Health and Safety policy

Health and Safety Policy for Man with Van Knightsbridge

Man with Van Knightsbridge is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for our team members, customers, and the general public. This Health and Safety Policy sets out the principles and procedures we follow to manage risks associated with removal services, including packing, loading, transport, and unloading of goods.

1. Policy Aim and Scope

The aim of this policy is to prevent accidents, injuries, and work-related ill health by identifying hazards, assessing risks, and implementing effective controls. It applies to all employees, contractors, and any person engaged in activities on behalf of Man with Van Knightsbridge, whether working on a removal job, in vehicles, or at customer premises.

2. Management Responsibilities

Management has overall responsibility for ensuring that health and safety standards are maintained and continually improved. This includes:

Ensuring compliance with all relevant health and safety legislation and industry best practice. Providing adequate resources for training, equipment, and supervision. Conducting regular reviews of health and safety performance and updating procedures when required. Investigating accidents, incidents, and near misses, and acting on findings to prevent recurrence.

3. Employee Responsibilities

Every employee of Man with Van Knightsbridge has a duty to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions. Employees must:

Follow all safety instructions, training, and procedures provided. Use equipment, tools, and vehicles only as trained and in a safe manner. Report hazards, defects, incidents, and near misses to management as soon as possible. Wear appropriate personal protective equipment where required. Co operate fully with any investigation or risk assessment activity.

4. Risk Assessment and Planning

Before starting any removal work, we assess the potential risks associated with the job. This typically includes:

Evaluating access points, stairways, lifts, and parking arrangements. Identifying hazards such as uneven surfaces, low ceilings, or restricted spaces. Assessing the weight, size, and fragility of items to be moved. Considering environmental factors such as weather conditions and lighting. Planning the number of staff, equipment, and vehicles required to carry out the job safely.

Where necessary, site specific risk assessments are undertaken. Control measures are then implemented to minimise risks, such as using additional staff, specialised equipment, or alternative handling methods.

5. Safe Handling and Lifting Practices

Manual handling is a key part of our work, and poor technique can cause serious injury. Man with Van Knightsbridge requires all staff to follow safe lifting practices, including:

Assessing the load before lifting and asking for assistance where needed. Using correct posture, keeping the load close to the body and avoiding twisting. Breaking down heavy loads into smaller components where practical. Using lifting aids, dollies, trolleys, and straps whenever appropriate. Taking regular breaks during demanding tasks to reduce fatigue.

Special care is taken with large or awkward items such as furniture, appliances, and fragile goods to prevent both personal injury and property damage.

6. Vehicles, Driving, and Road Safety

All vehicles used by Man with Van Knightsbridge must be maintained in a safe and roadworthy condition. We are committed to:

Carrying out regular vehicle inspections and servicing according to manufacturer and legal requirements. Ensuring all drivers hold valid licences appropriate to the vehicles they operate. Ensuring loads are evenly distributed, appropriately secured, and within legal weight limits. Promoting safe driving practices including compliance with speed limits, rest breaks, and avoidance of mobile phone use while driving.

Drivers are required to report any defects, accidents, or traffic incidents immediately so that appropriate action can be taken.

7. Equipment and Personal Protective Equipment

To support safe working practices, Man with Van Knightsbridge provides appropriate equipment and, where necessary, personal protective equipment. This may include safety footwear, gloves, high visibility clothing, and lifting aids. Employees must use this equipment as instructed and report any defects or malfunctions immediately so replacements or repairs can be arranged.

8. Working at Customer Premises

When operating in homes, offices, or other premises, we recognise that additional care is required to protect customers and the public. Our teams are instructed to:

Keep work areas tidy and clear of unnecessary obstacles. Use warning signs or verbal communication where trip hazards may arise. Protect floors, walls, and doorways where necessary to prevent damage. Maintain respectful and safe conduct at all times while on site.

We encourage customers to inform us of any issues that may affect safety, such as existing building damage, limited access, or vulnerable persons present.

9. Training, Supervision, and Communication

Man with Van Knightsbridge provides induction and ongoing training to ensure staff understand their health and safety responsibilities and are competent to perform their roles. Training covers safe handling, use of equipment, vehicle safety, emergency procedures, and incident reporting. New or less experienced staff are supervised by competent team members until they are fully confident and capable. Health and safety information is communicated through briefings, instructions, and updates when procedures change.

10. Incident Reporting and Emergency Procedures

All accidents, injuries, near misses, and dangerous occurrences must be reported to management as soon as possible. This enables us to:

Provide prompt assistance and, where necessary, contact emergency services. Record details of the incident and investigate the causes. Implement measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Our teams are instructed in basic emergency procedures, including safe evacuation, securing the area, and communication with customers and authorities when needed.

11. Policy Review and Continuous Improvement

This Health and Safety Policy is reviewed regularly to ensure it remains relevant and effective for the services we provide. Reviews take into account changes in legislation, industry standards, operational practices, and feedback from employees and customers. Man with Van Knightsbridge is committed to continuous improvement and to fostering a culture where safety is an integral part of every removal and delivery we undertake.

12. Customer Cooperation

For health and safety measures to be fully effective, we request that customers cooperate with our team by following any reasonable safety instructions, keeping access routes clear where possible, securing pets and children away from active work areas, and informing us in advance of any specific risks at the property. Working together helps ensure a safe, efficient, and professional removal service for everyone involved.