Health and Safety Policy for Man with Van Lambeth

Man with Van Lambeth is committed to providing removal and moving services that protect the health, safety, and welfare of our employees, contractors, customers, and members of the public. This Health and Safety Policy sets out our approach to managing risks associated with home and office removals, furniture transport, loading and unloading, and related activities.

We aim to conduct all operations in a safe and responsible manner, complying with relevant health and safety legislation and best practice in the removals industry. Our goal is to prevent accidents, injuries, and damage to property during every stage of a move.

Management Responsibility and Commitment

Management at Man with Van Lambeth accepts overall responsibility for health and safety within the business. This includes providing appropriate systems, procedures, and resources to ensure that risks are identified, assessed, and effectively controlled.

Managers and supervisors are responsible for:

Ensuring staff understand and follow this policy and associated safety procedures.

Providing and maintaining suitable equipment and vehicles in a safe condition.

Implementing risk assessments for removal activities and regularly reviewing them.

Supporting staff with training, information, and supervision to carry out their duties safely.

Employee Responsibilities

All employees and contractors have a duty to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions during moving and transport work. Staff are expected to:

Follow all safety instructions, training, and company procedures.

Use equipment and vehicles correctly and report any faults immediately.

Wear suitable clothing and, where required, personal protective equipment such as gloves or safety footwear.

Report accidents, near misses, or hazardous conditions to management as soon as possible.

Cooperate with all health and safety measures put in place by the company.

Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices

Before starting any removal job, Man with Van Lambeth will assess the potential risks associated with the property, access routes, parking, lifting tasks, and any special items to be moved. Where necessary, additional control measures will be implemented to ensure safe working, such as the use of extra staff, specialised equipment, or alternative handling techniques.

Safe working practices include:

Planning routes for loading and unloading to avoid slips, trips, and falls.

Ensuring the van is parked safely and legally, with minimal risk to staff and the public.

Using appropriate lifting and carrying techniques to minimise strain and injury.

Securly loading and securing items within the vehicle to prevent shifting during transit.

Considering weather and visibility conditions when planning and carrying out moves.

Manual Handling and Lifting

Manual handling is a core part of removal work and is a significant source of potential injury. To reduce these risks, Man with Van Lambeth provides guidance and training on safe lifting and carrying methods.

Key principles include:

Assessing the weight, shape, and stability of items before lifting.

Using team lifts for heavy or awkward loads rather than attempting to move them alone.

Using equipment such as trolleys, dollies, or straps where appropriate.

Keeping loads close to the body and avoiding twisting while lifting or carrying.

Taking regular breaks when undertaking prolonged or physically demanding tasks.

Vehicle Safety and Driving Standards

Our vehicles are a critical part of our removal services. Vehicle safety is managed through regular maintenance, inspections, and adherence to safe driving practices.

Drivers are required to:

Carry out basic pre-use checks on the vehicle before starting work.

Report any defects or damage immediately so that repairs can be arranged.

Comply with road traffic laws and drive in a manner that is safe and considerate.

Ensure loads are evenly distributed, properly secured, and within legal weight limits.

Avoid driving while fatigued or under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or medication that may impair performance.

Customer and Public Safety

Man with Van Lambeth takes reasonable steps to ensure the safety of customers and members of the public during our operations. This may include:

Communicating clearly with customers about the moving plan and any safety considerations.

Keeping walkways, stairs, and entrances as clear as possible during the move.

Using warning signs or verbal warnings where necessary, including when moving large items through shared or public spaces.

Avoiding leaving tools, packing materials, or equipment in areas where they could cause trips or other hazards.

Work Environment and Welfare

We recognise that a safe and healthy work environment supports both staff wellbeing and service quality. Man with Van Lambeth aims to provide suitable welfare arrangements for staff, including access to rest breaks, drinking water, and appropriate facilities where practical, given the mobile nature of the work.

We also recognise the importance of managing fatigue, stress, and other factors that can affect safety, and we encourage staff to raise any concerns they may have.

Training, Information, and Supervision

All staff receive information and instruction relevant to their role, including safe handling techniques, vehicle safety, and use of equipment. Additional training is provided when new equipment is introduced or when there are changes to working methods.

Supervision is proportionate to the level of risk and the experience of staff. New or less experienced workers may be accompanied or more closely supervised until they are competent to work independently.

Accident Reporting and Investigation

All accidents, incidents, and near misses that occur during removal activities must be reported to management. This information is recorded and reviewed to identify trends, root causes, and opportunities for improvement.

Where necessary, corrective actions will be taken, such as updating procedures, providing additional training, or modifying equipment or methods to prevent a recurrence.

Continuous Improvement and Policy Review

Man with Van Lambeth is committed to continuous improvement in health and safety performance. We regularly review our policies, risk assessments, and working practices to reflect current legislation, industry standards, and operational experience.

This Health and Safety Policy will be reviewed periodically and updated as required to ensure it remains effective and relevant to the services we provide and the areas in which we operate.