Health and Safety policy

Man and Van Kennington Health and Safety Policy

Man and Van Kennington is committed to maintaining the highest standards of health and safety for our employees, customers, visitors and members of the public who may be affected by our removal and transport activities. This policy sets out our approach to managing risks associated with our man and van and removal services, including packing, loading, transportation and unloading of goods.

We aim to provide a safe working environment and safe systems of work so that all relocation and delivery tasks are carried out with minimal risk of injury, ill health or damage to property. Health and safety considerations are integral to the planning and delivery of every job we undertake.

Management Responsibilities

The management of Man and Van Kennington has overall responsibility for ensuring that this health and safety policy is implemented and maintained. Management will provide adequate resources, information, instruction and supervision to support safe working practices across all removal operations.

Managers are responsible for monitoring compliance with legal requirements and industry good practice, identifying potential hazards, and taking timely action to control risks. We regularly review our procedures to ensure that our man and van services are carried out safely, from initial booking through to completion of the move.

Employee Responsibilities

All employees, contractors and temporary workers engaged in removal activities have a duty to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions. Staff must follow all instructions, training and safety procedures provided by Man and Van Kennington.

Employees must use equipment correctly, wear appropriate personal protective equipment where required, report hazards or defects immediately, and refrain from any behaviour that could put themselves or others at risk. Any concerns about health and safety should be raised promptly with a manager or supervisor.

Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work

Before starting any removal or delivery task, we assess the risks associated with the premises, access routes, parking arrangements, manual handling requirements and any special items to be moved. Where necessary, a site-specific risk assessment is carried out to identify hazards and determine appropriate control measures.

Safe systems of work are established for the lifting, carrying and loading of furniture, appliances, boxes and other items. We plan vehicle loading to minimise the risk of items shifting during transit, and we take particular care with heavy, bulky or fragile goods. When required, additional equipment or personnel may be used to ensure tasks can be completed safely.

Manual Handling and Lifting

Manual handling is a key element of removal work, and we place strong emphasis on safe lifting techniques. All staff involved in carrying goods receive instruction on correct posture, team lifting, use of mechanical aids where available and recognition of personal limits.

Heavy or awkward items are assessed before moving. If an item is too heavy or unsafe to lift manually, alternative methods are used, or the task is declined. Staff are expected to stop and reassess any lift that feels unsafe, and customers are encouraged to inform us in advance about particularly large or complex items.

Vehicles and Driving Safety

Our vehicles are maintained in a roadworthy condition and are suitable for transporting household and commercial items. Drivers must hold the appropriate licence and follow all road safety regulations, including safe driving speeds, correct loading of vehicles and adherence to rest breaks when required.

Loads are secured to reduce movement during transit, and access ramps, tail lifts or other equipment are used safely and in line with training. Parking is planned to minimise reversing and reduce risk to pedestrians, property and other road users.

Equipment and Personal Protective Equipment

Where appropriate, we provide equipment such as trolleys, dollies, straps, blankets and protective coverings to assist with safe lifting, carrying and transporting of items. All equipment is used in accordance with manufacturer guidance and internal procedures.

Personal protective equipment, such as gloves or safety footwear, may be issued depending on the nature of the job. Staff are required to use such equipment where specified and to report any defects or damage so that replacements can be arranged.

Customer and Public Safety

We take care to protect customers, their property and members of the public during removal activities. Walkways and access routes are kept as clear as reasonably practicable, and any trip hazards created by equipment or packing materials are managed and removed promptly.

Customers are asked to keep children and pets away from active loading and unloading areas to reduce the risk of accidents. We take reasonable measures to prevent damage to walls, floors and doors, and we work with customers to agree safe access routes through the property.

Training, Information and Supervision

All staff receive appropriate induction and on-the-job training relevant to their role within our man and van and removal services. Training covers manual handling, vehicle safety, use of equipment, basic hazard awareness and incident reporting procedures.

Supervision is provided to less experienced staff to ensure that tasks are carried out safely and in accordance with this policy. Refresher training and updates are provided when procedures change or when new equipment or techniques are introduced.

Accident, Incident and Near-Miss Reporting

All accidents, incidents, near misses and cases of work-related ill health must be reported as soon as possible to management. We investigate such events to identify root causes and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence.

Records of accidents and incidents are kept and reviewed to highlight any patterns or areas where additional control measures or training may be required. Staff cooperation in reporting and assisting with investigations is essential for continuous improvement in safety performance.

Review of Policy

This health and safety policy is reviewed regularly and updated as necessary to reflect changes in legislation, guidance or the nature of our operations. Man and Van Kennington is committed to continuous improvement in health and safety management and to working in partnership with employees and customers to maintain a safe environment during all removal and transport activities.

All employees and contractors are required to familiarise themselves with this policy and to follow the procedures and guidance it contains while working for or on behalf of Man and Van Kennington.