Loads must be secured properly to prevent movement during transit, and doors, ramps and tailgates must be used in a safe manner. Mobile phone use while driving must comply with legal requirements and internal company rules.

Customer Premises and Public Safety

When working at customer premises or in shared access areas, Man and Van Brompton staff will take reasonable steps to protect customers, neighbours and members of the public. This includes maintaining clear walkways, using caution when moving large items through doorways, stairwells and communal spaces, and minimising noise and disruption where possible.

We will take care to avoid damage to property and will report any incidents immediately to the customer and internally so that appropriate actions can be taken. Where necessary, warning signs or temporary barriers may be used to mark off work areas.

Training, Information and Supervision

We are committed to providing staff with appropriate training, information and supervision to enable them to carry out their duties safely. Induction training will cover the main risks associated with our removal services, safe lifting, vehicle use and accident reporting procedures. Additional training will be provided as roles and responsibilities develop.

Supervisors and experienced team members will monitor working practices and offer guidance and support, particularly during complex or high-risk moves.

Accident Reporting and Incident Investigation

All accidents, incidents, near misses or dangerous occurrences that happen during our work must be reported without delay. Man and Van Brompton will maintain records of such events and investigate where appropriate to identify root causes and prevent recurrence.

Lessons learned from incidents will be communicated to relevant staff and used to improve procedures, training and risk assessments.

Health, Welfare and Fitness for Work

We recognise the physical nature of removal work and the importance of fitness for duty. Staff are encouraged to report any health issues that may affect their ability to perform manual handling or driving tasks safely. We will consider reasonable adjustments where possible and will not knowingly allow anyone to undertake work for which they are medically unfit.

Access to drinking water, rest breaks and appropriate welfare arrangements will be provided, particularly during longer or more demanding moves.

Review and Communication of This Policy

This Health and Safety Policy will be reviewed regularly and updated as needed to reflect changes in our operations, relevant legislation or industry guidance. The policy will be communicated to all employees and made available to customers upon request.

By choosing Man and Van Brompton, customers can be confident that we take our health and safety responsibilities seriously and strive to deliver a professional, safe and reliable removal service throughout our operating area.