Man With a Van Kentish Town Health and Safety Policy

Man With a Van Kentish Town 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 Health and Safety Policy sets out our approach to managing risks associated with moving, lifting, loading, unloading, and transporting goods.

Our Health and Safety Objectives

We aim to prevent injury, ill health, and damage to property by identifying hazards, assessing risks, and implementing effective control measures. Health and safety considerations form an integral part of our planning for every job, from small moves to larger removal projects, throughout our service area.

Roles and Responsibilities

Overall responsibility for health and safety rests with the company management. They ensure that adequate resources, training, and equipment are provided so that work can be carried out safely and in accordance with relevant legislation and industry best practice.

Supervisors and team leaders are responsible for monitoring day-to-day operations, confirming that staff follow safe systems of work, and ensuring that any hazards or incidents are reported promptly.

All employees and contractors 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, and report any unsafe conditions, near misses, or accidents without delay.

Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices

We carry out proportionate risk assessments for our activities, including domestic and commercial removals, furniture deliveries, and transport services. These assessments identify potential hazards such as manual handling, vehicle movements, slips and trips, working in confined or shared spaces, and handling fragile or heavy items.

For each identified hazard, we implement control measures and safe systems of work. These may include planning the route of movement, using appropriate lifting techniques and equipment, allocating sufficient staff to a task, and coordinating with customers to maintain clear access and safe working areas.

Manual Handling and Lifting Operations

Manual handling is a core part of our work, so we place particular emphasis on preventing musculoskeletal injuries. Staff receive guidance on correct lifting techniques, team lifting, and the use of handling aids. Wherever reasonably practicable, we minimise the need for manual lifting by planning loads, using trolleys, skates, straps, and other equipment.

No team member is expected to lift or move any item that they consider unsafe due to its weight, shape, condition, or the environment in which it must be moved. The task must be reassessed and alternative methods used if there is a significant risk of injury.

Vehicles, Driving, and Transport Safety

Our vans and associated equipment are maintained in a safe and roadworthy condition. Regular checks are carried out to confirm that brakes, tyres, lights, ramps, and load securing systems are in good working order. Defects are reported immediately and vehicles are not used if any critical safety issue is identified.

Drivers are required to comply with road traffic laws, drive considerately, and adapt their driving to weather, traffic, and local conditions. Loads are secured to prevent movement during transport, and weight limits for vehicles and individual staff members are respected.

Customer Premises and Site Safety

When working at customer premises, our teams will assess access routes, stairways, doorways, lifts, and parking arrangements to identify any hazards before commencing work. We may adjust the method of working, request items to be cleared, or refuse to proceed with a task if it cannot be undertaken safely.

We take care to protect property by using appropriate covers, padding, and handling techniques, and by keeping walkways as clear as practicable. Customers and other occupants are asked to stay clear of working areas while large or heavy items are being moved.

Equipment, Tools, and Personal Protective Equipment

We provide suitable equipment to support safe removal operations, including trolleys, blankets, straps, ramps, and other handling aids. Equipment is inspected regularly and removed from use if found to be damaged or unsafe.

Where necessary, staff are provided with and instructed in the use of personal protective equipment such as safety footwear and gloves. PPE must be worn in accordance with company instructions and maintained in good condition. Damaged or defective PPE must be reported and replaced.

Training, Information, and Supervision

We ensure that staff receive appropriate induction and ongoing training covering manual handling, vehicle safety, safe loading and unloading, and general site safety. Additional instruction is provided when new equipment, procedures, or types of work are introduced.

Supervision is provided proportionate to the level of risk and the experience of staff involved. New or less experienced workers are supported closely to ensure that safe methods of work are followed consistently.

Accident Reporting and Emergency Procedures

All accidents, incidents, and near misses must be reported to management as soon as possible so that they can be investigated and any necessary corrective actions taken. We keep records of incidents, review them periodically, and use them to improve our procedures and training.

Staff are briefed on emergency arrangements relevant to their work, including what to do in the event of injury, fire, or road traffic incidents. Vehicles are equipped with basic safety equipment where appropriate, and staff are instructed on its correct use.

Health, Welfare, and Fitness for Work

We recognise that removal work can be physically demanding. Staff are encouraged to highlight any health concerns that may affect their ability to carry out specific tasks safely. No one is required to undertake work that exceeds their capabilities or may aggravate a medical condition.

We promote sensible working patterns and rest breaks relevant to the nature of our services. We do not tolerate the use of alcohol or illegal substances while at work or in control of company vehicles or equipment.

Policy Review and Continuous Improvement

This Health and Safety Policy is reviewed regularly and whenever there are significant changes in our operations, legal requirements, or industry guidance. We are committed to ongoing improvement and welcome feedback from staff, customers, and other parties to help strengthen our health and safety performance.

By implementing this policy and maintaining a culture of safety and responsibility, Man With a Van Kentish Town aims to deliver reliable removal services while protecting the wellbeing of everyone involved in or affected by our work.