Health and Safety Policy for Man with Van North Kensington

Man with Van North Kensington 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 policy sets out our approach to managing health and safety across all moving and delivery services, including domestic and commercial removals, loading, unloading, packing, handling, and transport.

Our Health and Safety Objectives

We aim to prevent accidents, injuries, and work-related ill health by identifying hazards, assessing risks, and implementing effective control measures. Our objectives are to comply with all applicable health and safety laws and guidance, to promote safe working practices in all removal and transport tasks, and to continually improve our health and safety performance through monitoring, training, and review.

Responsibilities and Management Commitment

Overall responsibility for health and safety rests with the company management, who ensure that this policy is implemented, maintained, and reviewed regularly. Managers and supervisors are responsible for ensuring that daily work is planned and carried out safely, that staff follow procedures, and that any safety concerns are addressed promptly.

All employees and workers have a duty to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions. They must cooperate with the company by following instructions, using equipment correctly, reporting hazards or incidents, and taking part in relevant training. Unsafe behaviour or deliberate breaches of safety rules may result in disciplinary action.

Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work

We conduct risk assessments for our removal and transport activities, including manual handling, lifting and carrying of furniture and belongings, use of vehicles, working in customers homes and workplaces, and any other relevant tasks. These assessments identify potential hazards and set out control measures to reduce risks to an acceptable level.

Where appropriate, we develop safe systems of work and method statements to guide staff on how to carry out tasks safely. These include guidance on route planning, loading and securing loads, use of lifting aids, safe parking and access, and communication with customers. Risk assessments and procedures are reviewed periodically and whenever there is a significant change in work activities, equipment, or legislation.

Manual Handling and Safe Lifting

Manual handling is a key part of our removal services and is managed carefully to protect staff from injury. We provide training on safe lifting techniques, team lifting, use of trolleys and other aids, and the importance of planning the lift and the route before starting work. Heavy, awkward, or bulky items are assessed individually, and where necessary extra staff, mechanical aids, or alternative handling methods are used.

Employees are expected to avoid unnecessary manual handling, to ask for assistance when needed, and to refuse to move items in a way that would be unsafe or beyond their capability. Persistent or recurring problems with particular items or locations are reported so that future work can be planned more safely.

Vehicles, Driving and Load Security

Our vehicles are maintained in a safe and roadworthy condition in accordance with legal requirements and manufacturer guidance. Drivers are responsible for carrying out basic pre-use checks and for reporting defects so that they can be rectified promptly. Only authorised and competent drivers are permitted to operate company vehicles.

Loads are planned and secured so that furniture and belongings are protected and do not shift during transit. Staff are trained on correct loading patterns, weight distribution, and the use of straps, blankets, and other protective materials. Vehicles are not overloaded and access to emergency exits or equipment is not obstructed.

Drivers must follow road traffic laws, drive considerately, and allow sufficient time for journeys. Use of mobile phones or other distractions while driving is not permitted except where legally compliant hands-free arrangements are in place and use is safe.

Equipment, Tools and Personal Protective Equipment

We provide appropriate equipment and tools to support safe working, including trolleys, dollies, straps, and protective materials. All equipment must be used only for its intended purpose and in accordance with instructions and training. Defective or damaged equipment must be reported immediately and taken out of service until repaired or replaced.

Where personal protective equipment is required, such as safety footwear or gloves, it is provided and must be worn and looked after properly. Staff are expected to use any protective equipment as instructed and to report loss or damage without delay.

Working at Customer Premises

Our teams often work in and around customers homes, offices, and other premises. We take care to protect both people and property in these environments. This includes managing trip hazards from boxes and equipment, maintaining clear access routes, using safe lifting and carrying techniques on stairs, and avoiding damage to walls, floors, and fixtures.

Staff are expected to act respectfully at all times, follow any reasonable safety rules in place at the premises, and communicate clearly with customers about any concerns. We may refuse to carry out work if conditions are unsafe, such as blocked fire exits, structural issues, or aggressive behaviour.

Training, Information and Supervision

We provide induction training and ongoing instruction on relevant health and safety matters, including manual handling, use of equipment, vehicle safety, and emergency procedures. Information about risks and safe working methods is communicated clearly and updated as needed.

Supervision is provided appropriate to the level of risk and the experience of staff involved. New or inexperienced workers may be paired with more experienced colleagues or given closer supervision until they are competent to work more independently.

Incident Reporting and Emergency Procedures

All accidents, injuries, near misses, and dangerous occurrences must be reported as soon as possible. This allows us to provide support, investigate causes, and put measures in place to prevent recurrence. Records of incidents are kept and reviewed to identify trends and opportunities for improvement.

Emergency procedures, such as what to do in case of fire, serious injury, or road traffic collision, are communicated to staff. Employees must familiarise themselves with these procedures and follow them if an emergency arises, including cooperating with emergency services and preserving evidence where necessary.

Continuous Improvement and Policy Review

We are committed to continuously improving our health and safety performance. This includes learning from incidents, feedback, and industry best practice, and updating our arrangements accordingly. This policy is reviewed regularly and revised when appropriate to reflect changes in law, guidance, or our operations.

By working together and following this Health and Safety Policy, Man with Van North Kensington aims to ensure that all removal and transport activities are carried out as safely as reasonably practicable for everyone involved.