Health and Safety policy

Knightsbridge Man and Van Health and Safety Policy

Knightsbridge Man and Van is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for our employees, contractors, customers, visitors, and members of the public who may be affected by our removal and transport activities. This Health and Safety Policy sets out our approach to managing risks associated with domestic and commercial removals, packing, loading, transportation, unloading, and storage services.

Our Health and Safety Objectives

We aim to prevent accidents, injuries, and work-related ill health by identifying hazards, assessing associated risks, and implementing effective control measures. Health and safety is integral to the planning and delivery of all our moving and transport services. We continuously strive to improve our standards and performance across every stage of a removal project.

Management Responsibilities

Senior management holds overall responsibility for ensuring that appropriate health and safety arrangements are in place and are maintained. This includes providing adequate resources, time, and support to implement this policy.

Management will:

Ensure that health and safety requirements are considered in all business decisions and work planning.

Provide and maintain safe systems of work for packing, lifting, carrying, loading, unloading, and driving operations.

Ensure vehicles and handling equipment used for removals are maintained in a safe and roadworthy condition.

Monitor performance, investigate incidents, and take corrective actions to prevent recurrence.

Review this policy periodically and when there are significant changes in legislation, operations, or company structure.

Employee Responsibilities

All employees, including drivers, porters, and office staff, have a duty to care for their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions or omissions.

Employees are expected to:

Follow all instructions, safe systems of work, and training provided by the company.

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

Cooperate with management to enable compliance with health and safety requirements.

Report all accidents, incidents, near misses, and hazards without delay.

Refrain from any unsafe behaviour, horseplay, or shortcuts that could place themselves or others at risk.

Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work

We undertake risk assessments relevant to our removal services and review them regularly. Specific attention is given to manual handling, working in confined or restricted spaces such as stairwells, moving heavy or awkward items, use of lifting aids, and driving and loading operations.

Where risks cannot be eliminated, we implement control measures to reduce them to the lowest reasonably practicable level. This includes safe methods for dismantling and reassembling furniture, carrying items over uneven ground, loading vehicles to maintain stability, and securing loads for transit.

Manual Handling and Use of Equipment

Manual handling is a significant part of our removal work. We provide practical training on safe lifting techniques, team handling, and the correct use of trolleys, straps, blankets, and other equipment.

We will:

Avoid hazardous manual handling where reasonably practicable by using appropriate mechanical aids or adjusting the task.

Assess loads for weight, size, and shape before lifting, and plan the route to remove or reduce obstacles.

Ensure employees do not exceed their physical capabilities and are encouraged to ask for assistance when required.

Vehicle and Driving Safety

Our vehicles are central to our moving and transport services, and their safe operation is critical to protecting staff and the public.

We will:

Maintain vehicles in a safe, roadworthy condition, with regular inspections and servicing.

Ensure drivers are competent, properly licensed, and trained in safe driving techniques and load security.

Plan routes to minimise risk, taking into account time pressures, traffic conditions, and access to properties.

Promote safe driving practices, including adherence to speed limits, avoidance of distractions, and compliance with legal rest requirements where applicable.

Customer Premises and Public Safety

Our staff frequently work in customers homes, business premises, shared buildings, and public areas. We take reasonable steps to protect customers, visitors, neighbours, and members of the public during removal operations.

This includes:

Assessing access routes, staircases, lifts, and doorways to reduce the risk of trips, slips, or collisions.

Using protective coverings where appropriate to minimise damage and create safer working surfaces.

Positioning vehicles and equipment to maintain safe access and visibility, and to avoid blocking emergency exits.

Communicating clearly with customers about timing, access points, and any temporary restrictions necessary for safety.

Training, Information, and Supervision

We provide suitable and sufficient information, instruction, and training for our employees based on their role, responsibilities, and experience. This includes induction training, regular refresher sessions, and job-specific guidance on manual handling, use of equipment, vehicle safety, and dealing with challenging environments.

Supervisors and team leaders oversee on-site activities, ensuring that agreed procedures are followed and that any emerging hazards are addressed promptly.

Welfare, Health, and Wellbeing

We recognise the physical and mental demands of removal work and aim to support the overall wellbeing of our employees. We encourage staff to report any health concerns that may affect their ability to carry out tasks safely. Reasonable adjustments to duties may be made where necessary to protect health and safety.

Consultation and Continuous Improvement

We consult with employees on health and safety matters and encourage feedback to improve our procedures. Lessons learned from risk assessments, site visits, customer feedback, and incident investigations are used to refine our working methods and training.

This Health and Safety Policy reflects our ongoing commitment to safe and professional removal services. All employees, contractors, and representatives of Knightsbridge Man and Van are required to comply with this policy as a condition of their work with the company.