Health and Safety Policy for Man with Van Kingston

Man with Van Kingston is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for our workers, contractors, customers and members of the public. This Health and Safety Policy sets out our approach to managing risks associated with removals, transport and related services within our operating area, including domestic and commercial moves.

Policy Statement and Objectives

Our objective is to prevent accidents, injuries and work-related ill health by identifying hazards, assessing risks and implementing effective control measures. We will comply with applicable health and safety legislation and recognised industry best practice. Health and safety considerations form an integral part of how we plan, organise and deliver our removal and transport services.

We will maintain safe systems of work for loading, unloading and transporting goods, ensure that vehicles and equipment are fit for purpose, and provide appropriate information, instruction, training and supervision to everyone working on our behalf.

Responsibilities

Overall responsibility for health and safety rests with the company management. Management will provide adequate resources to implement this policy, review health and safety performance regularly and ensure that suitable risk assessments are carried out for our activities.

Supervisors and team leaders are responsible for ensuring that safe working procedures are followed on every job, that workers use the correct equipment, and that any defects or incidents are reported promptly.

Every worker, whether employed directly or engaged as a contractor, has a duty to take reasonable care for their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions. This includes following instructions, using equipment correctly, reporting hazards or near-misses and cooperating with all health and safety arrangements.

Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices

We will carry out risk assessments for our typical activities, including packing, lifting, carrying, loading, securing loads, driving, unloading and working at customers premises. For each job we will consider specific factors such as access restrictions, stairs, parking, weather conditions and the nature of the items to be moved.

Safe working procedures will be developed and communicated for key tasks, including handling heavy or awkward items, working in confined spaces such as narrow hallways, and operating equipment such as sack trucks and moving straps. Where necessary, additional control measures will be introduced, such as using extra staff for heavy lifts or splitting loads into smaller, manageable parts.

Training, Information and Supervision

All workers will receive appropriate induction and ongoing training for their roles. This will include manual handling techniques, safe loading and unloading practices, use of lifting aids, vehicle safety, personal protective equipment and emergency procedures.

Information about specific site risks will be shared before work begins wherever possible. Team leaders are expected to brief staff at the start of each job, highlighting any particular hazards and confirming who is responsible for key tasks. New or inexperienced workers will be supervised closely until they are deemed competent to work more independently.

Manual Handling and Use of Equipment

Manual handling is a core part of removal work. To minimise the risk of injury, workers are required to use correct lifting techniques, avoid twisting while carrying loads, and ask for assistance with heavy or bulky items. Where practical, mechanical aids such as sack trucks, dollies and straps must be used to reduce strain.

All equipment used for moving and lifting will be maintained in good condition and inspected regularly. Defective equipment must be taken out of use immediately and reported to management. Workers must not improvise with unsuitable tools or attempt to repair equipment unless authorised and competent to do so.

Vehicle Safety and Driving Standards

Our vehicles will be maintained in a roadworthy condition, with regular inspections and servicing in line with manufacturer recommendations and legal requirements. Drivers must carry out basic pre-use checks before starting work, including tyres, lights and securing points.

Drivers are required to obey speed limits, drive courteously, and adjust their driving to suit traffic and weather conditions in our operating area. Loads must be packed and secured properly to prevent movement during transit. Drivers must not use mobile devices while driving, except in accordance with hands-free regulations, and must never drive under the influence of alcohol, drugs or any substance that impairs their ability to operate a vehicle safely.

Customer Premises and Public Safety

When working at customer premises, our teams will take reasonable steps to protect the safety of customers, visitors and members of the public. This includes keeping access routes as clear as possible, using safe lifting paths, and being aware of children, pets and neighbours in the vicinity.

Where work takes place near public pathways or shared access areas, staff will position vehicles and equipment to minimise obstruction and reduce the risk of slips, trips and contact with moving vehicles or loads.

Personal Protective Equipment

Appropriate personal protective equipment will be provided where necessary, such as safety footwear, gloves and high-visibility clothing. Workers are expected to use the equipment provided, look after it properly and report any loss or damage. Personal protective equipment is considered a supplementary measure and does not replace the need for safe systems of work.

Accidents, Incidents and Emergency Procedures

All accidents, injuries, near-misses and hazardous situations must be reported to management as soon as reasonably practicable. We will investigate incidents to identify root causes and take steps to prevent recurrence. Records of incidents will be kept and used to improve our health and safety performance.

Our teams will follow appropriate emergency procedures, including basic first aid response, contacting emergency services when necessary, and safely evacuating premises in the event of fire or other serious hazards. Workers will familiarise themselves with any specific emergency arrangements at customer premises where these are provided.

Monitoring, Review and Continuous Improvement

This Health and Safety Policy will be monitored on an ongoing basis and formally reviewed at regular intervals, or sooner if required by significant changes to our operations or relevant legislation. We are committed to continuous improvement and welcome feedback from workers and customers on how we can further enhance safety in the delivery of our removal and transport services.

By working together and following the principles set out in this policy, Man with Van Kingston aims to provide reliable, efficient and safe services across our service area while protecting the wellbeing of everyone involved.