Health and Safety policy

Man and Van Bermondsey Health and Safety Policy

Man and Van Bermondsey is committed to conducting all removal and delivery activities in a manner that protects the health, safety and welfare of our employees, contractors, customers and the general public. This policy sets out our approach to managing health and safety risks associated with man and van removals, transport, loading, unloading and on-site work at customer premises.

Our Health and Safety Objectives

Our primary objectives are to prevent injury, ill health, and damage to property arising from our work. We aim to create a safe working environment for all removal operations, whether they take place in homes, offices, storage facilities, on the road, or at any other premises where we provide services.

We seek to continually improve our health and safety performance by monitoring risks, learning from experience, and updating our working practices accordingly.

Legal Compliance and Responsibilities

Man and Van Bermondsey will comply with all applicable health and safety legislation and industry guidance relevant to removal and transport services. We accept our responsibility to provide safe systems of work, properly maintained equipment, and appropriate information, instruction and training.

Every employee and contractor has a duty to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions. Staff must follow all safety instructions, report hazards, and cooperate in the implementation of this policy.

Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work

We identify and assess the risks associated with our removal and transport activities, including lifting and carrying, working in confined or cluttered spaces, vehicle loading and unloading, traffic hazards, and working at different types of premises.

Where significant risks are identified, we implement control measures such as safe lifting techniques, team lifting, use of moving equipment, route planning, and restrictions on the weight or size of items that can be handled. Our work methods are reviewed regularly to ensure they remain effective and proportionate to the risks.

Manual Handling and Lifting

Manual handling is a core part of removal work and presents a risk of strains, sprains and other injuries. To reduce these risks, we:

Provide guidance on correct posture, lifting, carrying and setting down of loads. Encourage staff to assess each item before moving it and to refuse unsafe lifts. Use team lifting for heavy or awkward items. Utilise moving aids such as trolleys, skates and lifting straps whenever appropriate. Plan routes to avoid unnecessary carrying, obstructions and uneven surfaces.

No employee is required to lift or carry any item that they reasonably believe to present an unacceptable risk to their health and safety.

Vehicles, Driving and Road Safety

Our vehicles are essential to our man and van services and are maintained in a safe and roadworthy condition. We carry out regular checks on tyres, lights, brakes, securing points and lifting equipment that forms part of the vehicle.

Drivers must hold a valid licence for the vehicles they operate and are expected to obey all road traffic laws, including speed limits and parking regulations. Journey planning is used where possible to minimise driving risks, avoid unnecessary time pressure, and select safe loading and unloading locations.

Loads are secured using appropriate straps, blankets and restraints to prevent movement during transit, protect customer property and avoid danger to road users.

Use of Equipment and Protective Measures

Where equipment such as sack barrows, dollies, ramps or lifting straps is used, it must be suitable for the load and maintained in good condition. Faulty or damaged equipment must not be used and must be reported immediately.

Where the work requires it, staff may be provided with and instructed to use personal protective equipment such as gloves, high visibility clothing or safety footwear. Such equipment must be used as directed and looked after responsibly.

Work at Customer Premises

When working at homes, offices or other premises, we recognise that we are operating in environments not controlled by us. Our staff will:

Take reasonable steps to identify hazards such as slippery floors, poor lighting, uneven steps, congested areas and low ceilings. Request that access routes are kept clear wherever possible. Use care around fixtures, fittings and other property to avoid damage and minimise risk. Communicate with customers about any health and safety concerns that may affect the work.

Where a situation is judged to be unsafe and cannot be made safe, we reserve the right to postpone, modify or refuse the work in order to protect people from harm.

Training, Information and Supervision

We provide our staff with appropriate training for their roles, including manual handling principles, safe use of equipment, vehicle safety and customer site awareness. Information on this policy and relevant procedures is communicated to all employees and contractors.

Supervision is proportionate to the level of risk and the experience of the workers involved. New or inexperienced staff may work under the guidance of more experienced colleagues until they are competent to work more independently.

Accident Reporting and Emergency Procedures

All accidents, incidents, near misses and damage to property occurring in connection with our work must be reported to the responsible person within the company as soon as practicable. We keep records of such events and use them to review and improve our safety measures.

Staff are briefed on what to do in an emergency, including road traffic incidents, injuries during lifting, or incidents at customer premises. Where necessary, emergency services will be contacted without delay.

Policy Review and Continuous Improvement

This Health and Safety Policy is reviewed regularly to ensure it remains relevant and effective for the nature and scale of our man and van removal operations. Changes in legislation, industry standards, working practices or identified risks will trigger an earlier review where appropriate.

We welcome feedback from employees, contractors and customers on any health and safety issues relating to our services and use that feedback to support continual improvement in our performance.