Kingston Man and Van Health and Safety Policy
Kingston Man and Van is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for our employees, contractors, customers, and members of the public. This Health and Safety Policy sets out our approach to managing risks associated with removals, deliveries, loading and unloading, driving, and related activities carried out as part of our man and van and removal services.
Policy Statement
Our goal is to prevent injury, ill health, and damage to property arising from our work. We recognise that health and safety is an integral part of delivering professional moving and removal services. We will comply with all relevant health and safety legislation and continually seek to improve our standards through regular review, staff training, and effective communication.
Roles and Responsibilities
Management at Kingston Man and Van is responsible for implementing this policy, providing adequate resources, and ensuring that safe working systems are in place. Supervisors and team leaders are responsible for enforcing safe practices on every job, monitoring working conditions, and leading by example.
All employees and contractors must take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions. They are required to follow company procedures, use equipment correctly, report hazards and incidents, and participate in training and risk assessments.
Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work
We will carry out suitable and proportionate risk assessments for our activities, including domestic and commercial moves, single item transport, and specialist lifting. Risks will be identified before work begins, and control measures will be put in place to eliminate or reduce those risks as far as reasonably practicable.
Where appropriate, we will conduct on-site assessments, consider access routes, parking, stairways, lifts, and any structural or environmental hazards. Findings from risk assessments will be communicated to all team members involved in the job so that safe systems of work can be followed.
Manual Handling and Lifting
Manual handling is a core part of our operation and will be managed carefully to reduce the risk of injury. Staff will receive manual handling training appropriate to their role, covering lifting techniques, team lifting, use of equipment, and recognition of personal limitations.
We will encourage the use of handling aids such as sack trucks, dollies, straps, and blankets wherever possible. Loads will be assessed before lifting, and items that are too heavy, awkward, or unstable will not be moved manually without appropriate assistance or mechanical support. Staff are instructed not to take unnecessary risks or rush lifting tasks.
Vehicle Safety and Driving Standards
All vehicles used by Kingston Man and Van must be maintained in a safe and roadworthy condition. Regular checks will be carried out on brakes, tyres, lights, securing points, and load areas in line with legal requirements and company procedures.
Only competent and authorised drivers may operate our vehicles. Drivers must obey road traffic laws, follow safe driving practices, and ensure that loads are properly secured before and during transit. Items will be positioned and fastened to prevent movement, damage, and risk to passengers or other road users.
Equipment and Personal Protective Equipment
We will provide appropriate tools and equipment necessary to complete removal and delivery tasks safely. This may include trolleys, lifting straps, furniture covers, and securing devices. All equipment will be inspected regularly and maintained in safe working order.
Where required, personal protective equipment such as gloves, safety footwear, and high visibility clothing will be supplied. Staff are responsible for using such equipment correctly and reporting any defects or concerns to management without delay.
Workplace, Customer Premises, and Public Safety
Our crews operate in a variety of settings including homes, offices, and public spaces. We are committed to minimising disruption and ensuring the safety of customers, visitors, and the public while our work is taking place.
We will plan access routes carefully, avoid blocking emergency exits, and keep work areas as tidy and obstruction-free as possible. Where necessary, we will use warning signs or agree safe access arrangements with the customer to reduce the risk of trips, falls, and collisions.
Training, Information, and Supervision
Kingston Man and Van will provide induction and ongoing training relevant to each role, including manual handling, safe loading and unloading, use of equipment, and general health and safety awareness. Drivers may receive additional training related to driving standards and load security.
Instructions and information about specific jobs, hazards, and controls will be communicated clearly before work starts. Supervisors will monitor compliance with safe systems of work and provide guidance and support to less experienced staff.
Incident Reporting and Emergency Procedures
All accidents, injuries, near misses, and incidents involving damage to property or vehicles must be reported as soon as possible to management. We will investigate such events, identify root causes, and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence.
Our staff will be made aware of emergency procedures relevant to their work, including how to deal with injuries, property damage, or unsafe conditions encountered on customer premises or on the road. If a situation presents serious and immediate danger, work will be stopped until it is safe to continue.
Health, Welfare, and Fitness for Work
We recognise the importance of the physical and mental wellbeing of our staff. Employees are expected to present themselves fit for work, not under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and to inform management of any condition that could affect their ability to work safely.
Appropriate rest breaks will be provided, particularly for driving and physically demanding tasks. Where possible, workloads and schedules will be planned to avoid excessive fatigue and to allow safe completion of each job.
Continuous Improvement and Policy Review
This Health and Safety Policy will be reviewed regularly and updated when necessary to reflect changes in legislation, operational practices, or the nature of our services. Feedback from staff and customers is welcomed and will be considered as part of our continuous improvement process.
By working together and following the principles set out in this policy, Kingston Man and Van aims to maintain a safe, reliable, and professional removal and man and van service for all customers.
