Health and Safety policy

Health and Safety Policy for Kingston upon Thames Man and Van

Kingston upon Thames Man and Van is committed to maintaining the highest standards of health and safety for our customers, employees, contractors, and members of the public. This policy outlines our approach to managing health and safety risks associated with our man and van and removal services, including residential, commercial, and office moves.

Our Health and Safety Commitment

We recognise our responsibility to provide a safe working environment and to conduct all moving and transportation operations in a way that minimises the risk of injury, ill health, or property damage. Our management team accepts overall responsibility for health and safety performance and will ensure that appropriate resources, training, and supervision are provided.

All employees and contractors working with Kingston upon Thames Man and Van are expected to take reasonable care of their own safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions, and to co-operate fully with this policy.

Legal Compliance and Continuous Improvement

We aim to comply with all applicable health and safety legislation, industry guidance, and relevant regulations for the removal and transport sector. We review this policy regularly and update our methods of work, training, and risk assessments to reflect changes in law, best practice, and our own experience from operating in the removals and man and van service area.

We seek continuous improvement by monitoring incidents, near misses, customer feedback, and staff observations to identify opportunities to reduce risk.

Roles and Responsibilities

Management is responsible for implementing this health and safety policy, ensuring suitable risk assessments are carried out, and that staff receive appropriate induction and ongoing training. Supervisors and team leaders must promote safe working practices on every job, including packing, loading, transport, unloading, and disposal tasks.

Employees must follow all safety instructions and training, use equipment correctly, wear any required personal protective equipment, and promptly report hazards, defects, accidents, and near misses. Contractors and agency workers are required to meet the same standards as directly employed personnel when engaged in our removal operations.

Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work

Before starting any removal or transport job, we assess the risks associated with the premises, vehicle access, traffic, lifting tasks, and any specific customer requirements. Where necessary, we conduct site-specific assessments to identify potential hazards such as narrow staircases, heavy or awkward items, restricted access, or shared public areas.

Safe systems of work are put in place to control identified risks. These may include the use of additional team members, mechanical aids, protective equipment, and specific loading and unloading sequences to prevent accidents and damage.

Manual Handling and Lifting

Manual handling is a key part of our removal services, and we recognise the importance of preventing back injuries and strains. All staff receive instruction in safe lifting techniques, correct posture, team lifting, and the use of handling aids such as trolleys, dollies, straps, and blankets.

Where an item is too heavy, bulky, or awkward for safe manual handling, we will use mechanical equipment or additional staff, or we will advise the customer that specialist lifting equipment is required. Employees must not attempt to lift beyond their capability or ignore manual handling procedures under any circumstances.

Vehicle Safety and Driving Standards

Our vehicles are maintained in a roadworthy condition and are regularly inspected and serviced. Drivers are required to complete basic vehicle checks and report any defects immediately. Loads must be distributed correctly and secured to prevent movement during transit, with particular care taken when transporting fragile, valuable, or unusually shaped items.

All driving must be carried out in accordance with road traffic laws and safe driving practices. Drivers must allow sufficient time for journeys, take breaks as needed, and adjust driving to weather, traffic, and local road conditions. Mobile phones and other distractions must not be used while driving, except in accordance with hands-free regulations where appropriate.

Customer Premises and Public Safety

We take care to protect customer premises, neighbouring properties, and members of the public while carrying out removal operations. Where appropriate, we use floor protection, corner guards, and protective covers for furniture and fixtures.

Move routes are planned to minimise obstruction and trip hazards. Staff will position ramps, trolleys, and equipment safely and clearly mark any temporary hazards where reasonably practicable. We will always seek to complete work with the least possible disruption to other users of the building or area.

Equipment, Tools and Personal Protective Equipment

All equipment, tools, and lifting aids used by Kingston upon Thames Man and Van are inspected and maintained to ensure they are safe and fit for purpose. Defective or damaged equipment must be taken out of service immediately and reported for repair or replacement.

Where necessary, we provide personal protective equipment such as gloves, high-visibility clothing, safety footwear, and other items appropriate to the task and environment. Staff are required to use this equipment as instructed and keep it in good condition.

Training, Information and Supervision

We provide appropriate training to all staff to ensure they understand their health and safety responsibilities and can carry out their duties safely. This includes induction training, manual handling tuition, vehicle loading guidance, and task-specific instruction where needed.

Supervision is provided in proportion to the complexity and risk of the job. Less experienced staff are supported and monitored closely, and all employees are encouraged to ask questions and seek guidance whenever they are unsure of the safest way to proceed.

Accidents, Incidents and Emergency Procedures

All accidents, near misses, and dangerous occurrences must be reported as soon as possible. We maintain appropriate records, investigate incidents to identify root causes, and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence.

Emergency procedures are communicated to staff, including what to do in the event of fire, serious injury, vehicle breakdown, or collision. First aid provisions are made available in vehicles or through designated first aiders where required, and emergency services will be contacted without delay when necessary.

Review of This Policy

This health and safety policy is reviewed regularly and whenever there are significant changes to our operations, equipment, or relevant legislation. Updated versions will be communicated to all employees and contractors so that everyone involved in Kingston upon Thames Man and Van services understands the standards expected and the procedures to be followed.

By working together and following this policy, we aim to deliver safe, reliable, and professional man and van and removal services throughout our operating area.