Man with Van Kew Health and Safety Policy
Man with Van Kew is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for our team members, customers, visitors and the wider public. This Health and Safety policy sets out our approach to managing risks associated with our removal and transport services, including packing, loading, unloading and driving activities across our service areas.
1. Policy Aims and Scope
The aim of this policy is to prevent accidents, injuries and work-related ill health by identifying, assessing and controlling risks linked to removal operations. It applies to all members of staff, contractors and anyone working on behalf of Man with Van Kew. We expect all individuals engaged in our work to cooperate fully with these requirements and to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions.
2. Legal Compliance and Responsibilities
Man with Van Kew will comply with all relevant health and safety legislation, regulations and approved codes of practice that apply to our activities. Management is responsible for ensuring appropriate arrangements are in place for planning, implementing, monitoring and reviewing health and safety performance.
Supervisors and team leaders are responsible for ensuring that safe systems of work are followed on each job, that staff are properly trained and that any incidents or near misses are reported and recorded. All employees have a duty to follow safety instructions, use equipment correctly and report hazards, defects or concerns without delay.
3. Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices
We carry out risk assessments for our key activities, including home and office removals, loading and unloading vehicles, securing loads, driving, working in confined or restricted spaces and handling large or heavy items. These risk assessments are used to develop safe working procedures that are communicated to staff and regularly reviewed.
Before work begins at a property or site, our team will consider access routes, parking arrangements, potential trip hazards, stairways, lifts, uneven ground and any other local factors which might affect safe movement or handling. Where necessary, we may adjust the planned method of work, allocate extra staff or use specialist equipment to maintain safe standards.
4. Manual Handling and Lifting
Manual handling is a key part of removal work and is a significant source of potential injury if not carefully managed. Man with Van Kew is committed to minimising manual handling risks by:
Providing training on safe lifting techniques and body posture, planning lifts in advance to avoid sudden or awkward movements, using mechanical aids such as trolleys and dollies where practical, team lifting for bulky, heavy or awkward items, refusing to attempt lifts that are considered unsafe and encouraging staff to speak up if they feel a task is beyond their capability.
We emphasise the importance of taking breaks when needed, avoiding rushing and maintaining clear communication among team members during lifting and carrying tasks.
5. Vehicle Safety and Load Security
Our vehicles are maintained in a roadworthy condition and subject to regular checks and servicing. Drivers are responsible for completing pre-use inspections and reporting any defects so that these can be addressed promptly. Only authorised and competent drivers are permitted to operate our vehicles.
Loads are arranged and secured to prevent movement during transit. Heavy items are placed low and evenly distributed, with appropriate strapping and restraints used as required. Vehicles are never overloaded beyond their safe working capacity, and doors and ramps are used carefully to prevent accidents when loading or unloading.
6. Customer Premises and Public Safety
We recognise our responsibility to safeguard customers, neighbours, pedestrians and other road users while carrying out removal work. Our team will take reasonable steps to maintain clear pathways, avoid blocking exits and minimise disturbance at and around the premises.
Where work takes place in shared spaces or on public pavements, we will use signage or verbal warnings where appropriate, and we will position vehicles and equipment safely to avoid unnecessary risk. We acknowledge that we are guests at customer properties and will treat all premises with care and respect while maintaining safe practices.
7. Training, Information and Supervision
Man with Van Kew ensures that staff receive appropriate training relevant to their roles, including induction training, manual handling, use of equipment, vehicle safety and emergency procedures. Refresher training is provided as needed and when new risks, equipment or procedures are introduced.
Supervision is provided to ensure that safe systems of work are followed and that any deviation from agreed methods is corrected. New or less experienced staff may be paired with experienced colleagues to support safe learning and good practice.
8. Equipment and Personal Protective Equipment
We provide and maintain appropriate equipment to support safe work, such as trolleys, moving straps and protective coverings. Equipment is checked routinely and taken out of service if damaged or defective.
Where necessary, personal protective equipment such as gloves or safety footwear may be provided and must be used in accordance with training and instructions. Staff are responsible for reporting any issues with equipment or protective items so that these can be replaced or repaired.
9. Incident, Accident and Near Miss Reporting
All accidents, injuries and significant near misses will be reported and recorded. We use this information to investigate causes, identify corrective actions and improve our procedures. Staff are encouraged to report hazards or unsafe conditions at an early stage so that preventative measures can be put in place.
Where required, incidents will be reported to relevant authorities in accordance with applicable legislation.
10. Health, Welfare and Fitness for Work
Removal work can be physically demanding. We expect staff to present themselves fit and able to work safely, and to notify management of any condition that might affect their ability to carry out tasks safely. Alcohol and drug misuse are strictly prohibited during working hours and before operating vehicles or undertaking safety-critical tasks.
Reasonable adjustments will be considered where staff have specific health needs, and workloads will be managed to reduce excessive strain. Breaks will be taken as appropriate to maintain alertness and physical wellbeing.
11. Consultation and Continuous Improvement
Man with Van Kew values feedback from staff and customers on health and safety matters. We encourage open communication, suggestions for improvement and the reporting of any concerns. Regular reviews of this policy and associated procedures will be carried out to ensure they remain effective and reflect current best practice and legal requirements.
This Health and Safety policy statement is supported by more detailed procedures and guidance used in our day-to-day operations. It will be reviewed periodically and updated where necessary to support the safe and efficient delivery of our removal services.
