Man with Van Bermondsey Health and Safety Policy

This Health and Safety Policy sets out how Man with Van Bermondsey manages the safety, welfare, and health of our customers, employees, contractors, and members of the public. Our aim is to provide a professional removals and man and van service while preventing accidents, injuries, and damage to property.

This policy applies to all activities carried out in connection with our moving and transport services, including packing, loading, unloading, transport, and on-site work at homes, offices, storage facilities, and other premises across our service area.

Our Health and Safety Objectives

Man with Van Bermondsey is committed to:

Identifying and controlling risks associated with removals and transport work.

Complying with all relevant health and safety legislation and industry best practice.

Providing and maintaining safe vehicles, equipment, and working methods.

Ensuring that staff are trained, competent, and supervised where needed.

Promoting a positive safety culture where everyone takes responsibility for their own safety and the safety of others.

Responsibilities and Management

Overall responsibility for health and safety within Man with Van Bermondsey rests with the company management. They are responsible for implementing this policy and regularly reviewing its effectiveness.

Managers are responsible for:

Carrying out and updating risk assessments for all key activities.

Providing necessary training, information, and equipment to staff.

Investigating accidents, near misses, and incidents and implementing corrective actions.

Ensuring vehicles and lifting equipment are properly maintained and inspected.

Employees and contractors are responsible for:

Taking reasonable care for their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions.

Following all safety instructions, training, and safe systems of work.

Using equipment correctly and reporting any defects immediately.

Reporting hazards, incidents, and near misses to management without delay.

Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices

We carry out risk assessments for all key aspects of our man and van and removals operations, including manual handling, working in and around vehicles, moving large or fragile items, and working in customers premises.

From these assessments we establish safe working practices, including:

Planning access routes and parking locations to minimise reversing and traffic risks.

Assessing stairways, corridors, and doorways before moving bulky items.

Using team lifts and appropriate lifting techniques to reduce strain and injury.

Using handling aids, such as trolleys and straps, where appropriate.

Stacking loads securely in vehicles to prevent movement during transport.

Staff are trained to stop and reassess the work if they believe that continuing would be unsafe, for example due to poor access, unstable loads, or unsafe surfaces.

Manual Handling and Lifting

Manual handling is a core part of removals and man and van work and is therefore a key focus of our safety measures. To reduce the risk of musculoskeletal injuries, we:

Provide manual handling training covering correct lifting, carrying, and team handling methods.

Encourage staff to assess the weight and stability of items before moving them.

Require team lifts for heavy or awkward items such as furniture and appliances.

Use suitable equipment such as sack trucks, dollies, moving blankets, and straps whenever this can reduce risk.

Staff are instructed not to lift items that are beyond their capability or that cannot be moved safely with the resources available.

Vehicle Safety and Driving Standards

Our vehicles are central to our removal services and are maintained to a high standard to ensure safety for drivers, passengers, and other road users. We:

Carry out regular checks, servicing, and maintenance.

Ensure that drivers hold the appropriate valid driving licence.

Require drivers to carry out daily pre-use checks and report defects immediately.

Ensure that loads are evenly distributed, secured, and not overloaded.

Expect all drivers to follow road traffic laws, drive considerately, and allow sufficient time for journeys to avoid rushing.

Customer Premises and Public Safety

When working in homes, offices, and other premises, we take care to protect both people and property. Our teams:

Assess access routes, floors, and stairways for hazards before starting work.

Use protective coverings where appropriate to reduce the risk of damage and slips.

Keep pathways and exits as clear as possible to avoid trip hazards.

Cooperate with on-site rules and any additional safety procedures required by building management.

We aim to minimise disruption to neighbours, pedestrians, and other users of shared spaces when loading and unloading.

Equipment, Tools, and Personal Protective Equipment

We provide appropriate equipment and personal protective equipment for the tasks carried out. This may include protective gloves, safety footwear, and high-visibility clothing where needed, as well as moving equipment such as trolleys, straps, and blankets.

All tools and equipment are maintained in good condition, and staff are instructed in their safe use. Faulty or damaged equipment is removed from use immediately and reported for repair or replacement.

Training, Information, and Supervision

Man with Van Bermondsey provides induction and ongoing training for staff, covering topics such as manual handling, safe loading and unloading, vehicle safety, and customer care. Where necessary, work is supervised to ensure that procedures are followed correctly and that less experienced staff receive appropriate guidance.

Health and safety information is communicated clearly to staff, and they are encouraged to raise any concerns so they can be addressed promptly.

Incident Reporting and Policy Review

All accidents, injuries, near misses, and dangerous occurrences must be reported to management as soon as possible. We record and investigate these events to identify root causes and implement improved controls where necessary.

This Health and Safety Policy is reviewed regularly and updated when there are changes in legislation, working practices, or the nature of the services we provide. Our goal is continuous improvement in the safety and quality of our removals and man and van services across our operating area.