Health and Safety policy
Health and Safety Policy for Man and a Van Kingston upon Thames
This Health and Safety Policy sets out how Man and a Van Kingston upon Thames manages health, safety, and welfare across all removal and transportation activities. Our aim is to provide a safe and healthy working environment for our employees, contractors, customers, and members of the public who may be affected by our work.
General Policy Statement
Man and a Van Kingston upon Thames is committed to preventing injury and ill health arising from our activities. We will comply with all relevant health and safety legislation and recognised best practice within the removals and transport sector. Health and safety considerations are integral to our planning, decision-making, and day-to-day operations.
We will take all reasonably practicable steps to identify hazards, assess risks, and implement effective controls so that removal services are carried out safely and efficiently.
Responsibilities and Management
Overall responsibility for health and safety rests with the company management, who will ensure that suitable resources are allocated to implement this policy. Management will:
• Establish and maintain safe systems of work for loading, unloading, carrying, and transporting goods.
• Provide information, instruction, and supervision to employees so they can perform their work safely.
• Review this policy regularly to ensure it remains effective and up to date.
Employees and contractors have a duty to take reasonable care for their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions. They must:
• Follow the training and guidance provided.
• Use equipment and protective gear correctly.
• Report hazards, near misses, incidents, and unsafe conditions without delay.
Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices
We carry out risk assessments for our activities, including house and flat moves, office moves, furniture transport, and single-item deliveries. These assessments identify potential hazards such as manual handling, vehicle movements, working in confined spaces, and working in and around client premises.
From these assessments we develop safe working practices, which may include:
• Planning safe access routes for removing and delivering items.
• Using appropriate lifting techniques and team lifting for heavy or awkward loads.
• Employing handling aids such as trolleys, dollies, straps, and blankets where necessary.
• Ensuring that items are loaded, stacked, and secured safely in vehicles to prevent movement during transit.
Manual Handling and Lifting
Manual handling is a significant part of removal work and is a key focus of our health and safety approach. We aim to reduce manual handling risks by:
• Assessing loads before lifting and planning the best method.
• Avoiding unnecessary lifting and carrying wherever possible.
• Providing training on correct posture, lifting techniques, and team coordination.
• Limiting individual lifting to safe weights and using more than one person for heavy or bulky items.
Employees must not attempt to lift items they believe to be too heavy or unsafe. They are encouraged to ask for assistance and to use equipment provided.
Vehicle Safety and Driving Standards
Our vehicles are essential to our removal operations, and we treat vehicle safety as a core part of this policy. We will:
• Keep vehicles roadworthy and maintained in line with manufacturer guidelines and legal requirements.
• Conduct regular checks on brakes, tyres, lights, and securing points for loads.
• Ensure loads are evenly distributed, adequately secured, and within permitted weight limits.
• Require drivers to follow safe driving practices, including observing speed limits and adapting to road and weather conditions.
Drivers must not operate vehicles if they are unfit through fatigue, illness, alcohol, drugs, or medication that impairs driving ability.
Customer Premises and Public Safety
Our work often takes place in and around customers homes, offices, and shared spaces. We take care to minimise disruption and protect the safety of customers, neighbours, and the general public by:
• Keeping access areas and pathways clear of trip hazards such as boxes, tools, and packing materials.
• Using warning where appropriate to indicate removal activity.
• Taking care when carrying large items through doorways, stairways, and communal areas.
• Controlling vehicle access and parking so that loading and unloading can be carried out safely.
Training, Information, and Supervision
We provide employees with training that is relevant to their roles and levels of responsibility. This may include:
• Induction training on health and safety expectations and procedures.
• Manual handling and safe lifting practices.
• Safe use of equipment such as trolleys, straps, and protective gear.
• Vehicle safety and loading techniques.
Supervisors and senior staff monitor working practices on site and during moves, providing guidance and corrective action where needed to maintain high safety standards.
Equipment, Tools, and Personal Protective Equipment
We ensure that all tools and equipment used for removal work are suitable, maintained, and inspected regularly. Employees must use equipment only for its intended purpose and report any defects immediately.
Where necessary, we provide personal protective equipment such as gloves, safety footwear, and high-visibility clothing. Employees are required to wear such equipment as directed and to look after it responsibly.
Accident Reporting and Emergency Procedures
All accidents, incidents, and near misses must be reported as soon as reasonably possible. This allows us to investigate causes, take corrective actions, and prevent recurrence. Records of incidents are kept and reviewed to identify trends or areas for improvement.
Emergency procedures are in place for events such as fire, serious injury, road collisions, and sudden illness. Staff are briefed on how to respond, including how to contact emergency services and how to protect themselves and others from further harm.
Monitoring, Review, and Continuous Improvement
This Health and Safety Policy is reviewed regularly and updated when necessary to reflect changes in legislation, industry guidance, and our methods of working. We welcome feedback from employees and customers on health and safety matters and use this information to improve our practices.
By following this policy, Man and a Van Kingston upon Thames aims to provide safe, reliable, and professional removal services while protecting the wellbeing of everyone involved in or affected by our operations.
