Health and Safety policy
Man and a Van Kingston Health and Safety Policy
Man and a Van Kingston 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 delivery activities. This Health and Safety Policy sets out the principles and procedures we follow to reduce risks, prevent injury and protect property during our day to day operations.
Policy Statement and Objectives
Our objective is to conduct all removal and transport services in a way that prevents accidents, protects health and complies with all relevant health and safety legislation and recognised industry standards. We will identify hazards, assess risks and implement appropriate control measures to ensure the safety of people, vehicles and property.
Management accepts overall responsibility for health and safety and will provide the resources, information and training necessary for this policy to be implemented and maintained. Every employee and contractor working with Man and a Van Kingston is required to take reasonable care of their own safety and the safety of others who may be affected by their actions or omissions.
Responsibilities and Competence
Management is responsible for establishing and reviewing this policy, ensuring risk assessments are carried out and that safe systems of work are in place for all removal and transport activities. Supervisors and team leaders are responsible for implementing these systems on site, monitoring working practices and stopping any job they believe to be unsafe.
All drivers, porters and removal staff are responsible for following safe working procedures, using equipment correctly and reporting hazards, near misses, incidents and damaged equipment without delay. Staff are expected to cooperate fully with training, instructions and safety briefings, and to never undertake tasks for which they are not trained or medically fit.
Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices
Before any job is started, a risk assessment will be undertaken that considers access, parking, lifting requirements, environmental conditions and any special hazards associated with the property or items being moved. Where necessary, we will adapt the method of work to control risks, such as adjusting loading routes, using additional staff or mechanical aids, or arranging alternative access points.
We will maintain written procedures for typical removal activities, including packing, loading and unloading vehicles, moving heavy or awkward items, operating lifting equipment and working in confined or shared spaces such as communal entrances and loading bays. Staff are trained to follow these procedures and to stop work if conditions change or become unsafe.
Manual Handling and Use of Equipment
Manual handling is a significant element of our work. To reduce the risk of injury, we will assess the weight, size and shape of items and plan the lift accordingly. Wherever reasonably practicable, we will use equipment such as sack trucks, dollies, furniture sliders, straps and ramps to reduce the physical strain on staff.
Employees receive training in safe lifting and carrying techniques, team lifting, route planning within properties and communication during complex moves. No employee is required to lift or carry any item they believe to be unsafe due to weight, bulk or access constraints. Any specialist lifting equipment will be inspected regularly to ensure it remains safe and suitable.
Vehicles, Driving and Road Safety
Man and a Van Kingston maintains all vehicles in a safe and roadworthy condition with regular servicing, inspections and checks. Drivers are required to complete pre use checks and to report any defects at the earliest opportunity. No vehicle will be used if it is known or suspected to be unsafe.
All drivers must hold the appropriate valid licence and are expected to comply with road traffic laws, speed limits and parking regulations. Loads will be distributed evenly, adequately secured and covered where necessary to prevent movement or damage in transit. Drivers must not operate vehicles under the influence of alcohol, drugs or any medication that impairs driving.
Customer, Public and Property Protection
As a removal company often working in occupied homes, business premises and public areas, protecting customers, the public and property is a priority. We will plan routes inside buildings to minimise disturbance, use protective materials such as floor coverings and corner guards where appropriate, and maintain clear communication with customers about the work being carried out.
Work areas will be kept as tidy and obstruction free as possible. Where there is potential for trip, slip or collision risks, staff will manage access, use warning signs where appropriate and move equipment or packaging promptly. Particular care will be taken in shared spaces such as stairwells, corridors and car parks to prevent accidents involving visitors, neighbours or passers by.
Incident Reporting and Emergency Procedures
All accidents, near misses, injuries and damage to property or vehicles must be reported to management as soon as reasonably possible. We will investigate incidents to identify root causes and take corrective action to prevent recurrence. Records of incidents and actions taken will be maintained and reviewed as part of our continuous improvement process.
Employees receive guidance on what to do in the event of an emergency, including road traffic collisions, fire, injury, sudden illness or unsafe structural conditions at a property. Where necessary, work will be suspended, the area made safe and emergency services contacted. First aid provisions appropriate to the nature of our work will be made available.
Training, Communication and Consultation
Health and safety training is provided for all employees at induction and refreshed as needed. This includes manual handling, vehicle safety, use of equipment, basic first aid awareness and dealing with customers safely. Additional training is provided for higher risk activities or specialist equipment.
We will communicate safety information clearly to staff, including changes to procedures or identified risks. Employees are encouraged to raise safety concerns, suggest improvements and participate in discussions about health and safety arrangements. No employee will be disadvantaged for raising genuine safety issues.
Monitoring, Review and Continuous Improvement
Man and a Van Kingston regularly monitors health and safety performance through inspections, vehicle checks, review of incident reports and feedback from staff and customers. Where improvements are identified, we will update risk assessments, procedures and training accordingly.
This Health and Safety Policy will be reviewed at least annually, and sooner if there are significant changes in our activities, legislation or industry best practice. The most up to date version of this policy is made available to employees and customers on request.
By following this policy and working together, we aim to ensure that all removal and delivery services are carried out safely, efficiently and with respect for the wellbeing of everyone involved.
