Health and Safety Policy for Man and Van South Kensington

Man and Van South Kensington is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for our employees, contractors, customers and members of the public affected by our removal and transport activities. This Health and Safety Policy sets out the principles and arrangements we follow to prevent injury, ill health and damage to property during house moves, office relocations and related services.

Our Health and Safety Commitment

We recognise that professional removal operations involve manual handling, driving, loading, unloading and working in varied locations. We will take all reasonably practicable steps to manage these risks and to comply with relevant health and safety legislation and industry best practice. Health and safety considerations form an integral part of the planning and delivery of our services.

Management Responsibilities

The management of Man and Van South Kensington has overall responsibility for implementing and maintaining this policy. Management will ensure that adequate resources are provided to support safe working practices, including appropriate vehicles, equipment and training.

Managers are responsible for planning jobs in a way that minimises risk, communicating safe systems of work, monitoring performance and investigating any accidents, incidents or near misses. Where necessary, procedures and training will be updated to prevent recurrence and improve safety standards.

Employee Responsibilities

All employees and regular contractors share a duty of care for their own safety and the safety of others who may be affected by their actions. Staff must follow instructions, use equipment correctly, cooperate with training and report any hazards or unsafe conditions immediately.

Employees must not undertake any task for which they are not trained or that they believe cannot be completed safely with the equipment and time provided. Any concerns should be raised with a supervisor before work continues.

Risk Assessment and Safe Working Methods

We conduct risk assessments for our core activities, including packing, lifting, carrying, loading, unloading and driving. These assessments identify significant hazards such as manual handling injuries, slips and trips, falls from vehicles, vehicle movements, traffic conditions and damage to property.

Based on these assessments, we develop and implement safe working methods, which may include team lifting, the use of trolleys and moving aids, route planning, securing loads, using appropriate personal protective equipment and maintaining good housekeeping in work areas and vehicles.

Manual Handling and Use of Equipment

Manual handling is a key part of removal work and is managed with particular care. Staff receive guidance on correct lifting techniques, the importance of assessing the weight and shape of items, and the need to request assistance with heavy or awkward loads.

Where suitable, we use equipment such as sack barrows, dollies, straps and protective covers to reduce the physical strain on workers and to protect customers belongings and premises. Equipment is checked regularly for damage or defects and removed from service if unsafe.

Vehicle Safety and Driving Standards

Our vehicles are maintained in a roadworthy condition and are regularly inspected. Loads are secured safely to prevent movement during transit, reducing the risk of injury and damage. Drivers are required to obey road traffic laws, follow journey plans and allow sufficient time for travel to avoid rushing.

Drivers must not operate vehicles if unfit to drive or under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Mobile phones and devices must be used responsibly and only in a way that does not compromise safety. Parking and access to properties are managed carefully to avoid risks to pedestrians, other road users and property.

Customer and Public Safety

We plan and carry out our work to minimise disruption and risk to customers, neighbours and members of the public. This includes maintaining clear routes where possible, using safe lifting and carrying methods on stairways, and taking particular care in shared or busy spaces.

Customers are asked to keep children and pets away from working areas while loading and unloading take place. We will also advise customers of any immediate safety concerns, such as unstable items, trip hazards or restricted access.

Training, Supervision and Competence

All staff receive an induction that includes information on our Health and Safety Policy, safe working procedures and emergency arrangements. Additional role-specific training is provided where needed, for example in manual handling, use of equipment and vehicle operation.

Supervisors monitor working practices and provide on-the-job guidance to ensure that staff remain competent and that safe methods are followed. Further training or refresher sessions will be arranged if new risks are identified or if working methods change.

Accident Reporting and Emergency Procedures

All accidents, incidents, near misses and cases of damage to property must be reported to management as soon as reasonably possible. Records are kept and reviewed to identify patterns and opportunities for improvement.

Staff are instructed in basic emergency procedures, including what to do in the event of injury, fire, serious vehicle incidents or unsafe site conditions. Where appropriate, work will be stopped until the situation can be made safe.

Consultation and Continuous Improvement

We encourage feedback from employees and customers on health and safety matters. Staff are consulted on proposed changes to working methods and are invited to raise suggestions for improving safety.

This policy and associated procedures are reviewed regularly and whenever significant changes occur in our operations, equipment or legal requirements. We are committed to continual improvement in health and safety performance as an integral part of providing reliable and professional man and van and removal services.

Policy Review

This Health and Safety Policy is effective from the date of publication and will be reviewed periodically to ensure it remains relevant and effective. Any updates will be communicated to all employees and will apply to all removal and transport activities undertaken by Man and Van South Kensington.