Health and Safety policy

Health and Safety Policy for Man with Van Kentish Town

Man with Van Kentish Town is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for our employees, contractors, customers and members of the public who may be affected by our removal and transport activities. This Health and Safety Policy sets out our approach to managing risks associated with moving, lifting, loading, unloading and transporting items for domestic and commercial customers.

Our Health and Safety Objectives

Our primary objectives are to prevent injury, protect health and promote safe working practices across all removal services. We aim to identify and control hazards, comply with relevant health and safety legislation and continually improve our performance through regular monitoring and review.

Management Responsibilities

Management is responsible for implementing and maintaining this Health and Safety Policy. This includes providing appropriate resources, ensuring staff receive adequate information, instruction and training and confirming that safe systems of work are followed on every job. Managers will ensure that all vehicles, equipment and tools used for moving and removals are suitable, properly maintained and safe to operate.

Management will lead by example, promote a positive safety culture and support staff who raise genuine health and safety concerns. Any incident, near miss or hazard reported will be investigated where necessary and appropriate action will be taken to prevent recurrence.

Employee Responsibilities

All employees and regular subcontractors are required to take reasonable care for their own health and safety and for the safety of others who may be affected by their actions or omissions. Staff must follow all safety instructions, use the equipment provided correctly and report hazards, defects or incidents as soon as possible.

Employees must not misuse or interfere with anything provided for health, safety or welfare purposes. They are expected to co operate with management on all safety matters, including attending inductions, toolbox talks and additional training when required for particular moving tasks.

Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work

Before each removal or delivery, a risk assessment will be carried out that is proportionate to the size and complexity of the job. This will consider access routes, stairways, loading areas, parking arrangements, manual handling demands, environmental conditions and any particular customer requirements. Where necessary, control measures and safe systems of work will be put in place and communicated clearly to the team.

Typical control measures for our man and van services may include using correct lifting techniques, working in teams for heavy or awkward items, using appropriate equipment such as trolleys and straps and planning routes to reduce reversing and tight manoeuvres. Where work takes place in shared buildings or busy streets, extra care is taken to protect the public, including the use of barriers or clear verbal warnings where appropriate.

Manual Handling and Use of Equipment

Lifting and carrying is a core part of removal work and is a key focus of our safety arrangements. Staff are trained in safe manual handling techniques, including assessing loads, keeping items close to the body, using leg strength rather than back muscles and avoiding twisting while carrying. No individual is expected to lift or carry loads beyond their capability and team lifting is encouraged.

Where appropriate, mechanical and handling aids such as sack trucks, dollies, lifting straps and ramps will be used. All such equipment will be checked regularly and any damaged or unsafe items will be taken out of service immediately. Drivers and crew members are instructed to secure loads safely in the vehicle using straps and other restraints to prevent movement during transit.

Vehicle Safety and Driving Standards

Our drivers are responsible for operating vehicles safely, in accordance with road traffic laws and this policy. Vehicles will be kept in a roadworthy condition, have regular checks and be serviced at appropriate intervals. Prior to departure, drivers should carry out basic vehicle checks and confirm that loads are stable and secure.

Drivers must plan journeys to allow sufficient time, taking account of traffic and access conditions in the service area. They must avoid using mobile phones while driving and adhere to speed limits and parking rules. Where access to a property is restricted, extra care must be taken when reversing, including the use of a reversing assistant where reasonably practicable.

Customer Premises and Public Safety

During removals, we respect that we are often working in or around customer homes, offices and shared spaces. Our crews will take reasonable steps to prevent damage and reduce risks, such as keeping walkways clear of trip hazards, using protective coverings where appropriate and loading or unloading in a controlled and orderly way.

Where members of the public or other building users may be affected by our activities, our team will communicate clearly, minimise obstruction, and, where necessary, pause work until it is safe to proceed. We will act courteously and considerately at all times and seek to resolve any safety concerns raised by customers or third parties on site.

Training, Information and Supervision

All new staff receive an introduction to our health and safety procedures, including manual handling, vehicle safety and behaviour at customer premises. Additional training is provided where specific risks are identified, such as handling fragile or high value items, working in confined access properties or managing larger moves.

Supervision is proportionate to the experience of the crew and the complexity of the job. Less experienced staff will work under closer supervision until they are assessed as competent in the tasks they perform. Safety information and reminders are provided through regular briefings, updates and where appropriate, written instructions.

Accident Reporting and Emergency Procedures

All accidents, near misses and dangerous occurrences connected with our activities must be reported to management as soon as possible. Records will be kept and reviewed to identify trends and opportunities for prevention. Where required, incidents will be reported to the relevant authorities in line with applicable regulations.

Our crews are briefed on basic emergency procedures, including calling emergency services where necessary, providing accurate location details and keeping areas clear for access. First aid provisions are available in vehicles or on site where appropriate and staff are encouraged to seek medical attention promptly for any injury.

Monitoring, Review and Continuous Improvement

This Health and Safety Policy is monitored on an ongoing basis and formally reviewed at regular intervals or whenever there are significant changes to our operations, legislation or best practice guidance. Feedback from staff and customers is welcomed, and any reasonable suggestions to improve safety will be considered carefully.

By following this policy, Man with Van Kentish Town aims to deliver reliable and efficient removal services while protecting the wellbeing of everyone involved in or affected by our work.