Health and Safety policy

Man With a Van Kilburn Health and Safety Policy

Man With a Van Kilburn 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 objectives, responsibilities and procedures for managing risks associated with moving, loading, transporting and unloading goods.

We recognise our legal and moral duty to conduct our work in a manner that prevents injury, ill health, property damage and environmental harm. Health and safety is an integral part of the way we plan and deliver all removal and man and van services.

Policy Aims and Objectives

The aims of this policy are to:

Identify and manage hazards associated with removals, lifting, carrying, driving and working in and around customers premises.

Reduce risks to a level that is as low as reasonably practicable through effective planning, training and supervision.

Provide and maintain safe systems of work, safe equipment and suitable vehicles for all removal tasks.

Ensure all staff are competent to carry out their duties safely and are given appropriate information, instruction and training.

Consult with workers on health and safety matters and encourage active participation in improving standards.

Promote a positive health and safety culture throughout the business, with clear leadership and visible commitment.

Management Responsibilities

Management at Man With a Van Kilburn is responsible for:

Implementing this Health and Safety Policy and reviewing it periodically to ensure it remains effective and appropriate for our services.

Carrying out and regularly reviewing risk assessments for common removal activities and specific jobs where additional hazards are identified.

Ensuring that vehicles, lifting aids and equipment used for removals are adequately maintained, inspected and suitable for their intended use.

Providing guidance, resources, supervision and training so that employees can carry out their work safely and professionally.

Investigating accidents, incidents and near misses to identify causes and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence.

Ensuring that contractors and temporary staff engaged by the company understand and adhere to our safety standards and procedures.

Employee Responsibilities

All employees of Man With a Van Kilburn have a duty to take reasonable care for their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions. Staff are expected to:

Follow all safety procedures, instructions and training provided by the company.

Use vehicles, tools and equipment only for their intended purpose and in accordance with guidance and training.

Practice safe manual handling techniques at all times and request assistance or additional equipment for heavy, awkward or bulky items.

Wear any appropriate personal protective equipment supplied, such as gloves, safety footwear or high visibility clothing, when required.

Report hazards, defects, near misses, incidents and any concerns about safety to management as soon as reasonably practicable.

Cooperate with management in any investigation or review of safety practices and contribute suggestions for improvement.

Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices

Risk assessment is central to our approach to health and safety. Before undertaking any removal or man and van task, risks are considered and controlled as follows:

Assessment of access routes, stairs, corridors, lifts and external areas to ensure safe movement of goods and staff.

Evaluation of item weight, shape and fragility to determine appropriate handling methods, team size and equipment requirements.

Planning of loading and unloading procedures to prevent falls from vehicles, crushing, trapping or damage to property.

Consideration of weather, lighting, parking arrangements and traffic around the work area to minimise environmental and vehicle risks.

Implementation of safe systems of work tailored to individual jobs, including clear communication with customers about any limitations or risks identified.

Manual Handling and Use of Equipment

Manual handling is a core part of removal work and presents a significant risk of injury if not managed properly. Man With a Van Kilburn will:

Provide training in safe lifting and carrying techniques, including team lifts, posture, and use of mechanical aids.

Encourage employees to avoid lone handling of heavy or awkward items and to seek assistance when necessary.

Use trolleys, dollies, straps, blankets and other suitable tools to reduce manual effort and protect both staff and customers property.

Ensure that any lifting and moving equipment is regularly checked for damage or wear and removed from service if unsafe.

Vehicle and Driving Safety

Our vehicles are essential to the provision of reliable removal and transport services, and their safe operation is a priority. We will:

Ensure that vehicles are roadworthy, regularly serviced and inspected in line with manufacturer recommendations and legal requirements.

Require drivers to hold the appropriate licence, maintain good driving standards and adhere to traffic laws and company driving policies.

Secure all loads properly using appropriate restraints to prevent movement during transit and reduce the risk of shifting loads or damage.

Plan routes where possible to minimise unnecessary risks, taking into account access restrictions, low bridges and local parking rules.

Customer Premises and Public Safety

We recognise our duty to protect customers and the public while carrying out work. To achieve this, Man With a Van Kilburn will:

Maintain tidy work areas and keep access routes as clear as practicable to reduce the risk of slips, trips and falls.

Use safe practices when moving items through shared spaces, entrances and pavements to avoid endangering others.

Communicate clearly with customers about any limitations on lifting, access or parking that may affect the safe completion of the job.

Take care to avoid damage to property, fixtures and fittings and report any incidents to the customer and management immediately.

Health, Welfare and Training

We aim to promote the overall wellbeing of our team while maintaining high service standards. Man With a Van Kilburn will:

Provide information on safe working hours, rest breaks and hydration, particularly during physically demanding periods.

Offer induction and ongoing training to ensure staff understand their responsibilities and are aware of current safe working methods.

Encourage the reporting of any work-related health concerns, including musculoskeletal issues, so that support and adjustments can be considered.

Monitoring, Review and Continuous Improvement

This Health and Safety Policy is reviewed regularly and whenever there are significant changes to our operations, legislation or recognised good practice. We monitor performance through incident records, feedback from staff and customers, vehicle inspections and site observations.

Man With a Van Kilburn is committed to continuous improvement in health and safety performance. By working together, we aim to deliver efficient, reliable removal services while protecting the health, safety and welfare of everyone involved in or affected by our operations.