Health and Safety policy

Brompton Man and Van Health and Safety Policy

This Health and Safety Policy sets out how Brompton Man and Van manages the wellbeing of employees, contractors, customers, and members of the public during all removal and transport activities. Our goal is to provide a safe and healthy working environment and to minimise risks associated with moving, loading, unloading, driving, and handling goods.

Policy Statement

Brompton Man and Van is committed to preventing injury, ill health, and damage to property while carrying out removal services. We will comply with all relevant health and safety legislation and apply recognised best practice for manual handling, vehicle safety, and site operations. Health and safety considerations form an integral part of our planning, decision making, and daily work.

We recognise that many of our activities involve physical handling of furniture and belongings, the use of vehicles in residential and commercial areas, and work in varied environments including homes, offices, storage sites, stairwells, and loading areas. We will identify, assess, and control the risks associated with these activities to keep them as low as reasonably practicable.

Management Responsibilities

The management of Brompton Man and Van has overall responsibility for implementing this policy and ensuring there are adequate resources for health and safety. Management will:

Ensure risk assessments are carried out for typical removal tasks and that appropriate control measures are in place and kept under review.

Provide information, instruction, and training to staff so they can carry out their work safely and competently.

Maintain safe systems of work for loading, unloading, lifting, carrying, stacking, securing loads, and driving.

Ensure vehicles and equipment used in removals are suitable, well maintained, and used correctly.

Investigate accidents, incidents, and near misses to identify root causes and prevent recurrence.

Regularly review this Health and Safety Policy and associated procedures to ensure they remain effective and up to date.

Employee Responsibilities

All employees and contractors working for Brompton Man and Van share responsibility for health and safety. They must:

Take reasonable care of their own health and safety, and that of others who may be affected by their actions or omissions.

Follow the training, instructions, and safe systems of work provided, including guidance on lifting, carrying, and operating equipment.

Use any protective equipment or clothing provided, where required by risk assessments.

Check that vehicles, trolleys, straps, and other equipment are in good condition before use and report any defects immediately.

Report accidents, incidents, hazards, and near misses to management promptly, so that corrective action can be taken.

Cooperate with management on all health and safety matters and contribute to continuous improvement of safety practices.

Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices

Brompton Man and Van will carry out and maintain risk assessments for common removal and transport activities. Where necessary, site specific assessments will be completed to address particular challenges such as restricted access, heavy items, or unusual environments.

Safe working practices will include, but are not limited to:

Evaluating access routes, staircases, corridors, and doorways before moving large items.

Considering the weight, shape, and stability of items prior to lifting or carrying.

Using lifting aids such as trolleys, dollies, or straps whenever appropriate.

Planning vehicle loading to ensure even weight distribution and secure fixing of loads to prevent movement during transit.

Identifying any potential hazards such as loose floor coverings, wet or uneven surfaces, low ceilings, or poor lighting and taking reasonable steps to control them.

Manual Handling and Lifting

Manual handling is a core part of removal work and presents a significant risk of injury if not properly controlled. Brompton Man and Van will:

Provide training in safe lifting, carrying, and team handling techniques.

Avoid unnecessary manual handling wherever practicable by using equipment and planning work to reduce strain.

Encourage staff to assess each lift individually and to refuse unsafe lifts, seeking assistance or equipment where needed.

Limit loads to weights that can be carried safely by the individual or team involved and ensure team lifting is used for large or bulky items.

Vehicle and Driving Safety

Safe operation of vehicles is essential to protect our staff, customers, and the public. Brompton Man and Van will:

Ensure drivers hold the appropriate licences and are competent to operate the vehicles they use.

Maintain vehicles regularly and keep them in a safe, roadworthy condition.

Require drivers to follow all road traffic laws, drive considerately, and allow adequate time for journeys.

Ensure loads are properly packed and secured to prevent shifting or falling during transport.

Plan stopping and parking locations as safely as reasonably practicable, taking account of customer premises, street conditions, and other road users.

Customer Premises and Public Safety

Our work often takes place in or around occupied buildings and public areas. To protect customers and the public, Brompton Man and Van will:

Take care to minimise obstruction of entrances, corridors, stairwells, and pavements.

Use safe techniques for moving items in confined spaces and on staircases.

Where necessary, place warning of trip or slip hazards, for example when using ramps or working near wet or uneven surfaces.

Handle customer belongings with care to prevent damage and avoid creating new hazards.

Be considerate of noise, dust, and other disturbances while work is carried out.

Training, Communication, and Consultation

Brompton Man and Van will provide appropriate induction and ongoing health and safety training to all staff, particularly in relation to manual handling, use of equipment, vehicle safety, and site awareness.

Managers will communicate relevant safety information clearly to staff and encourage open reporting of concerns and suggestions. We will consult with employees on changes that may affect their health and safety and consider their feedback when reviewing procedures.

Accident Reporting and Emergency Procedures

All accidents, incidents, and near misses must be reported to management. Brompton Man and Van will keep appropriate records and review them to identify trends and opportunities for improvement.

Staff will be briefed on emergency procedures including responding to injuries, fires, and vehicle incidents. Where necessary, arrangements will be agreed with customers for safe access, evacuation routes, and emergency contact points while work is taking place at their premises.

Monitoring and Review

Brompton Man and Van will monitor compliance with this Health and Safety Policy through supervision, inspections, and review of incident reports. Management will review the policy periodically, and when there are significant changes to operations or legislation, to ensure it remains suitable and effective for our removal activities.

By working together and following this policy, we aim to provide a safe, efficient, and professional removal service that protects our team, our customers, and the wider community.