Health and Safety policy
Man with Van Kilburn Health and Safety Policy
Man with Van Kilburn is committed to providing a safe, healthy and secure working environment for our workers, customers, and members of the public affected by our removal and transport activities. This Health and Safety Policy sets out how we manage risks associated with domestic and commercial moves, including packing, loading, unloading, and driving within our service areas.
Our Health and Safety Commitment
We recognise our duty to comply with all relevant health and safety legislation and industry best practice. Our objectives are to prevent accidents, injuries and work-related ill health, and to continually improve our safety performance. Health and safety considerations are integrated into planning and delivering every removal service, from small local moves to larger property relocations.
We take reasonable steps to ensure that workers understand their responsibilities and have the information and guidance necessary to work safely at all times.
Roles and Responsibilities
Overall responsibility for health and safety within Man with Van Kilburn rests with management, who are responsible for:
Ensuring that safe systems of work are in place for all removal activities.
Providing suitable information about hazards associated with lifting, carrying and driving.
Maintaining vehicles and equipment in a safe condition.
Reviewing this policy periodically and updating it where necessary.
Workers and contractors engaged by Man with Van Kilburn are required to:
Take reasonable care for their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions.
Follow all safety instructions, procedures and training provided.
Use equipment and vehicles in a safe and responsible manner.
Report any hazards, near misses, incidents or unsafe conditions as soon as possible.
Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices
Before undertaking any move, we consider the potential risks associated with the property, access routes, parking arrangements, size and weight of items, and any specific customer requirements. Where appropriate, we conduct a risk assessment to identify hazards and define control measures.
Control measures may include but are not limited to:
Planning safe loading and unloading routes to avoid obstructions, steps, and uneven surfaces.
Using team lifting techniques for heavy or awkward items.
Considering the need for additional manpower or equipment for particularly large or fragile items.
Assessing weather and lighting conditions to ensure that work can be carried out safely.
Manual Handling and Lifting
Manual handling is a key part of our work and is managed carefully to prevent injury. Workers are expected to:
Assess the weight, shape and stability of any item before attempting to lift.
Use correct lifting techniques, including a stable stance, bending the knees and avoiding twisting while carrying loads.
Utilise lifting aids where available, such as trolleys or sliders, when appropriate.
Seek assistance from a colleague when an item is too heavy, bulky or awkward to be moved safely by one person.
No worker is required to lift or move any item they consider unsafe or beyond their capability.
Vehicle Safety and Driving Standards
Safe driving is essential to protect our workers, customers, goods in transit and other road users. Man with Van Kilburn is committed to ensuring that:
Vehicles are maintained in good mechanical condition with regular checks and servicing.
Loads are secured correctly to prevent shifting or damage in transit.
Drivers hold valid licences for the vehicles they operate and follow all road traffic laws.
Journey planning takes into account suitable routes, realistic timings and safe parking locations near collection and delivery addresses.
Drivers must not operate a vehicle if they are unfit due to tiredness, alcohol, drugs or medication that may impair their ability to drive safely.
Customer Premises and Public Safety
Our workers take reasonable care when working in and around customer premises to protect people and property. This includes:
Maintaining clear walkways to prevent trips and falls.
Positioning ramps, steps or loading equipment securely where used.
Handling furniture and belongings with care to avoid damage to walls, doors and fixtures.
Being mindful of neighbours, pedestrians, and other road users when loading or unloading near public footpaths or roads.
Where access is restricted, or conditions at the property present a particular risk, we may discuss alternative arrangements with the customer before proceeding.
Equipment and Personal Protective Measures
Where appropriate, workers may use equipment and protective measures such as gloves or suitable footwear to reduce the risk of injury. Any equipment provided must be used in accordance with instructions and reported if damaged or faulty so it can be repaired or replaced.
We encourage workers to wear suitable clothing that allows free movement and provides adequate protection during lifting and carrying tasks.
Training, Information and Supervision
Man with Van Kilburn provides workers with information and guidance relevant to their role, including safe lifting practices, vehicle loading, and working safely in and around customer premises. New workers are made aware of our health and safety expectations and procedures.
Where necessary, supervision or additional instruction may be provided, particularly for complex or higher-risk moves, to ensure that safety standards are upheld.
Incident Reporting and Policy Review
All accidents, injuries, near misses or dangerous occurrences connected with our removal activities should be reported. This enables us to investigate what happened, take corrective action and prevent a recurrence wherever possible.
We review this Health and Safety Policy periodically and whenever there are significant changes in our operations, legal requirements or best practice guidance. Any updates will be communicated to workers and applied to future jobs across our service area.
By following this Health and Safety Policy, Man with Van Kilburn aims to provide a reliable and professional removal service while protecting the wellbeing of everyone involved.
