Health and Safety policy

Queen's Park Man and Van Health and Safety Policy

Queen's Park Man and Van is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for our staff, customers, contractors, and members of the public who may be affected by our removal and transportation activities. This Health and Safety policy sets out our approach to managing risks associated with moving, lifting, loading, unloading, driving, and working at customers premises.

Our Health and Safety Commitments

We aim to prevent accidents, injuries, ill health, and damage to property arising from our removal services. To achieve this, we will:

Identify, assess, and control risks associated with manual handling, vehicle movements, working in and around buildings, and the handling of customer belongings.

Provide appropriate information, instruction, training, and supervision to all employees and contractors engaged in removal activities.

Maintain vehicles, equipment, and tools in a safe and serviceable condition.

Plan and organise work to minimise risks, disruption, and hazards for customers and the public.

Comply with all relevant health and safety legislation, regulations, and recognised industry standards.

Review this policy regularly and update it when necessary to reflect changes in our operations or legal requirements.

Responsibilities

Effective health and safety management depends on clear responsibilities at every level of the business.

Management is responsible for implementing this policy, ensuring adequate resources are available, setting standards, and monitoring performance. Management will ensure that risk assessments are carried out, safe systems of work are developed, and that staff receive the training they need to work safely.

Employees are required to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions. They must follow company procedures, use equipment correctly, attend training arranged by the company, and report any hazards, incidents, near misses, or unsafe conditions to management without delay.

Contractors working with or on behalf of Queen's Park Man and Van are expected to comply with this policy and any specific instructions or procedures related to the job they are undertaking.

Customers have a role in facilitating safe working conditions by providing accurate information about access, parking, and any unusual risks at the property and by keeping access routes clear during the removal process.

Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices

Before work begins, we assess the risks related to each job, taking into account factors such as property layout, staircases, lifts, parking arrangements, weather conditions, and any heavy or awkward items. Where necessary, we adapt our methods to ensure safe handling and transportation of items while protecting staff and customers.

Our staff are trained to follow safe practices including correct lifting techniques, the use of handling aids, safe stacking and securing of loads in vehicles, and cautious movement in confined or crowded areas. We avoid unnecessary manual handling and will use appropriate equipment where possible to prevent injury.

Vehicles, Equipment, and Driving Safety

All vehicles used by Queen's Park Man and Van are maintained on a regular schedule to ensure they are roadworthy and safe to operate. Loads are secured to prevent movement in transit, reducing the risk of damage or injury when doors are opened and items are unloaded.

Drivers must follow road traffic laws, drive with care and attention, and allow sufficient time for journeys to avoid rushing. They are responsible for conducting basic pre-use checks of vehicles and reporting any defects immediately so that they can be addressed before the vehicle is used again.

Removal equipment such as trolleys, straps, blankets, and protective materials is inspected regularly, and any damaged or defective items are removed from service.

Manual Handling and Personal Safety

Manual handling is a key element of removal work and presents a significant risk of injury if not managed properly. Our policy is to avoid hazardous manual handling where reasonably practicable and to minimise risks when lifting, carrying, or moving items cannot be avoided.

Staff are instructed to assess each lift, plan the route, and ask for assistance or use handling aids when dealing with heavy, bulky, or awkward loads. Safe lifting techniques are reinforced through training and supervision.

Where appropriate, staff may be provided with personal protective equipment such as gloves and safety footwear. This equipment must be used and cared for as instructed.

Customer Premises and Public Safety

We recognise that our work often takes place in homes, offices, and shared spaces where other people are present. We will take reasonable steps to minimise any risk to customers, neighbours, and the public.

Access routes will be kept as clear as possible, and items will be handled in a way that reduces the risk of trips, falls, or collisions. Where there are particular risks, such as narrow staircases or shared corridors, we will adjust our approach and may temporarily restrict access to an area while work is being carried out.

Incident Reporting and Emergency Procedures

All accidents, injuries, incidents, and near misses involving staff, customers, or members of the public must be reported to management as soon as possible. This enables us to take immediate action, investigate causes, and put in place measures to prevent recurrence.

In the event of an emergency, such as fire, serious injury, or dangerous structural issues at a property, staff are instructed to prioritise the safety of people, stop work where necessary, and follow any on-site emergency procedures. Work will only resume once it is safe to do so.

Training, Communication, and Policy Review

Queen's Park Man and Van provides health and safety training appropriate to each role within the company, including induction training for new staff and refresher training when needed. Important safety information and changes to procedures are communicated clearly to all affected personnel.

This Health and Safety policy is reviewed regularly to ensure it remains relevant and effective. Updates will be communicated to staff and implemented across our operations so that health and safety standards continue to improve over time.