Brixton Man and Van Health and Safety Policy

Brixton 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 transportation activities. This Health and Safety Policy sets out the principles and practices we follow to reduce risks and promote a culture of safety in all aspects of our work.

Our Commitment to Health and Safety

The management of Brixton Man and Van accepts overall responsibility for health and safety and is committed to continuous improvement. We aim to prevent accidents, work-related injuries, damage to property, and avoidable disruption to our clients by planning and carrying out removal work safely and professionally.

We comply with all applicable health and safety legislation and relevant industry guidance, and we review our procedures regularly to keep them up to date with best practice in the removals and transportation sector.

Responsibilities and Accountability

Health and safety is a shared responsibility. Clear roles are defined so that everyone understands what is expected of them during removal operations.

Management is responsible for providing safe systems of work, suitable equipment, appropriate training, and supervision. Managers will assess risks, implement necessary control measures, and ensure that safety standards are maintained on every job.

Employees are responsible for following instructions, using equipment correctly, cooperating with safety measures, and reporting hazards, near-misses, and incidents without delay. All staff must take reasonable care of their own safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions.

Contractors and temporary workers engaged by Brixton Man and Van are required to comply with this policy and any site-specific safety instructions provided.

Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices

Before each removal job, we assess the key risks associated with the premises, the items to be moved, access routes, vehicle positioning, and any special requirements. Where necessary, a site visit may be arranged to identify potential hazards in advance.

We implement control measures to manage risks such as manual handling, working in confined or shared spaces, moving large or fragile items, and loading or unloading vehicles on the roadside. Safe systems of work are communicated clearly to all staff involved before the job commences.

Manual Handling and Lifting

Manual handling is a core part of removal work and presents a significant risk of injury if not carried out correctly. Brixton Man and Van provides training in safe lifting techniques and the proper use of handling aids and equipment.

Where possible, we use equipment such as trolleys, skates, and lifting straps to reduce strain and risk. Team lifting is used for heavy or awkward items. Staff are instructed not to attempt to lift or move loads that are beyond their capability or that cannot be handled safely in the conditions present.

Vehicles, Driving and Road Safety

Our vehicles are maintained in a safe and roadworthy condition, with regular checks and servicing. Drivers are required to hold the appropriate licences and to follow all traffic laws and company driving policies.

Loads are secured properly to prevent movement during transit, and vehicle access points are planned to minimise risk during loading and unloading. When working on or near the roadside, staff must be alert to traffic and use safe methods for moving items to and from the vehicle.

Equipment and Personal Protective Equipment

Brixton Man and Van supplies suitable equipment to support safe working, including protective gloves, footwear, and other personal protective equipment as required by the task and environment.

Employees are responsible for using this equipment correctly and reporting any defects immediately. Damaged or faulty equipment must not be used and will be repaired or replaced as necessary.

Customer and Public Safety

We recognise our duty of care to customers and the wider public. During removal operations, we aim to minimise disruption and keep access routes as clear and safe as possible.

Where necessary, we will restrict access to working areas, use warning signs or verbal instructions, and coordinate with customers to avoid risks created by shared spaces, such as corridors, stairs, and entrances.

Training, Supervision and Competence

All employees receive induction training that covers our health and safety expectations, safe working methods, and company procedures for reporting hazards and incidents. Additional training is provided for specific tasks and responsibilities, including manual handling, use of equipment, and vehicle operation.

Supervisors are appointed where required to oversee complex or higher-risk removals, ensuring that procedures are followed and that any emerging risks are identified and controlled.

Incident Reporting and Emergency Procedures

All accidents, injuries, near-misses, and dangerous occurrences must be reported as soon as possible to a supervisor or manager. We investigate incidents to identify causes and to implement corrective actions that prevent recurrence.

Emergency procedures are in place for situations such as fire, serious injury, or sudden structural hazards. Staff are briefed on how to respond, including raising the alarm, contacting emergency services, and safely evacuating premises when needed.

Health, Welfare and Fitness for Work

Brixton Man and Van is committed to protecting the health and welfare of our employees. We encourage staff to report any health issues that may affect their ability to carry out physical tasks safely, and we will make reasonable adjustments where possible.

Employees must not work under the influence of alcohol, illegal substances, or misused prescription drugs. Anyone suspected of being unfit for work will be removed from duty for their own safety and that of others.

Monitoring, Review and Continuous Improvement

We monitor our health and safety performance through regular checks, feedback from staff and customers, and the review of incident reports. Our Health and Safety Policy is reviewed periodically and whenever there are significant changes to our operations, equipment, or legal requirements.

Brixton Man and Van is committed to continually improving our safety standards so that our removal services are delivered reliably, efficiently, and with the highest regard for the wellbeing of everyone involved.