Health and Safety policy

Health and Safety Policy for Man with Van Brunswick Park

Man with Van Brunswick Park is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for our employees, customers, contractors and members of the public who may be affected by our removal and transport activities. This Health and Safety Policy sets out our approach to managing risks associated with moving, loading, transport and delivery of household and commercial items.

Policy Aims and Responsibilities

Our primary aim is to prevent injury, ill health, damage to property and harm to the environment arising from our work. We will take all reasonably practicable steps to identify hazards, control risks and promote safe working practices throughout our removal operations in Brunswick Park and surrounding areas.

Overall responsibility for health and safety rests with the company management, who will ensure that suitable resources, training and supervision are provided. Supervisors and team leaders are responsible for implementing this policy on a day-to-day basis and for ensuring that staff follow agreed procedures. Every employee, including drivers and porters, has a duty to take reasonable care of their own safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions or omissions.

Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work

We will assess health and safety risks related to our services, including home and office moves, furniture transport, packing, loading and unloading. Risk assessments will be reviewed regularly and whenever there are significant changes in our work practices, vehicles, equipment or the type of premises we visit.

Safe systems of work will be developed and communicated for key activities, including handling heavy or awkward items, operating in shared areas such as car parks, stairwells and loading bays, and working in customers premises. Staff must follow these systems at all times and report any concerns or unsafe conditions promptly.

Manual Handling and Lifting

Manual handling is a core part of our removal service. To reduce the risk of injury, we will provide training in correct lifting and carrying techniques, use of lifting aids and team handling. Wherever possible, mechanical or wheeled aids such as trolleys, dollies and tail lifts will be used to minimise manual effort.

Our staff are instructed to assess each lift before starting work, considering the weight, size, shape and stability of the load, as well as the route and any obstacles. Heavy or bulky items must be handled by more than one person where necessary. Employees are expected to refuse any lift they believe cannot be carried out safely and to discuss alternative options with the customer.

Vehicle Safety and Driving Standards

Our vehicles are central to our man and van service and must be operated safely at all times. All drivers must hold a valid driving licence appropriate to the vehicle they are operating and comply with road traffic laws and company driving standards.

Vehicles will be regularly inspected, serviced and maintained to ensure they are in a safe, roadworthy condition. Drivers are required to carry out basic pre-use checks, including tyres, lights, mirrors, brakes and load security, and to report defects immediately. Loads must be evenly distributed, securely packed and restrained to prevent movement during transit.

Drivers must plan routes with safety in mind, taking into account traffic, road conditions, restrictions and access to properties. Speed limits must be respected, and safe distances maintained. The use of mobile phones or hand-held devices while driving is prohibited, except through approved hands-free systems and only when it is safe to do so.

Safe Loading, Unloading and Site Access

We recognise that loading and unloading at homes, offices, storage facilities and other locations present specific risks. Before work begins, the team will assess access routes, parking arrangements, steps, lifts, uneven ground, low ceilings and other potential hazards. Where possible, vehicles will be parked to minimise reversing and to create a safe loading zone.

Access routes will be kept clear of trip hazards and obstructions. Protective coverings may be used to safeguard floors and reduce slip risks where appropriate. When operating near pedestrians, staff will take extra care to communicate clearly and maintain safe separation.

Equipment, Tools and Personal Protective Equipment

We will provide suitable equipment and tools for the job, including trolleys, straps, blankets, ramps and other moving aids. All equipment will be used in accordance with training and manufacturer instructions and will be inspected regularly for damage or defects.

Where required, personal protective equipment such as gloves, safety footwear or high-visibility clothing will be provided. Employees must use and look after any safety equipment issued to them and report any loss, fault or damage promptly.

Training, Information and Supervision

All staff will receive appropriate health and safety training relevant to their roles, including induction training, manual handling, safe driving and working at customers premises. Refresher training will be provided periodically or when risks, systems or equipment change.

Instructions and guidance will be communicated clearly in a way that is understood by all team members. Supervisors will monitor working practices, provide advice and intervene where unsafe behaviour is identified.

Accidents, Incidents and Near Misses

All accidents, incidents, injuries and near misses that occur during our removal and transport activities must be reported as soon as possible to management. We will investigate these events to identify root causes and to prevent recurrence, implementing corrective and preventive actions where needed.

Records of accidents and incidents will be maintained and reviewed to monitor trends and improve our safety performance over time.

Customer and Public Safety

We will take reasonable steps to protect customers, their families, employees and members of the public who may be affected by our work. We will work tidily, minimise disruption and clearly communicate any temporary restrictions, such as limited access to corridors or staircases while large items are being moved.

Where work takes place in shared or busy areas, staff will remain alert to the presence of others and adjust operations to avoid creating unnecessary risks.

Welfare, Health and Fitness for Work

We recognise the importance of staff welfare and fitness for work in maintaining a safe service. Employees are expected to present themselves fit for duty, free from the influence of alcohol, drugs or any condition that may impair their ability to work safely. Any concerns about health, medication or fatigue that may affect safety must be raised with management.

Continuous Improvement and Policy Review

We are committed to continual improvement in health and safety. This policy will be reviewed regularly, and at least annually, to ensure it remains suitable and effective for our man and van operations. Feedback from employees and customers, together with lessons learned from incidents and changes in best practice, will be taken into account.

By choosing Man with Van Brunswick Park, customers can be confident that health and safety is treated as a core part of our professional removal and transport service, and that we strive to carry out every move in a safe, careful and responsible manner.