Health and Safety policy

Bermondsey Man and Van Health and Safety Policy

Bermondsey Man and Van is committed to maintaining the highest reasonably practicable standards of health, safety and welfare for all employees, contractors, customers and members of the public who may be affected by our removal and delivery activities. This policy sets out our approach to identifying, managing and reducing risks associated with moving, transporting and delivering goods.

We recognise that professional removals and man and van operations involve manual handling, vehicle use, working in varied locations and contact with customers and their property. We therefore aim to plan and carry out all work in a manner that prevents injury, ill health, damage to property and adverse impact on the environment.

Health and Safety Responsibilities

Overall responsibility for health and safety within Bermondsey Man and Van rests with the company management. They ensure that effective arrangements, resources and support are in place to implement and maintain this policy.

Supervisors and team leaders are responsible for day-to-day implementation of safe systems of work, ensuring that staff are trained, equipment is fit for purpose, and work is carried out in accordance with risk assessments and company procedures.

All employees have 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. Staff must follow safety instructions, use equipment properly, report hazards or incidents promptly and not interfere with or misuse anything provided for safety purposes.

Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work

We conduct risk assessments for our core activities, including domestic and commercial removals, loading and unloading vehicles, transporting goods, and handling bulky or fragile items. These assessments inform our safe systems of work and are reviewed regularly or following any significant change in working practices, equipment or incident.

Before each removal job, our team evaluates the work environment, access routes, stairways, lifts, parking areas and any known hazards. Where necessary, we adjust staffing levels, equipment selection and timing to complete the work safely and efficiently.

We implement control measures such as using appropriate lifting aids, planning clear walkways, arranging secure parking where possible, and coordinating with customers about any special risks within their premises.

Manual Handling and Use of Equipment

Manual handling is a key part of removal work, and we place particular importance on reducing the risks of strain and injury. Staff receive training in correct lifting techniques, team lifting, use of trolleys, dollies and moving straps, and safe handling of awkward or heavy items.

We aim to avoid unnecessary manual handling by using mechanical aids whenever reasonably practicable and by planning the job to minimise excessive carrying distances, awkward postures and repetitive lifting.

All equipment used for lifting, carrying, securing and protecting goods is inspected regularly and maintained in safe condition. Faulty or damaged equipment must be reported immediately and taken out of use until repaired or replaced.

Vehicle Safety and Driving Standards

Our vehicles are essential to our man and van and removal services, and we are committed to operating them safely and responsibly. Regular checks and servicing are carried out to keep vehicles roadworthy and suitable for the loads they carry.

Drivers are expected to comply with all road traffic regulations, drive defensively, and adjust their driving to weather, traffic and load conditions. Loads must be distributed and secured correctly to prevent movement during transit and to protect both goods and vehicle stability.

No driver may operate a vehicle if unfit through fatigue, illness, medication, alcohol or drugs. Mobile phones and other devices must only be used in line with safe driving practices and applicable law.

Workplace and Customer Premises Safety

Our teams often work in customers homes, offices, storage facilities and other locations. We treat all premises with respect and take care to prevent damage, obstruction and accidents.

Where practical, we keep access routes clear, use floor protection, and identify any trip hazards or fragile surfaces. If conditions are unsafe, such as inadequate lighting, blocked fire exits or structurally unsound areas, work will be paused while the situation is assessed and appropriate action is taken.

We cooperate with customers, landlords and building managers to ensure that our work is compatible with any on-site safety rules and that everyone is aware of emergency procedures.

Training, Information and Supervision

Bermondsey Man and Van provides training and instruction necessary for employees to carry out their duties safely. This includes induction training, manual handling techniques, safe loading and unloading, use of equipment, vehicle safety and emergency procedures.

Where specialised tasks are involved, additional guidance and, where required, more experienced supervision will be provided. Safety information is communicated through briefings, toolbox talks and ongoing consultation with staff.

Accident Reporting and Investigation

All accidents, incidents, near misses and cases of work-related ill health must be reported to management as soon as possible. We maintain records of such events and investigate to identify immediate and underlying causes.

Findings from investigations are used to improve our systems, update risk assessments, and provide additional training or equipment where needed. We encourage an open reporting culture so that lessons are learned and shared across the team.

Consultation and Continuous Improvement

We recognise that effective health and safety management relies on the involvement of those carrying out the work. Bermondsey Man and Van consults with employees on safety matters, listens to their suggestions, and encourages feedback on how procedures can be improved.

This policy and associated procedures are reviewed periodically, and at least annually, to ensure they remain relevant to our removal operations and reflect changes in legislation, best practice and company activities.

By following this Health and Safety Policy, Bermondsey Man and Van aims to provide a professional, reliable and safe removal and man and van service, protecting our staff, our customers and the wider community.