Bromley Man and Van Health and Safety Policy
Bromley Man and Van is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for our employees, contractors, customers and members of the public. As a professional removal company, we recognise that our activities involve manual handling, driving, lifting, and working in a variety of domestic and commercial premises. We therefore take all reasonably practicable steps to prevent injury, ill health, property damage and environmental harm.
This Health and Safety Policy sets out our approach to managing risks associated with our services, including home removals, office moves, packing, loading, transport and unloading.
Our Health and Safety Objectives
We aim to achieve and maintain high standards of health and safety performance by:
Identifying and assessing risks associated with our removal and transport operations. Implementing effective control measures to minimise those risks. Providing information, instruction, training and supervision to all workers. Supplying and maintaining safe equipment and vehicles. Promoting a positive safety culture throughout the business. Continuously improving our safety practices based on experience, feedback and regulatory guidance.
Management Responsibilities
The management of Bromley Man and Van has overall responsibility for health and safety within the company. This includes:
Ensuring this policy is implemented, communicated, and reviewed regularly. Providing adequate resources to manage health and safety effectively. Setting clear standards and procedures for safe removals and transport work. Ensuring that vehicles, lifting equipment and tools are properly maintained and suitable for use. Monitoring performance, investigating incidents and taking corrective action where required.
Managers and supervisors are required to lead by example, promote safe working practices and ensure that all staff follow the company’s health and safety procedures at all times.
Employee Responsibilities
Every employee has a duty to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions. All staff must:
Follow the company’s safety policies, procedures and safe systems of work. Use equipment, vehicles and personal protective equipment correctly. Report accidents, near misses, hazards and unsafe conditions promptly. Refrain from horseplay, misuse of equipment or any behaviour that could endanger others. Co operate with management in the implementation and improvement of health and safety measures.
Failure to comply with health and safety requirements may result in disciplinary action.
Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices
Bromley Man and Van undertakes risk assessments for its removal and transport activities. These assessments cover key hazards such as manual handling, slips and trips, vehicle movements, working in customers premises, and use of equipment.
Based on these assessments, we implement safe systems of work, including:
Planning removals in advance to identify access issues, parking, lifting requirements and special items. Using appropriate lifting techniques and team lifts for heavy or awkward items. Using trolleys, dollies, straps and other handling aids where suitable. Securing loads safely in vehicles to prevent movement during transit. Assessing weather, lighting and site conditions before starting work.
Risk assessments are reviewed periodically and whenever there are significant changes to our operations.
Manual Handling and Lifting
Due to the nature of removal work, manual handling is a key focus of our health and safety management. We aim to reduce the risk of musculoskeletal injuries by:
Providing training in safe lifting and handling techniques. Encouraging staff to use mechanical aids and share loads where possible. Avoiding unnecessary lifting by planning routes and loading sequences carefully. Ensuring staff do not attempt to lift items that are beyond their capability. Rotating tasks where appropriate to avoid prolonged or repetitive strain.
Items that are especially heavy, fragile, or difficult to handle are assessed individually and, where necessary, specialist equipment or additional manpower is arranged.
Vehicle Safety and Driving Standards
Our vehicles are central to our removal services, and their safe use is essential. Bromley Man and Van will:
Ensure vehicles are properly maintained, inspected and cleaned. Ensure drivers are competent, appropriately licensed and familiar with the vehicles they use. Promote safe driving practices, including adherence to speed limits and road regulations. Ensure loads are evenly distributed, secured and within permitted weight limits. Plan routes to allow sufficient time for travel and minimise driver fatigue.
Drivers must not operate vehicles while under the influence of alcohol, drugs or medication that impairs their ability to drive safely.
Customer Premises and Public Safety
Our team often works in customers homes and workplaces and in public areas when loading and unloading. To protect customers, their property and the public, we will:
Maintain tidy working areas and keep walkways clear of trip hazards. Use warning signs or barriers where necessary, particularly near vehicle loading areas. Take care to protect floors, walls, doors and fixtures during moves. Be considerate of neighbours and other road users when parking and operating vehicles. Follow any specific site rules or safety requirements provided by customers.
Training, Information and Supervision
We provide induction and ongoing training for staff appropriate to their roles. This may include:
Manual handling and lifting techniques tailored to removal work. Safe use of vehicles and handling equipment. Emergency procedures and incident reporting. Awareness of customer care and professional conduct on site.
Supervision is provided to ensure that procedures are followed, particularly for new or inexperienced staff.
Accident Reporting and Emergency Procedures
All accidents, injuries, near misses and dangerous occurrences must be reported to management as soon as possible. We will:
Record and investigate incidents to identify root causes. Implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence. Provide appropriate first aid arrangements in vehicles and at the workplace. Ensure staff know how to respond in emergencies such as fire, injury, road traffic incidents or sudden illness.
Continuous Improvement and Policy Review
Bromley Man and Van is committed to continually improving its health and safety performance. We review this policy regularly and update it as necessary in light of operational changes, incident findings and relevant guidance.
By working together and following this Health and Safety Policy, we aim to deliver reliable removal services while protecting the wellbeing of our staff, customers and the wider community.
