Removal Van Kensington Health and Safety Policy
Removal Van Kensington 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 activities. This Health and Safety Policy sets out our approach to managing risks associated with removals, packing, loading, transport, and unloading of goods.
Our Health and Safety Objectives
We aim to prevent accidents, work-related injuries, and ill health by identifying hazards, assessing risks, and implementing suitable control measures. We will comply with all relevant health and safety legislation and recognised industry best practice for moving, handling, and transport operations.
Health and safety is an integral part of how we plan and carry out every removal, whether it involves homes, flats, offices, or storage moves. We expect all employees and contractors to take responsibility for working safely and to cooperate with our safety procedures.
Management Responsibilities
Management at Removal Van Kensington is responsible for providing clear direction and resources to maintain high health and safety standards. This includes:
Ensuring that risk assessments are completed for removal work, storage collections and deliveries, and any specialist moving tasks.
Providing appropriate training, instruction, and supervision so that staff can carry out manual handling, driving, and equipment use safely.
Supplying and maintaining vehicles, tools, and equipment in a safe and roadworthy condition, and arranging regular inspections.
Implementing procedures for reporting, investigating, and reviewing accidents, near misses, and unsafe conditions.
Reviewing this policy on a regular basis and updating it when required to reflect changes in law, operations, or best practice.
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 company safety procedures and instructions given by supervisors and managers.
Use equipment, vehicles, and protective gear correctly and report any defects or concerns immediately.
Avoid taking unnecessary risks when lifting, carrying, or moving items, and request assistance where required.
Report accidents, near misses, and hazards as soon as possible so that preventative measures can be taken.
Cooperate with any health monitoring, training, and refresher programmes arranged by the company.
Risk Assessment and Planning
Before each removal or delivery job, we consider the specific risks associated with the property, access, and items to be moved. Where necessary, we will arrange a pre-move survey to identify hazards such as restricted access, staircases, parking constraints, or particularly heavy or fragile items.
Risk assessments may cover manual handling, working in confined spaces, vehicle movements, loading and unloading areas, and the use of equipment such as trolleys and lifting aids. Control measures will be put in place to reduce risk to an acceptable level, including allocating sufficient staff, time, and equipment for each task.
Manual Handling and Lifting
Manual handling is a key part of moving services, and we recognise the risk of strains, sprains, and other injuries. To manage this risk we will:
Train staff in correct lifting techniques, including posture, teamwork, and safe use of lifting aids.
Encourage team lifting for heavy or bulky items such as appliances, furniture, and office equipment.
Use trolleys, dollies, and other handling equipment wherever practical to reduce physical strain.
Plan routes through properties carefully to avoid obstacles, reduce carrying distances, and minimise the need for awkward movements.
Refuse to move items in a manner that would present an unacceptable risk to staff or others.
Vehicle Safety and Road Use
Removal Van Kensington is committed to operating its vehicles safely in all areas where we provide services. To promote safe driving and transport we will:
Ensure that all drivers hold the correct licence and have received appropriate training for the vehicles they operate.
Carry out regular checks and servicing on all vans and equipment, including tyres, brakes, lights, and securing systems.
Secure loads properly to prevent movement during transit, reducing the risk of injury and damage.
Plan routes to allow safe access and parking, taking account of local traffic conditions, loading restrictions, and residential streets.
Promote safe driving behaviour, including adherence to speed limits, avoidance of mobile phone use while driving, and careful manoeuvring in built-up areas.
Customer and Public Safety
We recognise our responsibility to protect customers and members of the public while work is being carried out. We will:
Maintain clear access routes, keeping pathways, entrances, and stairwells as free as possible from trip hazards such as boxes, tools, and packing materials.
Use safe lifting and moving practices that minimise risk to people nearby, especially in shared entrances, communal areas, and on pavements.
Communicate clearly with customers about any safety-related instructions, such as areas to avoid during loading and unloading.
Take extra care when moving items in the presence of children, elderly people, and pets, and may request that they are kept away from working areas for their own safety.
Equipment, Personal Protective Equipment, and Housekeeping
Where necessary, staff will be provided with appropriate personal protective equipment, which may include protective footwear, gloves, and high-visibility clothing. All equipment and protective gear must be used as instructed and stored correctly after use.
Good housekeeping is an essential part of safety. We aim to keep work areas tidy, manage waste packaging properly, and remove materials from customer premises promptly after work is completed.
Training, Communication, and Monitoring
Health and safety training is provided at induction and refreshed as required. Topics may include manual handling, safe loading, hazard awareness, and incident reporting. Additional training will be arranged when new equipment, procedures, or services are introduced.
We encourage open communication about safety. Employees are expected to raise any concerns with their supervisor or manager so that issues can be addressed quickly. Management will monitor performance, review incidents, and take action to prevent recurrence.
Policy Review and Continuous Improvement
This Health and Safety Policy is reviewed regularly to ensure it remains effective and suitable for the scale and nature of our removal services. Changes in legislation, company operations, and industry guidance will be taken into account. Feedback from employees and customers is welcomed and helps us to improve our safety performance and service standards.
By following this policy, Removal Van Kensington seeks to ensure that every move is carried out as safely and efficiently as possible, protecting the wellbeing of everyone involved.
