Man with Van Kingston upon Thames Health and Safety Policy

This Health and Safety Policy sets out the principles and procedures followed by Man with Van Kingston upon Thames to protect the health, safety and welfare of workers, customers, visitors and members of the public during all removal and transport activities. The policy applies to all services including house removals, flat moves, office moves, collections, deliveries, packing assistance and loading or unloading at any address within our operating area.

Policy Statement

Man with Van Kingston upon Thames is committed to managing its activities in a way that prevents injury, ill health and damage to property. We aim to provide a safe working environment in vehicles, at clients premises, in public areas and at any other location where our removal services are carried out. Health and safety considerations are integral to how we plan, organise and deliver every move.

We will comply with relevant health and safety legislation and recognised industry best practice, and we will review our arrangements regularly to ensure they remain suitable and effective for our removal operations.

Roles and Responsibilities

Overall responsibility for health and safety rests with the business owner or appointed manager. They are responsible for:

Ensuring that appropriate risk assessments are carried out for removal work, vehicles, equipment and manual handling tasks.

Providing clear instructions, information and training to workers on safe systems of work.

Ensuring that vehicles and equipment are suitable, properly maintained and used safely.

Investigating any incidents or near misses and implementing corrective action.

All workers, including drivers, porters and any temporary staff, are responsible for:

Taking reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others affected by their actions.

Following all safety instructions, training and procedures provided by the company.

Using vehicles, lifting equipment and other tools correctly and reporting any faults immediately.

Reporting hazards, accidents, injuries, near misses and unsafe conditions without delay.

Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work

We assess the risks associated with our activities and put in place control measures to minimise them. This includes consideration of access routes, parking, lifting and carrying, stairs, confined spaces, weather conditions and other factors relevant to domestic and commercial removals. Where appropriate, we will adapt our methods of work to suit the specific requirements and constraints at a client property.

Safe systems of work may include using additional staff for heavy items, employing lifting aids, splitting loads, planning suitable routes to and from vehicles, and scheduling work to avoid unnecessary time pressure. Workers are expected to follow the safe system of work agreed for each job.

Manual Handling and Lifting

Manual handling is a significant part of removal work, and we place strong emphasis on safe lifting practices. All workers receive guidance in correct lifting techniques, including team lifts, use of trolleys or dollies, and the importance of maintaining good posture. Where an item is judged to be too heavy, bulky or awkward for safe handling, alternative methods must be used or the task must not proceed until it can be carried out safely.

Workers must not take unnecessary risks with heavy furniture, appliances or boxes. Items should be packed, stacked and moved in a way that prevents strain injuries, slips or trips.

Vehicle Safety and Loading

Vehicles used for removal services must be roadworthy, regularly inspected and appropriately insured. Drivers are responsible for completing basic pre-use checks, reporting defects and driving in a safe, courteous and lawful manner at all times.

Loading and unloading are planned to avoid instability and shifting of loads during transit. Items must be secured using straps, blankets and other restraints as needed, and weight must be distributed evenly. Walkways within the vehicle, where present, should be kept clear of tripping hazards. Only authorised persons may ride in the vehicles.

Working at Client Premises and Public Areas

When working in homes, offices and shared buildings, we take care to protect both people and property. This includes using protective coverings where appropriate, avoiding obstruction of fire exits, keeping walkways clear and managing cables and equipment to minimise trip hazards.

Where work requires crossing pavements, communal entrances or shared car parks, we will position vehicles and equipment to minimise risk to passers-by and other road users, and use safe lifting routes that avoid unnecessary exposure to traffic.

Equipment, Tools and Personal Protective Equipment

All equipment used in connection with our services, such as sack trucks, trolleys, straps, ramps and protective blankets, must be suitable for the task and maintained in good condition. Defective equipment must be removed from use and reported.

Personal protective equipment, such as gloves or safety footwear, may be required depending on the nature of the job. Where issued, it must be worn and looked after properly. Workers should report any damaged or missing protective equipment so that it can be replaced.

Training, Information and Supervision

We provide workers with appropriate information and instruction on health and safety requirements, safe manual handling, vehicle use, loading techniques and emergency procedures relevant to removal work. New workers receive induction training, and further guidance is provided when tasks or equipment change.

Supervision is proportionate to the level of risk and the experience of staff. Less experienced workers may be paired with more experienced colleagues until they are competent to work with greater independence.

Accidents, Incidents and First Aid

All accidents, injuries and near misses must be reported as soon as possible to the responsible person. Records of incidents are kept and reviewed to identify trends and opportunities for improvement. Where necessary, we will revise working practices or introduce additional control measures.

Appropriate first aid arrangements are maintained, including access to basic first aid supplies whilst working on removal jobs. Staff are informed of how to obtain medical assistance in an emergency.

Consultation and Continuous Improvement

We encourage workers to contribute to health and safety by reporting hazards, suggesting improvements and raising any concerns. Feedback is considered when reviewing risk assessments, procedures and training needs.

This Health and Safety Policy will be reviewed periodically, and after any significant change in our services or operating methods, to ensure it remains effective and appropriate for our man and van and removal activities.