Health and Safety policy
West Kensington Man and Van Health and Safety Policy
West Kensington Man and Van is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for our employees, customers, contractors and members of the public who may be affected by our removal and delivery activities. This policy sets out our approach to managing health and safety during house moves, office relocations, collections and deliveries.
We recognise that removals and man and van services involve specific risks, including manual handling of heavy and bulky items, vehicle movements in residential streets and commercial areas, and work at different customer premises. We aim to prevent accidents, injuries and ill health by identifying risks and managing them responsibly.
Health and Safety Responsibilities
Overall responsibility for health and safety within West Kensington Man and Van rests with the company management, who will ensure that adequate resources are provided to implement this policy. Supervisors and team leaders are responsible for enforcing safe working practices on site and while travelling between jobs.
Every employee, including drivers and porters, has a duty to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions. All staff must cooperate with management by following instructions, using equipment correctly and reporting hazards, incidents and near misses promptly.
Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices
We are committed to carrying out suitable and sufficient risk assessments for our activities. This includes assessing risks associated with loading and unloading vehicles, moving items through properties, operating in busy streets, and working in shared access areas.
Where significant risks are identified, we will develop and implement safe systems of work. These may include the use of additional staff, mechanical aids, route planning to minimise reversing, and procedures for working in stairwells, narrow corridors and confined spaces. Risk assessments and safe working procedures will be reviewed regularly and whenever there are changes in our operations or equipment.
Manual Handling and Use of Equipment
Manual handling is a core aspect of our removal services. To minimise the risk of musculoskeletal injuries, we will:
Provide training on correct lifting techniques, team lifting, and assessing the weight and shape of loads before moving them.
Encourage staff to avoid unnecessary lifting by using handling equipment such as trolleys and dollies where appropriate.
Require staff to seek assistance when moving heavy, awkward or fragile items.
Ensure that removal equipment, including ramps, straps, blankets and trolleys, is maintained in a safe condition and inspected regularly.
Employees must not misuse or tamper with any equipment provided for their safety or the safety of others.
Vehicle Safety and Driving Standards
Our vehicles are essential to our man and van operations and must be operated safely at all times. We will maintain vehicles in roadworthy condition through regular inspections and servicing. Defects must be reported immediately, and vehicles will not be used if they are unsafe.
Drivers must hold the appropriate licence, follow all road traffic laws and adhere to company driving standards. This includes driving at safe speeds, adjusting driving to weather and traffic conditions, and avoiding distractions while driving. Vehicles must be loaded and secured safely to prevent movement of goods and to maintain vehicle stability.
Where possible, routes will be planned to reduce risks from congestion, tight access and complex manoeuvres. Reversing and close manoeuvring will be conducted with care, using a banksman where available and when conditions require it.
Customer Premises and On-Site Safety
Our teams work at a variety of domestic and commercial properties across our service area. On arrival at any site, staff must assess the working environment, identify potential hazards and agree safe access routes for moving items.
We will take reasonable steps to protect customers, neighbours, building users and the public from our activities. This may include cordoning off areas where possible, positioning vehicles safely, securing doors or gates where necessary, and avoiding blocking fire exits and escape routes.
Special care will be taken when working on stairs, at height within vehicles and loading ramps, or near fragile surfaces. Items will be carried in a manner that maintains clear vision and allows safe movement without tripping or colliding with others.
Training, Information and Supervision
West Kensington Man and Van will provide information, instruction and training to ensure that employees can carry out their roles safely. This may include induction training, manual handling techniques, use of equipment, vehicle safety, and procedures for reporting accidents and hazards.
Supervision levels will be appropriate to the experience and competence of staff and the level of risk involved in the task. New or less experienced workers will be supported and monitored to help them apply safe working practices consistently.
Accident Reporting and Emergency Procedures
All accidents, injuries, incidents and near misses must be reported to management as soon as practicable. We will record and investigate these events to identify causes and implement measures to prevent recurrence.
Staff must familiarise themselves with emergency procedures for each work location, including fire exits and assembly points where these are provided by the customer or building manager. Employees must follow any specific safety requirements that apply at particular sites, such as loading bay rules or restricted access areas.
Health, Welfare and Fitness for Work
We recognise the physical nature of removal work and the importance of maintaining good health and fitness for work. Employees are expected to present themselves fit for duty and not under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Any medication or health condition that may affect safe working should be discussed confidentially with management so that appropriate adjustments can be considered.
We will provide, where necessary, appropriate personal protective equipment such as gloves or safety footwear and ensure it is used correctly. Staff are encouraged to take regular breaks, stay hydrated and raise any concerns about fatigue or strain.
Policy Review and Continuous Improvement
This Health and Safety Policy will be reviewed regularly and updated when necessary to reflect changes in our services, work practices, vehicles, equipment or relevant legal requirements. We are committed to continuous improvement in health and safety performance and welcome feedback from employees and customers on any aspect of our practices.
By working together and following this policy, West Kensington Man and Van aims to deliver safe, reliable and professional removal and man and van services throughout our operating area.
