Health and Safety policy

Health and Safety Policy for Brent Man and Van

Brent Man and Van 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, handling, transport and on-site work, and forms part of our overall commitment to professional and responsible operations.

Our Health and Safety Commitment

We aim to prevent injury, ill health and damage to property arising from our work. Health and safety considerations are integrated into the planning and delivery of all removal services, from initial enquiry through to completion of a move.

Management accepts overall responsibility for health and safety performance and will ensure that appropriate resources, information and supervision are provided so that safe systems of work are developed, implemented and maintained.

Legal Responsibilities and Duties

Brent Man and Van complies with applicable health and safety legislation and relevant regulations relating to manual handling, workplace transport, use of work equipment and safe working at customers premises. We monitor changes to legal requirements and update our procedures where necessary.

Every employee and contractor working with us has a duty to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions or omissions. All personnel are expected to follow company safety procedures, use equipment correctly and report any concerns without delay.

Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices

Before each removal job, we consider the specific risks associated with the property, access routes, parking, heavy or fragile items, and any special customer requirements. Where necessary, a documented risk assessment is carried out to identify hazards and decide on appropriate control measures.

Control measures may include planning safe lifting routes, using suitable lifting and carrying equipment, ensuring clear communication between team members, and scheduling sufficient time to complete the work without undue pressure. Our teams are instructed to stop work and seek guidance if they encounter unsafe conditions.

Manual Handling and Use of Equipment

Manual handling represents a significant element of our work, and we take steps to minimise the risk of injury, particularly to the back, shoulders and knees. Staff are trained in safe lifting and handling techniques, including assessment of load weight, team lifting, and using mechanical aids where appropriate.

We provide suitable handling equipment such as trolleys, dollies, straps and other devices designed to reduce strain and improve control when moving heavy or bulky furniture and boxes. All equipment is maintained in good condition and removed from service if found to be defective or unsafe.

Vehicle Safety and Driving Standards

Our vehicles are maintained in a roadworthy condition, with regular checks on tyres, brakes, lights and securing points used for load restraint. Drivers are responsible for conducting basic pre-use checks and reporting defects promptly.

Loads are secured to prevent shifting during transit, reducing the risk of damage to property and accidents on the road. Drivers are expected to follow road traffic laws, drive considerately and allow adequate time for journeys so that they do not feel pressured to speed or drive while tired.

Working at Customers Premises

Our teams respect that every home or business premises is different. Before moving items, we assess access routes, stairs, corridors and doorways to avoid damage and reduce the risk of trips and falls. Floor coverings, banisters and fixtures are treated with care, and protective measures are used where appropriate.

We maintain good housekeeping during work, keeping walkways as clear as reasonably practicable, minimising trailing cables and keeping tools and equipment stored tidily when not in immediate use. Customers are informed of any significant hazards that cannot be fully controlled.

Training, Information and Supervision

All staff receive appropriate induction training that covers the company health and safety policy, safe lifting techniques, vehicle safety, incident reporting and customer care. Further role-specific training is provided where needed, for example in the use of specialist lifting equipment or handling high-risk items.

Supervisors and team leaders are responsible for reinforcing safe practices on site, monitoring compliance with procedures and offering guidance to less experienced workers. We encourage an open culture where staff feel able to raise health and safety issues or suggest improvements.

Accident, Incident and Near-Miss Reporting

All accidents, injuries, near misses and damage to property are recorded and investigated as appropriate. The purpose of investigation is not to apportion blame but to identify underlying causes and implement measures to prevent recurrence.

Learning from incidents is shared within the company, and changes may be made to risk assessments, training content, working methods or equipment to improve safety performance.

Health, Welfare and Fitness for Work

We recognise the physical nature of removal work and aim to protect the long-term health of our staff. Team members are encouraged to work within their capabilities, ask for assistance with heavy items and take breaks when needed in line with working time requirements.

Employees are expected to attend work in a fit state, free from the influence of alcohol or drugs, and to report any health conditions that may affect their ability to carry out tasks safely. Where possible, reasonable adjustments will be considered to support individuals with health issues.

Customer and Public Safety

We take reasonable steps to protect customers, neighbours and members of the public from risks arising from our activities. This includes careful positioning of vehicles, use of hazard awareness when loading or unloading near public pathways, and clear communication with customers about where they should avoid standing during heavy lifting operations.

Where children, pets or vulnerable persons are present, we may request that they are kept away from the immediate working area to reduce the chance of accidental contact with moving loads or equipment.

Continuous Improvement and Policy Review

Brent Man and Van is committed to continually improving our health and safety performance. We monitor feedback from customers and staff, review incident data and keep up to date with good practice in the removals and transport sector.

This Health and Safety Policy is reviewed regularly and updated when there are significant changes in our operations, new legal requirements or identified opportunities for improvement. All employees are made aware of any significant changes and are expected to follow the updated procedures.

By working together and maintaining a proactive approach, Brent Man and Van aims to deliver reliable removal services while protecting the health, safety and wellbeing of everyone involved.