South Kensington Man and Van Health and Safety Policy

South Kensington Man and Van is committed to providing removal and man and van services in a manner that protects the health, safety and welfare of our employees, customers, contractors and members of the public. This policy sets out our approach to managing risks associated with moving, lifting, transporting and delivering household and commercial goods.

Policy Statement and Objectives

Our objective is to prevent accidents, injuries and work-related ill health by identifying hazards, assessing risks and implementing appropriate control measures. We aim to continually improve our health and safety performance and to integrate safe working practices into all aspects of our removal operations, including packing, loading, transport, unloading and storage.

We will comply with all relevant health and safety legislation and recognised industry standards, and we expect the same commitment from our employees, subcontractors and partners.

Management Responsibilities

Senior management holds overall responsibility for health and safety within South Kensington Man and Van. This includes providing the resources, information, instruction and supervision necessary to maintain a safe working environment and safe systems of work.

Managers and supervisors are responsible for implementing this policy on a day-to-day basis. They must ensure that risk assessments are carried out, that findings are communicated and that corrective actions are taken promptly when unsafe conditions or practices are identified.

Employee Responsibilities

Every employee has a duty to take reasonable care for their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions or omissions. All staff must:

Follow all safety procedures, instructions and training provided by the company.

Use equipment, vehicles and personal protective equipment correctly and report defects immediately.

Cooperate with management in implementing this policy.

Report accidents, near misses, hazards and unsafe practices without delay.

Refrain from horseplay, misuse of equipment or any behaviour that could create risk.

Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work

We undertake risk assessments for our removal activities, including lifting and carrying, working in and around vehicles, moving bulky or heavy items, and working in customer premises. The results of these assessments inform our safe systems of work and operating procedures.

Before each removal job, our team considers access routes, parking, loading conditions, stairways, lifts and any special risks associated with fragile, heavy or awkward items. Where risks cannot be eliminated, appropriate control measures such as team lifting, use of trolleys, securing loads and restricting access will be implemented.

Manual Handling and Lifting

Manual handling is a core part of our services and presents a significant risk of injury if not carried out correctly. To reduce risk, we:

Provide training in safe lifting and handling techniques.

Encourage team lifting for heavy or awkward items.

Use appropriate handling aids such as trolleys, sack trucks and straps where suitable.

Plan routes in advance to minimise the need for carrying over long distances or on uneven surfaces.

Assess an item before lifting, considering its weight, shape, centre of gravity and the environment.

Vehicles, Driving and Load Security

We recognise the risks associated with driving and operating vehicles as part of our man and van services. Our drivers must hold the appropriate licence, be medically fit to drive and follow all road traffic requirements.

Vehicles are maintained regularly and checked before use to ensure they are roadworthy. Loads must be properly distributed and secured to prevent movement during transit. Access to the loading area is controlled to protect staff and the public while vehicles are being loaded and unloaded.

Equipment and Personal Protective Equipment

We provide suitable equipment and personal protective equipment to support safe working, including but not limited to gloves, safety footwear and high-visibility garments when required. All equipment is maintained in good condition and used in accordance with manufacturer instructions and company procedures.

Employees must wear and use the protective equipment provided and report any damage or defects so that replacements can be arranged.

Customer Premises and Public Safety

Our teams often work in customer homes, offices and shared spaces. We take reasonable steps to prevent harm to customers, visitors and the public while work is carried out. This includes:

Keeping access routes as clear as practicable.

Using warning signs or verbal warnings where there are trip or slip hazards.

Taking care when opening vehicle doors, carrying large items or moving bulky loads through doorways, corridors and communal areas.

Protecting property from damage through careful handling and appropriate use of coverings and protection where agreed.

Training, Information and Supervision

All staff receive appropriate induction training on health and safety, including manual handling, vehicle safety and safe working practices relevant to removal operations. Additional training is provided when new equipment, procedures or services are introduced.

Supervisors monitor working practices to ensure that training is applied correctly and to identify any further training needs. Refresher training is provided at intervals to maintain awareness and competence.

Accident, Incident and Near Miss Reporting

All accidents, incidents and near misses must be reported as soon as possible. We investigate such events to identify root causes and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence. Records of accidents and incidents are maintained and reviewed to identify trends and opportunities for improvement.

Consultation and Communication

We encourage open communication on health and safety matters. Employees are invited to raise concerns, suggest improvements and participate in discussions regarding safe working methods. Information about risks, procedures and changes to this policy is communicated clearly to all affected staff.

Policy Review

This Health and Safety Policy is reviewed regularly and updated as necessary to reflect changes in legislation, guidance, company operations or identified risks. The latest version is made available to all employees and is applicable to all South Kensington Man and Van activities.

By working together and following this policy, we aim to provide a safe, reliable and professional removal service for all customers while protecting the health and wellbeing of our teams and the wider community.