Man and a Van Lambeth Health and Safety Policy
Man and a Van Lambeth is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for our employees, customers, contractors and members of the public who may be affected by our removal and transport activities. We recognise that effective health and safety management is an integral part of running a professional and reliable man and van and removals service.
This policy sets out our overall approach to safeguarding people, vehicles, property and equipment during the planning and delivery of our services. It applies to all staff and operatives working on behalf of Man and a Van Lambeth, whether on our premises, on customer sites, on the road or in any other work location.
Health and Safety Responsibilities
Overall responsibility for health and safety within Man and a Van Lambeth rests with the company management, who are responsible for ensuring suitable arrangements are in place to manage risks associated with our removal and transport operations.
Managers will:
Ensure that this Health and Safety Policy is implemented, communicated, reviewed and updated as required.
Provide appropriate training, instruction and supervision to staff so that work is carried out safely and competently.
Ensure that vehicles, equipment and tools are properly maintained and suitable for their intended use.
Identify significant hazards, carry out and record risk assessments, and implement control measures to reduce risks as far as reasonably practicable.
Employees and operatives have a duty to:
Take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions or omissions.
Follow all safety procedures, instructions and guidance provided by Man and a Van Lambeth.
Use vehicles, equipment and personal protective equipment correctly and report any defects immediately.
Report accidents, incidents, near misses and hazards so that preventive action can be taken.
Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices
Before undertaking removal work or transport tasks, Man and a Van Lambeth will assess foreseeable risks relating to manual handling, working in and around vehicles, access to premises, loading and unloading, and movement of goods. Where necessary, a site-specific risk assessment will be carried out, particularly for complex moves or where there are unusual hazards such as limited access, heavy or awkward items, or shared spaces with other users.
Safe systems of work will be developed to address identified risks, including clear procedures for lifting and carrying items, use of trolleys and lifting aids, securing loads in vehicles, and safe vehicle movements in residential streets, commercial yards or shared driveways.
Manual Handling and Lifting Operations
Manual handling is a core part of our removal activities and is managed carefully to reduce the risk of injury. Man and a Van Lambeth will:
Provide training on correct lifting techniques, team lifting, and use of moving equipment.
Plan jobs to minimise unnecessary lifting and carrying distances.
Use appropriate handling aids such as trolleys, dollies, straps and blankets wherever practicable.
Avoid asking staff to handle items that are excessively heavy, unstable or unsafe without adequate assistance or mechanical aid.
Staff are expected to assess each lift before starting and to refuse or adapt the lift if they consider it unsafe. Customers may be asked to agree alternative arrangements where an item cannot be moved safely under normal conditions.
Vehicles, Driving and Road Safety
Man and a Van Lambeth recognises its responsibility to manage the risks associated with operating vans and other vehicles on public roads and at customer sites. We will:
Ensure vehicles are regularly inspected, serviced and maintained in roadworthy condition.
Ensure drivers hold the appropriate driving licence, are competent and are familiar with the vehicles they operate.
Implement safe driving procedures, including adherence to speed limits, journey planning, and compliance with road traffic regulations.
Ensure loads are distributed evenly and secured properly to prevent movement of items during transit.
Take account of access restrictions, parking provisions and local traffic conditions when planning removal work.
Drivers and crew members must not drive or work while under the influence of alcohol, drugs or any substance that may impair their ability to work safely.
Use of Equipment and Personal Protective Equipment
Where appropriate, staff will be provided with equipment and personal protective equipment relevant to their tasks, which may include gloves, protective footwear, high-visibility clothing and other items as required by risk assessment.
Employees are required to use the equipment and protective wear provided, to keep it in good condition, and to report any damage or concerns immediately. All tools and equipment will be selected and maintained so that they are fit for purpose and safe to use within the removal environment.
Customer Premises and Public Safety
When working at customer homes, offices or storage facilities, Man and a Van Lambeth will take reasonable steps to protect customers, visitors and members of the public. This includes:
Maintaining clear walkways and avoiding trip hazards caused by boxes, tools or equipment.
Using caution when moving items through shared corridors, stairwells and entrances.
Taking care to prevent damage to property and fixtures that could introduce safety risks.
Working considerately in communal areas and coordinating with other users of the space where necessary.
Accident, Incident and Near Miss Reporting
All accidents, injuries, near misses and dangerous occurrences arising from our work will be recorded and, where necessary, investigated. The purpose of such investigation is to identify root causes and implement corrective and preventative measures.
Employees must report any incident as soon as practicable to their manager or designated contact, even if no one is injured. Learning from incidents is an important part of improving safety across our operations.
Training, Information and Supervision
Man and a Van Lambeth will provide appropriate health and safety training to employees and operatives, including induction training for new starters and additional instruction when new equipment, vehicles or procedures are introduced.
Managers will ensure that staff understand the risks associated with their role and are competent to carry out their duties safely. Supervision levels will be adapted to the experience of staff and the complexity of the task being performed.
Monitoring, Review and Continuous Improvement
This Health and Safety Policy will be monitored on an ongoing basis and formally reviewed periodically, or earlier if there are significant changes in our operations, legislation or best practice for removal and transport services.
We are committed to continual improvement in health and safety performance and will act on feedback from employees and customers to refine procedures, training and equipment wherever reasonably practicable.
By working together, Man and a Van Lambeth aims to provide a safe, professional and reliable removal service that protects our team, our customers and the wider community.
