Health and Safety policy

Health and Safety Policy for Man with Van Kings Cross

Man with Van Kings Cross is committed to providing removal and transport services in a manner that protects the health, safety and welfare of our workers, customers, visitors and members of the public. This Health and Safety Policy sets out our approach to managing risks associated with moving, loading, transporting and unloading goods for homes and businesses.

Policy Statement and Objectives

Our objective is to prevent injury, ill health, property damage and unsafe situations during all moving and delivery operations. We aim to achieve this by identifying hazards in advance, implementing proportionate control measures and continuously reviewing our working practices. Health and safety is an integral part of our planning for every removal job, regardless of size or location.

Responsibilities

Management is responsible for ensuring that suitable health and safety arrangements are in place, that staff receive appropriate information, instruction and training, and that equipment and vehicles are maintained in a safe condition. Supervisors, where appointed, are responsible for overseeing safe working practices on site and for reporting any concerns or incidents.

All workers, including drivers and porters, are required to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions. They must cooperate with all safety procedures, use equipment correctly, follow instructions and report hazards, near misses and accidents without delay.

Risk Assessment and Planning

Before each removal or collection, we consider the specific risks associated with the property, access routes, items to be moved and anticipated traffic and parking conditions. Where necessary a more detailed risk assessment is carried out, taking into account issues such as staircases, narrow corridors, lifts, heavy or awkward items, time pressures and weather conditions.

Findings from risk assessments are used to decide on safe staffing levels, appropriate equipment, safe loading methods and any additional protective measures required. Plans may be adapted on the day of the move if new hazards are identified.

Manual Handling and Lifting Safety

Manual handling is a core part of our removal work and is managed carefully to reduce the risk of strains, sprains and long term musculoskeletal problems. Staff are trained in correct lifting and carrying techniques, including assessing the load, testing its weight and stability, using team lifts where required and avoiding twisting or overreaching.

Whenever reasonably practicable we use handling aids such as trolleys, dollies, straps or blankets to move heavy or bulky items. Loads are broken down into smaller parts when possible. Staff are instructed not to attempt to lift or move items that they consider too heavy or unsafe and to request assistance or equipment instead.

Vehicle and Driving Safety

Our vehicles are maintained in a safe and roadworthy condition and are subject to regular checks. Drivers must hold the appropriate valid licence and follow all road traffic laws. They are responsible for conducting basic pre use checks, reporting defects and not operating a vehicle they believe to be unsafe.

Loading and unloading are carried out to ensure that goods are stable and evenly distributed, with appropriate securing to prevent movement in transit. Drivers are expected to plan safe routes, allow sufficient time for journeys and avoid unsafe manoeuvres or parking arrangements. Use of mobile devices while driving is only permitted through lawful hands free systems and must never distract from safe driving.

Use of Equipment and Protective Measures

Any equipment provided for lifting, carrying, loading or securing goods is selected and maintained to be suitable and safe. Staff are trained in the correct use of this equipment and must not use damaged or unfamiliar items without instruction. Equipment is inspected regularly and removed from service if defective.

Personal protective equipment may be provided where appropriate, such as gloves, high visibility clothing or safety footwear. Workers are expected to use such protection as instructed and to report any loss or damage so that replacements can be arranged.

Customer Premises and Public Safety

When working at customer homes, offices or other premises, our staff aim to minimise disruption and maintain safe conditions for all occupants and visitors. Access routes are kept as clear as reasonably possible, trip hazards are reduced and loads are moved with care to avoid damage and accidents.

Where work takes place near public footpaths, entrances or shared spaces, we take reasonable steps to warn others and to control the work area, for example by positioning vehicles and equipment sensibly and by maintaining vigilance while moving items.

Health, Welfare and Fitness for Work

We recognise that removal work can be physically demanding. Workers are encouraged to maintain good general health, to warm up before strenuous tasks and to pace work sensibly. Anyone who feels unwell, fatigued or unfit to carry out a task safely must notify a supervisor or manager and must not continue working in a way that puts themselves or others at risk.

We do not tolerate the use of alcohol or illegal drugs while at work or being under their influence when carrying out duties. Prescription or over the counter medication that may impair alertness or physical ability must be declared so that suitable duties can be considered.

Incident Reporting and Emergency Procedures

All accidents, near misses, damage to property and health and safety concerns must be reported as soon as practicable. This information is recorded and used to investigate causes and identify improvements to prevent recurrence. Workers are encouraged to raise safety suggestions and concerns without fear of blame.

Basic emergency arrangements are in place for dealing with injuries, fires, road incidents and other urgent situations. Staff are briefed on how to summon assistance, contact emergency services and follow any site specific emergency procedures in buildings where they are carrying out work.

Training, Communication and Review

Health and safety training is provided at induction and refreshed when necessary, particularly if new equipment, vehicles or methods of work are introduced. Key safety information is communicated to workers through instructions, briefings and job specific discussions.

This policy is reviewed periodically and whenever significant changes occur in our operations or relevant legal requirements. We are committed to continuous improvement in our health and safety performance and to maintaining a culture where safety is the shared responsibility of everyone involved in our removal services.