Man with Van Kennington Health and Safety Policy

Man with Van Kennington is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for our employees, customers, visitors and members of the public who may be affected by our removal and transportation activities. This policy sets out our approach to managing health and safety in relation to home moves, office relocations and general collection and delivery services across our operating area.

The management of Man with Van Kennington accepts overall responsibility for health and safety performance and is committed to complying with all relevant health and safety legislation, industry best practice and guidance relating to transport, lifting, loading and unloading.

Health and Safety Objectives

Our main objectives are to prevent injury, ill health and damage to property by:

Identifying, assessing and controlling risks associated with removal and delivery work. Providing safe systems of work for loading, unloading, packing, lifting and carrying. Supplying and maintaining appropriate tools, equipment and vehicles in a safe condition. Ensuring employees are competent, properly trained and supervised. Encouraging a positive safety culture and open communication regarding hazards and incidents.

Responsibilities

Management is responsible for implementing this policy, providing adequate resources and regularly reviewing performance. This includes arranging training, ensuring vehicles and equipment are inspected, and checking that risk assessments and safe working procedures are in place.

Employees, including drivers and porters, 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 safety instructions, use equipment correctly, report defects or hazards, and co operate with the company in meeting legal and policy requirements.

Customers are requested to support our safety standards by providing clear access, informing us of any particular hazards on their premises and following advice given by our staff during moves and deliveries.

Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices

We will carry out risk assessments for typical removal and transportation activities, as well as for specific jobs where unusual loads, restricted access, high floors or other special conditions exist. These assessments will be used to create and update safe working procedures, which are communicated to all relevant staff.

Particular attention is given to manual handling, working in and around vehicles, moving heavy or bulky items, working on stairs, and operating in busy or confined streets. Where necessary, additional controls will be introduced to reduce risks to an acceptable level.

Manual Handling and Lifting

Manual handling is a significant part of our work. To minimise the risk of strains, sprains and other injuries, Man with Van Kennington will:

Provide training in correct lifting and carrying techniques. Plan each job to reduce unnecessary manual handling. Use handling aids such as trolleys, skates and straps wherever reasonably practicable. Ensure loads are divided into manageable weights where possible. Instruct staff not to attempt to lift or move items that are beyond their capability and to ask for assistance or use mechanical aids.

Vehicle and Driving Safety

Our vehicles are central to our operations and will be maintained in a roadworthy and safe condition through regular checks, inspections and servicing. Drivers must complete basic safety checks before starting work and report any defects immediately so that they can be addressed before the vehicle is used.

Drivers are required to follow road traffic laws, drive responsibly, allow sufficient time for journeys to avoid rushing, and take appropriate breaks. Loads will be secured safely to prevent movement in transit, and doors, ramps and tailgates must be operated in accordance with training and manufacturer instructions.

Household and Office Removals Safety

During removals, safety considerations include access, trip hazards, fragile items, and protecting both people and property. Our teams will assess access routes, remove or highlight trip hazards where possible, and use appropriate protective equipment such as floor covers or corner protectors when required.

Heavy or awkward items such as appliances, safes or large furniture will be moved using team lifting, handling aids and careful planning. Staff are instructed to stop work if an activity is considered unsafe and to seek further guidance from a supervisor.

Equipment and Personal Protective Equipment

We will provide suitable equipment and, where appropriate, personal protective equipment such as gloves, safety footwear and high visibility clothing. Employees must use this equipment as instructed and report any loss, damage or defect so that it can be repaired or replaced.

All equipment used for lifting or moving loads will be inspected and maintained in line with relevant standards and manufacturer recommendations.

Information, Instruction, Training and Supervision

All new employees will receive an induction that includes health and safety information relevant to their role, including manual handling, vehicle safety and site specific rules. Ongoing and refresher training will be provided as necessary, particularly when new equipment, vehicles or methods of work are introduced.

Supervisors are responsible for monitoring working practices, ensuring procedures are followed and giving guidance to less experienced staff. Any unsafe behaviour or conditions must be addressed promptly.

Accident, Incident and Near Miss Reporting

All accidents, incidents, near misses and damage to vehicles or property must be reported to management as soon as reasonably practicable. This allows us to investigate causes, identify trends and implement corrective actions to prevent reoccurrence.

Records of incidents and corrective actions will be kept and reviewed periodically as part of our commitment to continual improvement in safety performance.

Health, Welfare and Fitness for Work

We recognise the importance of employee health and welfare in ensuring safe operations. Staff are expected to present themselves fit for work and not under the influence of alcohol, drugs or any substance that may impair their ability to work safely.

Where employees have medical conditions that could affect their ability to drive or carry out physical tasks, they must inform management so that appropriate adjustments and controls can be considered.

Consultation and Communication

Man with Van Kennington encourages open communication on health and safety matters. Employees are consulted about changes that may affect their safety and are encouraged to raise any concerns or suggestions for improvement. Information about safety procedures and updates to this policy will be shared with staff in a timely manner.

Policy Review

This health and safety policy will be reviewed regularly and whenever there are significant changes in our operations, legislation or best practice. Revisions will be communicated to all employees, and updated procedures will be incorporated into training and day to day working practices.

By working together and following this policy, Man with Van Kennington aims to deliver removal and transport services in a way that protects the health and safety of our employees, customers and the communities in which we operate.