Health and Safety policy

Man with Van Brixton Health and Safety Policy

Man with Van Brixton is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for our staff, customers, contractors 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 risks associated with our services, including household removals, office moves, furniture transport and related tasks.

Our Health and Safety Objectives

Our main objectives are to prevent injury, ill health, property damage and unsafe practices during all stages of a move or delivery. We aim to identify and control hazards linked to lifting and carrying, vehicle movements, loading and unloading, use of equipment and working in and around customers premises.

We comply with relevant health and safety legislation and industry guidance applicable to removal and transport services. We review and update this policy regularly to ensure it remains suitable for our operations and service area.

Responsibilities for Health and Safety

Overall responsibility for health and safety rests with the company management, who ensure that adequate resources, training and supervision are provided. Management is responsible for setting safe systems of work, maintaining vehicles and equipment in a safe condition and promoting a positive safety culture.

All employees and regular subcontractors share responsibility for following this policy and any related procedures or instructions. Every individual involved in our work must:

Take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions or omissions during a move or delivery.

Use the equipment, tools and vehicles provided in a safe and proper manner and report any defects immediately.

Follow instructions, risk assessments and method statements relating to lifting, carrying, loading, unloading and driving.

Report accidents, incidents, near misses and hazards so that they can be investigated and corrective actions taken.

Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices

Before starting a job, we assess the risks associated with the property, access routes, parking arrangements, items to be moved and any special requirements such as heavy, bulky or fragile items. This assessment may be completed in advance or on arrival, depending on the nature of the work.

Our teams are required to consider and manage common hazards such as uneven surfaces, stairs, tight spaces, low ceilings, poor lighting, weather conditions, and interaction with customers or the public. Where necessary, we adapt our approach, use additional equipment or recommend changes to the plan to ensure the work can be carried out safely.

Manual Handling and Lifting

Manual handling is a core part of our removal work and is a principal area of safety focus. To minimise the risk of injury, we:

Train staff in correct lifting and carrying techniques, including team lifting for heavy or awkward items.

Encourage the use of trolleys, dollies, sliders and other handling aids where appropriate.

Plan routes before lifting to avoid obstacles and to identify safe resting points.

Set clear limits on what can be safely lifted by one person and require workers to refuse unsafe loads.

Ensure that items are packed and secured in a way that reduces the risk of sudden movement, collapse or falling objects during transit and handling.

Vehicles, Driving and Road Safety

Our vehicles are central to our work, and their safe operation is essential. We maintain our vans in accordance with manufacturer guidance and legal requirements, including regular inspections and servicing. Drivers must hold the appropriate licence, be medically fit to drive and follow all road traffic laws.

We require our drivers to:

Perform basic safety checks before each journey, including tyres, lights, mirrors and load security.

Plan routes to minimise unnecessary risks, taking account of traffic, road works and access limitations.

Drive considerately and within speed limits, allowing extra time for the handling characteristics of loaded vehicles.

Avoid the use of mobile phones and other distractions while driving, except for legally compliant hands-free systems when necessary.

Customer Premises and Public Safety

When working in or around customer premises, we aim to protect people, property and belongings at all times. Our teams:

Take care when moving items through doorways, corridors, stairwells and communal areas to prevent damage and avoid trips or falls.

Keep walkways as clear as possible, reducing trailing cables and other obstructions.

Use safe techniques when working on stairs, including team handling and use of appropriate equipment.

Remain aware of children, pets and other members of the public, requesting that they are kept clear of loading and unloading areas where possible.

Equipment, Personal Protective Equipment and Housekeeping

We provide appropriate moving equipment and personal protective equipment to support safe working. Depending on the task, this may include gloves, safety footwear, high-visibility clothing and other items as required by the risk assessment.

All equipment must be used only for its intended purpose and removed from service if damaged or faulty. Good housekeeping is maintained in vehicles and at work locations so that tools and materials are securely stored, and waste is removed promptly.

Training, Supervision and Communication

We provide initial and ongoing training so that our teams understand the hazards and controls associated with removal work. This includes manual handling, vehicle safety, loading practices, working in customers homes and offices, and emergency procedures.

Supervision is provided appropriate to the experience of staff and the complexity of the job. New or less experienced workers are supported and guided to ensure work is carried out to our safety standards.

We encourage open communication about safety concerns and suggestions for improvement. Feedback from staff and customers is welcomed and considered as part of our review process.

Accidents, Incidents and Continuous Improvement

All accidents, injuries, near misses and significant incidents are recorded and, where necessary, investigated. We identify underlying causes and implement actions to prevent recurrence. Lessons learned are shared with relevant staff and reflected in updates to procedures, training or equipment.

We review this Health and Safety Policy at regular intervals and whenever there are significant changes to our services or working practices. Our goal is continual improvement so that Man with Van Brixton remains a safe and reliable choice for removal and transport services in our operating area.