Health and Safety policy

Man With a Van Brentford Health and Safety Policy

Man With a Van Brentford is committed to maintaining a safe, healthy and secure environment for our employees, contractors, customers and members of the public who may be affected by our removal and transport activities. This Health and Safety Policy sets out our responsibilities and the standards we follow when carrying out collections, deliveries and removals.

Policy Statement

Our objective is to prevent injury, ill health, damage to property and harm to the environment. We aim to identify and control risks associated with lifting, loading, driving, access to premises and the handling of customers belongings. Every member of our team is required to work safely and to follow the guidance and procedures outlined in this policy.

Management Responsibilities

The management of Man With a Van Brentford is responsible for providing safe systems of work, suitable equipment and adequate information, instruction and supervision. Management will ensure that:

Risks are assessed before work is carried out, particularly in new or unfamiliar locations.

Vehicles and equipment used for removal services are maintained in safe working condition.

Staff receive appropriate training in manual handling, safe driving and the use of moving equipment.

Incidents, accidents and near misses are recorded, investigated and used to improve our procedures.

This policy is reviewed regularly and updated where necessary to reflect changes in our services, legal requirements or best practice.

Employee Responsibilities

All employees and regular contractors must take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions. They are expected to:

Follow company procedures, safety instructions and risk assessments at all times.

Use equipment only for its intended purpose and report any defects immediately.

Wear appropriate clothing and footwear suitable for lifting and moving items.

Avoid taking unnecessary risks and stop work if they believe conditions are unsafe.

Report all accidents, injuries, near misses and hazards to management without delay.

Risk Assessment and Planning

Before each removal, collection or delivery, we assess the foreseeable risks associated with the job. This includes consideration of:

Property access, stairs, narrow corridors, parking arrangements and loading points.

Weight, size and nature of items to be lifted, carried or transported.

Potential hazards such as uneven surfaces, poor lighting or adverse weather.

Any special requirements for fragile, bulky, awkward or high value items.

Where required, a plan is prepared to determine the number of team members needed, the equipment to be used and any specific control measures.

Manual Handling and Use of Equipment

Manual handling is a key part of removal work and presents a significant risk of injury if not carried out correctly. To reduce this risk, Man With a Van Brentford:

Trains staff in correct lifting techniques, including team lifts for heavy or awkward items.

Uses moving aids where appropriate, such as trolleys, dollies and straps.

Requires staff to assess the load before lifting and to refuse unsafe lifts.

Discourages rushing and encourages staff to plan each lift and move carefully.

Staff are instructed never to exceed their individual physical capabilities or lift items that they believe may cause strain or injury.

Vehicle Safety and Driving Standards

Our vehicles are central to our services and must be operated safely at all times. To ensure this:

Drivers must hold valid and appropriate licences and follow all road traffic laws.

Vehicles are checked regularly and any safety defects are reported and resolved promptly.

Loads are secured inside the vehicle to prevent movement, damage or injury during transit.

Drivers must not operate vehicles under the influence of alcohol, drugs or medication that impairs driving ability.

Driving schedules are planned to reduce fatigue and to allow for safe loading and unloading.

Customer Premises and Public Safety

When working at customer locations or in shared spaces, our team will take care to protect both people and property. This includes:

Working with customers to agree safe access routes and loading areas.

Keeping walkways, stairs and entrances as clear as reasonably possible.

Using protective coverings where appropriate to reduce the risk of slips and damage.

Positioning vehicles considerately to minimise obstruction and maintain visibility.

Handling all items with due care to avoid accidental damage and associated hazards.

Training, Information and Supervision

Man With a Van Brentford provides staff with the training and information they need to work safely, including:

Induction training covering key health and safety rules and emergency procedures.

Manual handling and safe lifting techniques tailored to removal work.

Safe use of moving aids, loading ramps and other equipment.

Ongoing guidance, toolbox talks and supervision to reinforce safe working practices.

New or inexperienced staff are supervised by experienced team members until they are competent to work independently.

Accident Reporting and Emergency Procedures

All accidents, injuries, near misses and dangerous occurrences must be reported to management as soon as practicable. We maintain records of such events, investigate the causes and implement corrective measures to prevent recurrence. In the event of an emergency, such as serious injury, fire or collision:

The safety of people is the first priority and emergency services are contacted where necessary.

The site or vehicle is made as safe as possible, avoiding further risk.

Relevant details are recorded as accurately as possible for follow up and review.

Continuous Improvement and Policy Review

Health and safety is an ongoing commitment. Man With a Van Brentford reviews this policy periodically and whenever significant changes occur in our operations or in applicable legal requirements. Feedback from employees and customers is encouraged to help us improve our standards and maintain a safe and professional removal service.