Man with Van Brompton Health and Safety Policy
Man with Van Brompton is committed to providing a safe, reliable and professional removal service for customers, employees, contractors and members of the public. This Health and Safety Policy sets out our approach to managing risks associated with moving, lifting, loading, transporting and unloading household and commercial items.
Our aim is to prevent injury, ill health, damage to property and harm to the environment in everything we do. Health and safety considerations are integrated into our planning, daily operations and continuous improvement as a removal company.
Policy Objectives
The objectives of this Health and Safety Policy are to:
Identify, assess and control risks related to removal and transportation activities.
Provide safe systems of work for packing, lifting, loading, driving and unloading.
Ensure that all staff are trained, competent and properly equipped for their tasks.
Protect customers, the public and property during every stage of a move.
Comply with applicable health and safety legislation, guidance and industry good practice.
Review performance regularly and act on any findings to improve safety standards.
Responsibilities
Overall responsibility for health and safety within Man with Van Brompton rests with the company owners and management, who are accountable for ensuring that this policy is implemented, maintained and periodically reviewed.
Management responsibilities include:
Providing appropriate resources, equipment and training to support safe working.
Carrying out and recording risk assessments for removal activities.
Ensuring vehicles, tools and lifting aids are maintained and suitable for use.
Monitoring compliance with health and safety procedures and addressing any breaches.
Employees and contractors share responsibility for their own safety and that of others who may be affected by their acts or omissions. They are required to:
Follow all safety instructions, procedures and training.
Use equipment properly and wear any required personal protective equipment.
Report hazards, incidents, near misses and unsafe conditions promptly.
Refuse to carry out work that is unsafe or beyond their competence.
Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work
Before any removal job, Man with Van Brompton will consider the specific risks associated with the property, access routes, items to be moved and any particular customer requirements. Where necessary, a site visit or detailed discussion will be used to identify potential hazards.
Typical risks include manual handling injuries, slips and trips, falls from height, vehicle movements, property damage and environmental factors such as poor lighting or adverse weather. Control measures are put in place to reduce these risks, including planning lifting routes, using appropriate equipment and allocating sufficient staff.
For each type of task, we adopt safe systems of work that set out how the job is to be carried out safely, including the sequence of operations, allocation of responsibilities and use of protective equipment.
Manual Handling and Lifting
Manual handling is a core part of removal work and is a significant source of potential injury. To minimise risk, Man with Van Brompton follows these principles:
Staff are trained in correct lifting techniques and posture.
Loads are assessed for weight, size, stability and grip before lifting.
Two-person or team lifts are used whenever a load is heavy, bulky or awkward.
Mechanical aids such as trolleys, dollies and lifting straps are used where appropriate.
Items are packed and secured to reduce shifting or imbalance during lifting and transportation.
Staff are instructed not to exceed their personal limits and to ask for assistance whenever needed.
Vehicles, Driving and Loading
Our vehicles are maintained in a safe and roadworthy condition in line with manufacturer guidance and legal requirements. Drivers are required to be properly licensed, physically fit and competent to operate the vehicles they drive.
Safe driving practices are promoted at all times, including adherence to speed limits, consideration for other road users and avoidance of fatigue. Drivers are expected to plan routes to minimise risk and allow sufficient time for safe travel.
Loading and unloading are carefully managed to prevent falls, crush injuries and damage to goods or property. Loads are distributed evenly, secured against movement and checked before the vehicle moves. Particular care is taken when using tail lifts, ramps or steps, ensuring stable footing and clear communication between team members.
Customer and Public Safety
Man with Van Brompton recognises its duty to protect customers and the public from risks arising from our work. During removals we:
Keep access routes as clear as practicable and highlight any temporary hazards.
Use safe parking and positioning of vehicles to minimise obstruction and danger.
Avoid leaving equipment or loose items unattended in areas where they could cause trips or falls.
Handle customers possessions with care to prevent damage and hazardous breakages.
Communicate clearly with customers about any safety considerations relating to the move, including where they should avoid standing or walking during loading and unloading.
Training, Information and Supervision
All staff receive appropriate health and safety training relevant to their roles, including manual handling, safe use of equipment, vehicle safety and emergency procedures. Training is refreshed periodically and whenever working practices, equipment or legislation change.
New or less experienced staff are supervised by competent team members until they are assessed as able to work safely without direct oversight. Safety information is provided to staff clearly and promptly, and feedback is encouraged so that concerns can be addressed.
Accident Reporting and Emergency Procedures
All accidents, incidents, near misses and cases of work-related ill health must be reported to management as soon as practicable. Man with Van Brompton will investigate incidents to identify root causes and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence.
Staff are briefed on emergency procedures, including what to do in the event of injury, fire, collision or sudden illness. First aid equipment is provided in vehicles or at operational bases as appropriate, and staff are informed about its location and use.
Review and Continuous Improvement
This Health and Safety Policy is reviewed regularly and updated as necessary to reflect changes in law, guidance, operations or identified risks. Feedback from staff, customers and incident investigations is used to improve our procedures and safety performance over time.
By working together and following this policy, Man with Van Brompton aims to provide a safe, efficient and professional removal service for all customers while protecting the wellbeing of our workforce and the wider community.
