Kensington Man and Van Health and Safety Policy
This Health and Safety Policy explains how Kensington Man and Van manages health, safety and welfare in connection with our removal and transport services. Our aim is to protect our employees, contractors, customers and the public from injury, ill health and damage to property while our work is being carried out.
All managers, supervisors, drivers, porters and office staff share responsibility for maintaining safe working practices and for following this policy at all times.
Health and Safety Objectives
The objectives of Kensington Man and Van are to prevent accidents, work related ill health, damage to property and avoidable disruption during removal and delivery activities. We seek to achieve continuous improvement in our health and safety performance through planning, training, supervision and regular review.
We will provide safe systems of work for loading, unloading, packing, lifting, carrying and transporting goods, and will ensure that vehicles and equipment used for removal activities are suitable and properly maintained.
Legal Duties and Responsibilities
Kensington Man and Van accepts its responsibilities for health and safety as an employer and service provider. Management is responsible for implementing this policy and for ensuring that adequate resources, information and supervision are provided.
Employees have 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. They must cooperate with their manager or supervisor to enable Kensington Man and Van to meet its health and safety obligations.
Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices
We will carry out risk assessments for our removal and transport operations. These assessments will identify hazards, evaluate risk and determine appropriate control measures. The results of risk assessments will be used to create and maintain safe systems of work and clear instructions for staff.
Risk assessments may cover, but are not limited to, manual handling, use of trolleys and lifting equipment, movement of large and bulky items, working on or near roadways, access to premises, stairways, confined spaces, parking and loading arrangements, and working in customers homes or business premises.
Staff must follow the safe working procedures derived from these assessments, including any site specific instructions provided before or during a removal job.
Manual Handling and Use of Equipment
Manual handling is a significant part of removal work and presents a potential risk of injury. Kensington Man and Van will minimise manual handling risks by planning jobs carefully, providing appropriate equipment and limiting the weight and size of items carried by individuals.
We will provide, where appropriate, trolleys, skates, lifting straps, ramps, and other aids designed to make handling safer and more efficient. Staff must use this equipment correctly and must not misuse or wilfully damage it.
No employee should attempt to lift or move an item that they believe to be beyond their personal capability or that cannot be handled safely using the equipment available. Team lifting must be used for large or heavy items, following agreed signals and communication.
Vehicles, Driving and Road Safety
All vehicles used for our removal services must be roadworthy, regularly inspected and maintained. Pre use vehicle checks should be carried out by drivers in line with company procedures, and any defects or concerns must be reported immediately.
Drivers must hold the appropriate licence for the vehicle they are operating and must comply with road traffic laws, speed limits and parking rules. Fatigue, alcohol and drugs are not tolerated in connection with driving or work activities. Mobile devices must not be used by drivers while the vehicle is in motion unless in compliance with hands free and safety rules.
Loads must be secured within vehicles to prevent movement during transit. Overloading of vehicles is prohibited, and weight distribution must be managed to maintain stability and control.
Training, Information and Supervision
Kensington Man and Van will provide employees with suitable health and safety training relevant to their role, including induction training for new starters and refresher training where necessary. Training may include manual handling techniques, use of removal equipment, vehicle safety, working at customer premises and emergency procedures.
Information about risks and controls will be communicated to staff through briefings, written instructions and supervision on site. Supervisors and team leaders are responsible for monitoring working practices and correcting unsafe behaviour.
Work at Customer Premises
Our teams often work in homes, offices and other premises. Before work begins, the team will consider access routes, stairways, lift use, flooring, lighting and any other relevant hazards. Where possible, hazards will be removed or reduced, or an alternative method of working will be adopted.
Staff must show respect for customer property and maintain good housekeeping at all times. This includes avoiding trip hazards from packing materials, tools and equipment, promptly clearing waste, and keeping walkways, stairs and exits clear.
Accidents, Incidents and Near Miss Reporting
All accidents, injuries, incidents and near misses that occur during Kensington Man and Van activities must be reported to management as soon as possible. This includes events involving employees, contractors, customers or members of the public.
Accidents and incidents will be recorded and, where necessary, investigated to identify root causes and implement corrective actions. Lessons learned will be shared with staff to prevent recurrence.
Welfare, Occupational Health and Fitness for Work
Kensington Man and Van recognises the importance of employee welfare and fitness for work, particularly in relation to the physical demands of removal activities. Staff are encouraged to report any health concerns that may affect their ability to carry out tasks safely.
We will consider adjustments to tasks, workloads or working patterns where appropriate to support the health and wellbeing of our team members and to maintain safe operations.
Consultation and Employee Involvement
We believe that health and safety is most effective when employees are actively involved. Kensington Man and Van will consult with staff on health and safety matters, encourage suggestions for improvement and respond constructively to concerns raised.
Employees are expected to cooperate with this policy, follow safe systems of work, use equipment correctly and immediately report unsafe conditions, defective equipment or risky behaviour.
Policy Review
This Health and Safety Policy will be reviewed regularly and whenever there are significant changes to our operations, working practices, equipment or applicable requirements. Revisions will be communicated to all relevant staff and implemented promptly.
By working together and following this policy, Kensington Man and Van aims to deliver removal services that are safe, efficient and respectful of the wellbeing of everyone involved.
