Health and Safety Policy for Man and a Van Kentish Town
Man and a Van Kentish Town is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for our team members, customers and members of the public. As a professional removal and delivery service, we recognise that our activities involve physical work, vehicle use and close interaction with customers and their property. This policy sets out how we manage health and safety in all aspects of our operations.
Our Health and Safety Commitments
We aim to prevent injury, ill health and damage to property arising from our activities. To achieve this, we will identify and control risks, provide suitable information and training, maintain our vehicles and equipment in a safe condition, and cooperate with customers and other parties at properties where we work.
We comply with relevant health and safety legislation and continually seek to maintain and, where possible, improve our standards. This policy is regularly reviewed to ensure it remains effective and appropriate for the services we provide.
Responsibilities for Health and Safety
Overall responsibility for health and safety within Man and a Van Kentish Town rests with management, who ensure that appropriate systems and resources are in place. Every worker and contractor engaged by us also has a duty to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions.
Team members are expected to follow safe working procedures, use equipment correctly, cooperate with any health and safety measures introduced, and report hazards, near misses and incidents without delay. No one is required to carry out work that they believe to be unsafe.
Risk Assessment and Safe Working Procedures
Before carrying out removal or delivery work, we assess the risks involved, taking into account the nature of the items to be moved, access to the property, parking arrangements, weather conditions and any specific customer requirements. Where necessary, we adjust our methods, allocate additional staff or use specialist equipment to reduce risks to an acceptable level.
We follow safe systems of work for loading and unloading vehicles, moving items through properties, and working in confined or shared spaces such as stairwells, corridors and driveways. We plan routes to minimise reversing and difficult manoeuvres wherever possible.
Manual Handling and Use of Equipment
Manual handling is a key part of our work and is a significant source of potential injury. All team members receive guidance on safe lifting techniques and the correct use of moving equipment. We encourage team members to assess each lift, avoid twisting while carrying loads, keep items close to the body, and ask for assistance or use equipment when an item is heavy, awkward or unstable.
We provide and maintain appropriate equipment such as trolleys, dollies, straps, protective covers and, where necessary, other handling aids. Equipment is regularly checked and removed from use if it is defective or unsafe. Team members must not misuse equipment or attempt to repair it unless they are competent and authorised to do so.
Vehicle Safety and Driving Standards
Our vehicles are an essential part of our service and must be operated safely at all times. Drivers are expected to hold the appropriate driving licence, follow road traffic laws, and drive in a considerate and defensive manner. Speed limits, parking restrictions and loading regulations must be observed.
Vehicles are inspected and maintained in line with manufacturer guidance and legal requirements. Drivers carry out basic pre-use checks, such as tyres, lights and load security. Loads are distributed evenly, properly secured, and never exceed the vehicle's weight or capacity limits. No one is permitted to travel in the load area of any vehicle.
Customer, Public and Property Protection
We aim to protect customers, neighbours, visitors and members of the public from any risks arising from our work. Where possible, we create safe walkways, keep access routes clear, and communicate clearly with customers about any temporary hazards. Children and pets should be kept away from loading areas and moving vehicles.
We take care to avoid damage to properties and belongings by using protective coverings, planning the movement of large items, and avoiding blocking fire exits or escape routes. We will notify the customer immediately if any damage or unsafe condition occurs and will take reasonable steps to make the area safe.
Personal Protective Equipment
Where identified by our risk assessments, we provide suitable personal protective equipment such as gloves, safety footwear or high-visibility clothing. Team members are required to use this equipment as instructed, keep it in good condition and report any defects or loss so that replacements can be arranged.
Health, Welfare and Fitness for Work
We encourage team members to maintain good physical health and to report any conditions that may affect their ability to carry out manual handling tasks or drive safely. No one should work under the influence of alcohol, drugs or any substance that could impair judgement or coordination. Any medication that may affect performance must be declared to management so that suitable adjustments can be considered.
Regular breaks are taken during longer jobs and driving periods to reduce fatigue. Drinking water and, where possible, access to toilet and washing facilities are arranged during the working day.
Incident Reporting and Emergency Procedures
All accidents, injuries, near misses, vehicle incidents and cases of damage to property must be reported as soon as practicable. This allows us to investigate what happened, take corrective action and reduce the chance of recurrence. We maintain appropriate records of incidents and use this information to review our procedures.
In an emergency, the safety of people is always the first priority. Team members are instructed to stop work if a serious hazard is identified, to contact the relevant emergency services where necessary, and to follow any site-specific emergency arrangements in place at customer locations, such as fire procedures or access requirements.
Training, Communication and Policy Review
We provide initial and ongoing guidance to our team on safe lifting, loading, driving, customer interaction and emergency arrangements. Information about health and safety expectations is communicated clearly, and team members are encouraged to raise concerns and suggestions for improvement.
This Health and Safety Policy is reviewed regularly and updated when there are significant changes to our operations, relevant legislation or industry best practice. By working together and following these principles, Man and a Van Kentish Town aims to deliver a reliable, efficient and safe removal service for every customer.
