Health and Safety policy

Health and Safety Policy for Man with Van Kensington

Man with Van Kensington is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for our employees, customers, contractors, and members of the public who may be affected by our removal and transportation activities. This Health and Safety policy sets out our approach to identifying, managing, and reducing risks associated with our services.

Our objective is to conduct all removal, loading, unloading, packing, and transportation work in a way that prevents injury, ill health, property damage, and unnecessary disruption in residential and commercial areas.

Health and Safety Responsibilities

The management of Man with Van Kensington accepts overall responsibility for health and safety. Management will ensure appropriate resources, information, and supervision are provided so that all work is carried out safely and in compliance with relevant health and safety legislation.

All employees and regular subcontractors share responsibility for their own safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions. Staff are required to follow safe working procedures, use equipment correctly, report hazards, and cooperate fully with the company’s health and safety measures.

Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices

We carry out risk assessments for our core activities, including home and office removals, heavy lifting, furniture disassembly and reassembly, packing and unpacking, and vehicle loading and unloading. These assessments consider potential hazards such as manual handling injuries, slips and trips, falls from vehicles or steps, damage to property, and risks associated with moving goods through busy streets or shared access areas.

Findings from risk assessments are used to define safe systems of work. These procedures are communicated to staff and reviewed regularly to ensure they remain suitable as services develop or as any incident, near miss, or change in working method occurs.

Manual Handling and Lifting Safety

Manual handling is a key element of our removal services. To minimise the risk of strains, sprains, and other injuries, we implement strict handling guidelines and provide appropriate training. Staff are instructed in correct lifting techniques, including assessment of weight and size, use of team lifts for heavy or awkward items, and the importance of clear communication during lifts.

Mechanical aids such as trolleys, dollies, straps, and lifting equipment are used wherever reasonably practicable to reduce physical strain and improve control when moving items through buildings, stairwells, lifts, corridors, and loading areas.

Vehicle Safety and Driving Standards

Man with Van Kensington maintains its vehicles in a roadworthy condition and ensures they are suitable for the type of removal work undertaken. Regular inspections and maintenance are carried out in line with manufacturer guidelines and legal requirements.

Drivers are required to hold the correct licence for the vehicles they operate and to follow safe driving practices at all times. This includes observing speed limits, securing all loads correctly, planning routes safely, allowing adequate time for journeys, and adjusting driving to weather and traffic conditions. Vehicles must never be overloaded or used in a manner that could endanger staff, customers, or other road users.

Loading, Unloading, and Site Safety

Safe loading and unloading procedures are essential to prevent accidents and damage to property. Staff are trained to arrange items in vehicles in a stable and secure manner, using straps, blankets, and padding to prevent movement during transit.

When working at customers premises, staff must assess the environment for hazards such as uneven surfaces, narrow staircases, limited parking spaces, or shared access routes. Appropriate control measures, such as the use of warning signs, spotters, or temporary barriers, may be used where necessary to protect the public and avoid obstructions.

Safe Use of Equipment and Personal Protective Equipment

All tools, equipment, and handling aids used in our removal operations must be in good condition and used only for their intended purpose. Staff are responsible for visually checking equipment before use and reporting any defects immediately so that faulty items are removed from service.

Personal protective equipment, such as gloves, safety footwear, and high-visibility clothing where appropriate, is provided to staff in line with the risks identified. Employees are required to use such equipment correctly, keep it in good condition, and report any loss or damage without delay.

Training, Information, and Supervision

We recognise that competent and well-informed staff are critical to maintaining safe operations. All new employees receive an introduction to our health and safety procedures, including manual handling practices, vehicle safety, equipment use, and site awareness. Ongoing training and refresher sessions are provided as necessary.

Supervisors and senior team members monitor working practices, especially where complex moves are underway or where there are particular access restrictions or higher levels of risk. Feedback from staff and customers is encouraged to support continuous improvement in safety standards.

Accident Reporting and Incident Investigation

All accidents, injuries, near misses, and dangerous occurrences that happen during our work must be reported promptly. Accurate records are maintained to help identify trends and opportunities for improvement.

Incidents are investigated to determine root causes and to implement corrective actions, which may include changes to procedures, additional training, or adjustments to equipment or planning. Lessons learned are communicated across the team so that the same issue is less likely to occur again.

Health, Welfare, and Fitness for Work

Man with Van Kensington aims to promote the general health and welfare of its employees. Staff are expected to present themselves fit for work and to report any condition that may impair their ability to perform tasks safely, such as illness, injury, or the effects of medication.

The use of alcohol or illegal substances is strictly prohibited during working hours and before shifts where such use could affect safety. Any concerns about fitness to drive or carry out manual tasks are taken seriously and addressed without delay.

Cooperation with Customers and the Public

We recognise that safe working relies on cooperation between our team, our customers, and others present at collection and delivery locations. Customers are encouraged to inform us in advance of any access issues, building restrictions, or known hazards so that we can plan accordingly.

During removals, our staff will take reasonable steps to minimise disruption, maintain clear routes, and protect property. Where temporary restrictions on access or movement are needed for safety, our team will explain these to customers and others who may be affected.

Policy Review and Continuous Improvement

This Health and Safety policy is reviewed regularly and whenever changes in our operations, legislation, or industry best practice occur. We are committed to continually improving our performance and to cultivating a positive safety culture throughout Man with Van Kensington.

By implementing this policy and working together, we aim to ensure that every removal and delivery is carried out as safely, efficiently, and responsibly as possible.