Health and Safety Policy for Man with Van Kingston Vale
Man with Van Kingston Vale is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for our staff, customers, contractors and members of the public who may be affected by our removal and transport activities. This Health and Safety Policy sets out the principles and procedures that guide how we plan, manage and deliver our man and van and removal services.
Our Commitment to Health and Safety
We aim to prevent accidents, injuries and work-related ill health by identifying hazards, assessing risks and implementing effective control measures. We will comply with all applicable health and safety laws and regulations relevant to our removal operations and continually seek to improve our standards.
Health and safety is an integral part of our service. Every member of our team is expected to work safely, follow agreed procedures and report any concerns immediately so they can be addressed without delay.
Roles and Responsibilities
Overall responsibility for health and safety rests with the company management, who ensure that appropriate policies, procedures and resources are in place. Management will provide guidance, training and supervision so that work is carried out safely and in line with legal and company requirements.
All employees and regular contractors have a duty to:
Work safely and use equipment correctly, follow instructions and safety procedures, report accidents, near misses, damage or unsafe conditions, co operate with management on health and safety matters, take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions.
Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices
We conduct risk assessments for our key activities, including domestic and commercial removals, loading and unloading, packing, lifting and carrying, driving and parking, and working in or around customer premises. These assessments help us identify hazards and implement controls to minimise risk.
Safe working practices include planning routes and access in advance where possible, assessing parking, loading areas and access points on arrival, using correct lifting techniques and team lifts for heavy or awkward items, using suitable moving equipment such as trolleys and straps where appropriate, keeping work areas tidy to reduce slips, trips and falls, and avoiding work activities that present unreasonable risk.
Manual Handling and Lifting
Manual handling is a core part of removal work and is treated as a significant area of health and safety focus. Our team members are instructed in safe lifting methods, including assessing the weight and stability of items before lifting, bending the knees and keeping the back as straight as possible, keeping loads close to the body and avoiding twisting while carrying, requesting assistance or using equipment for heavy or bulky items, and stopping any lift that feels unsafe or beyond individual capability.
Where an item cannot be safely handled due to its weight, size, condition or location, alternative arrangements may be required and the job may be adjusted or refused in the interest of safety.
Vehicle Safety and Driving Standards
Our vehicles are essential to our man and van services, and we place strong emphasis on vehicle safety and responsible driving. Vehicles are maintained in a roadworthy condition with regular checks and servicing as required. Drivers must complete basic safety checks before use, including tyres, lights, brakes and load security points.
Loads are secured to prevent movement during transit, and weight limits are not exceeded. Drivers are expected to comply with all road traffic laws, drive courteously and adapt to road and weather conditions. Use of mobile phones while driving is prohibited unless a legally compliant hands free system is used and it is safe to do so.
Customer Premises and Public Safety
When working in homes, offices or other premises, we take care to protect both the property and the people present. This includes planning the safest routes in and out of buildings, taking care with doors, staircases and narrow passages, using appropriate protective measures where necessary to prevent damage, keeping tools and equipment safely stored when not in use, and minimising disruption to other users of the premises and to the public.
Where there is a risk to the public, for example when loading on or near a pavement or shared access, we will work in a way that minimises obstruction and risk, and we will stop work temporarily if conditions become unsafe.
Personal Protective Equipment
Personal protective equipment is provided and used where necessary to reduce risks that cannot be adequately controlled by other means. This may include safety footwear, gloves, high visibility clothing and any other protective equipment identified through risk assessment. Staff are required to use such equipment correctly and to report any defects or shortages.
Training, Information and Supervision
We provide our team with information and instruction relevant to their tasks, including safe lifting and handling, proper use of equipment, vehicle and driving safety requirements, emergency procedures and incident reporting processes. New staff receive an introduction to our health and safety expectations, and ongoing training is provided as needed.
Supervision is proportionate to the nature of the work and the competence of individuals, with particular attention given to new or less experienced staff.
Accidents, Incidents and Near Miss Reporting
All accidents, injuries, damage to property and near misses must be reported promptly to management. This allows us to investigate the cause, take corrective action and reduce the chance of recurrence. Records of incidents are maintained and reviewed to identify patterns and opportunities for improvement.
Health, Welfare and Fitness for Work
We expect all team members to be fit for work and to report any condition that may affect their ability to work safely, including illness, injury, medication or fatigue. Alcohol and illegal drugs are strictly prohibited during working hours or when driving or operating company vehicles. Anyone suspected of being unfit for work may be removed from duty for safety reasons.
Continuous Improvement and Review
This Health and Safety Policy is reviewed regularly and whenever there are significant changes to our activities, equipment or legal requirements. Feedback from staff and customers is welcomed and used to improve our approach. By working together and maintaining a strong safety culture, Man with Van Kingston Vale aims to deliver reliable, efficient and safe removal services for every customer.
