Health and Safety policy

Health and Safety Policy for Man and Van Kingston upon Thames

Man and Van Kingston upon Thames 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 transport activities. This policy sets out our approach to managing health and safety across all man and van and removals services in our operating area.

Our Health and Safety Commitment

We recognise our responsibility to prevent accidents, injuries, and work-related ill health. Health and safety considerations form an integral part of planning and delivering all moving, loading, unloading, and transportation tasks. Management, drivers, porters, and support staff share responsibility for maintaining safe working practices at all times.

We aim to continually improve our health and safety performance by monitoring our activities, learning from experience, and updating procedures in line with current guidance and industry best practice.

Roles and Responsibilities

Management is responsible for establishing, implementing, and reviewing this policy, ensuring that appropriate resources, information, and training are provided. Supervisors and team leaders are responsible for day-to-day implementation, monitoring compliance, and addressing any unsafe conditions or behaviours.

All employees, including drivers and removal operatives, 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 follow company procedures, use equipment correctly, report hazards or incidents promptly, and cooperate in any investigation or improvement process.

Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work

Before each removal or delivery job, appropriate risk assessments are carried out to identify hazards associated with premises access, stairways, parking arrangements, traffic conditions, weather, and the nature of items to be moved. These assessments inform the safe systems of work used on each job.

Where necessary, site-specific controls are put in place, such as allocating additional staff, using mechanical aids, adjusting access routes, or rescheduling work to avoid particularly busy times. All staff are briefed on the key risks and control measures relevant to each task.

Manual Handling and Lifting Safety

Manual handling is a core part of our man and van and removals operations, and we place strong emphasis on preventing musculoskeletal injuries. Staff receive training in safe lifting and carrying techniques, team lifting, and correct use of trolleys, dollies, straps, and other moving equipment.

Loads are assessed for weight, size, stability, and grip. Where items are too heavy or awkward to be moved safely by hand, suitable equipment or additional personnel are used. Employees are instructed never to attempt a lift that they consider unsafe, and to stop work immediately if they feel at risk.

Vehicle Safety and Driving Standards

All vehicles used for our services are maintained in a roadworthy and clean condition, with regular checks on brakes, tyres, lights, securing points, and access steps. Drivers must hold appropriate licences and follow all road traffic regulations, including speed limits and parking rules.

Loads are distributed evenly and secured correctly to prevent movement during transit. Access to the vehicle loading area is controlled to avoid slips, trips, falls, and interaction with passing traffic. Drivers are expected to plan routes to minimise risks from congestion, restricted access routes, and adverse weather conditions where reasonably practicable.

Customer and Public Safety

We take reasonable steps to protect customers, neighbours, and members of the public from risks associated with our work. During loading and unloading, we manage access routes, keep pathways as clear as possible, and position vehicles in a way that minimises obstruction while maintaining safety.

We take particular care in shared spaces, residential streets, and commercial premises, ensuring that equipment and removed items do not cause tripping hazards or obstruct emergency exits. Where necessary, customers are advised about temporary restrictions on access while work is carried out.

Equipment, Tools, and Personal Protective Equipment

All equipment and tools used in our man and van operations, such as trolleys, ramps, blankets, straps, and protective boards, are selected for suitability and maintained in good condition. Faulty or damaged equipment is removed from service immediately and reported.

Where required, staff are provided with personal protective equipment such as gloves, safety footwear, and high-visibility clothing. Employees are trained in the correct use, care, and storage of such equipment and are expected to wear it whenever indicated by the risk assessment or company procedures.

Training, Information, and Supervision

All new employees receive an induction that includes an overview of this health and safety policy, emergency procedures, safe manual handling, and vehicle safety. Ongoing training is provided to refresh knowledge and to cover new equipment, revised procedures, or changes in legislation and guidance.

Supervision levels are determined by the nature of the work, experience of staff, and assessed risks. Less experienced team members are paired with experienced colleagues to ensure safe working methods are followed on every job.

Accident Reporting and Emergency Procedures

All accidents, incidents, near misses, and damage to property must be reported as soon as reasonably practicable to a supervisor or manager. Records are maintained to help identify patterns, underlying causes, and opportunities for improvement.

Emergency procedures cover accidents, fire, and road traffic incidents. Staff are briefed on how to raise the alarm, contact emergency services, secure the work area, and provide assistance without putting themselves or others at further risk.

Review and Continuous Improvement

This health and safety policy is reviewed regularly and whenever there are significant changes to our operations, services, or relevant guidance. Feedback from employees and customers, along with findings from incident investigations and inspections, is used to enhance our arrangements.

By working together and following this policy, Man and Van Kingston upon Thames aims to deliver reliable removal and transport services while protecting the health, safety, and welfare of everyone involved.