Man and a Van Bromley Health and Safety Policy
Man and a Van Bromley is committed to conducting all removal and transport services in a manner that prevents injury and ill health to employees, contractors, customers, and members of the public. This Health and Safety Policy sets out our responsibilities, working practices, and expectations for everyone involved in our operations.
Policy Statement and Objectives
Our objective is to provide a safe and healthy working environment for all individuals who may be affected by our activities. We will manage health and safety risks in a systematic and proportionate way, taking into account the nature of removal work, loading and unloading, transport, and on-site handling of furniture and personal belongings.
We aim to:
Identify, assess and control workplace risks associated with moving, lifting, carrying, driving, and access to properties.
Provide safe systems of work, clear instructions, and suitable equipment.
Deliver information, instruction, and training to help our team work safely and responsibly.
Monitor our performance and seek continual improvement in health and safety standards.
Management Responsibilities
The management of Man and a Van Bromley is responsible for implementing this policy and ensuring that suitable resources are provided. This includes:
Maintaining a health and safety management system that reflects the risks of removal and transport activities.
Ensuring that vehicles and equipment are properly maintained, inspected, and suitable for the tasks undertaken.
Undertaking and reviewing risk assessments for typical work tasks, such as manual handling, loading, unloading, and working in and around customer premises.
Providing appropriate personal protective equipment where required and ensuring it is used correctly.
Investigating accidents, incidents, and near misses to identify root causes and apply corrective actions.
Employee Responsibilities
All employees and contractors working with Man and a Van Bromley share responsibility for maintaining a safe workplace and safe practices. They are expected to:
Take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions.
Follow all instructions, procedures, and guidance provided by the company.
Use equipment and vehicles correctly and not misuse or tamper with safety devices.
Report hazards, defects, unsafe conditions, and near misses to management as soon as reasonably practicable.
Cooperate with any investigation, inspection or review of health and safety performance.
Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices
Man and a Van Bromley undertakes risk assessments for key activities, including lifting and carrying items, negotiating stairs and confined spaces, working in customer properties, and operating vehicles. These assessments are used to define safe systems of work and suitable control measures.
Where necessary, we may adjust the number of staff deployed, the type of vehicle used, the equipment provided, or the method used to move items in order to reduce risk. Work will not proceed if conditions are deemed unsafe, for example due to structural concerns, blocked access routes, or severely adverse weather that affects loading or driving.
Manual Handling and Use of Equipment
Manual handling is a central part of removal work, and improper handling can result in serious injury. To minimise risks, we:
Encourage team lifting for heavy or awkward items.
Use handling aids where appropriate, such as trolleys, dollies, and straps.
Plan the route before moving items, checking for trip hazards, loose floor coverings, and tight corners.
Provide guidance on correct lifting techniques, including maintaining good posture and avoiding twisting while carrying loads.
Inspect equipment regularly and take defective equipment out of service until it is repaired or replaced.
Vehicle Safety and Driving Standards
The safe operation of vehicles is essential to our services. Man and a Van Bromley will:
Ensure that all vehicles used for removals are roadworthy, taxed, and maintained in accordance with manufacturer recommendations and legal requirements.
Make sure that loads are distributed and secured correctly to prevent movement during transit.
Require drivers to operate vehicles in a safe, courteous, and legal manner at all times, obeying speed limits and traffic regulations.
Discourage the use of mobile phones or other distractions while driving, except for legally compliant hands free systems when necessary.
Customer and Public Safety
We also recognise our duty to protect customers, visitors, and members of the public who may be affected by our activities. To achieve this, we:
Plan loading and unloading areas to minimise obstruction of pavements, driveways, and shared spaces.
Ask customers, where possible, to keep children and pets away from working areas while items are being moved.
Take reasonable care to protect property from damage, including using coverings or protection where risks are identified.
Manage access routes to keep them clear of trip hazards such as packaging, straps, and loose items.
Training, Information and Supervision
Man and a Van Bromley provides information and instruction to staff so they understand the risks associated with their work and the measures in place to control them. This may include induction training, on the job guidance, toolbox talks, and refresher briefings on safe lifting, equipment use, and vehicle safety.
Supervision is proportionate to the level of risk and the competence of the individuals involved. Less experienced staff will receive closer supervision until they are deemed competent to work more independently.
Accidents, Incidents and Emergency Procedures
All accidents, incidents, injuries, and near misses that occur during removal activities must be reported to management as soon as possible. Records will be kept so that trends can be monitored and improvements made.
In the event of an emergency, such as fire, serious injury, or road traffic collision, employees must follow relevant emergency procedures, which may include contacting the emergency services, making the area safe, and notifying management.
Review and Continuous Improvement
This Health and Safety Policy will be reviewed regularly and updated when necessary to reflect changes in legislation, industry guidance, or the nature of our services. Man and a Van Bromley is committed to continuous improvement and welcomes feedback from employees and customers in relation to health and safety.
By working together and following this policy, we aim to ensure that every removal and transport service is carried out as safely and efficiently as reasonably practicable.
