Health and Safety policy

Lambeth Man and Van Health and Safety Policy

This Health and Safety Policy sets out how Lambeth Man and Van manages health, safety and welfare for employees, contractors, customers and members of the public during all removal and transport activities. Our aim is to prevent injury, protect health, and ensure that every job is carried out in a safe, controlled and professional manner.

1. Policy Statement and Objectives

Lambeth Man and Van is committed to maintaining high standards of health and safety across all moving, loading, unloading and transport operations. We will identify and control risks associated with removals work, including manual handling, driving, working at height when loading vehicles, and operating in domestic and commercial premises.

Our health and safety objectives are to prevent accidents, protect physical and mental wellbeing, comply with applicable health and safety legislation and industry best practice, ensure safe systems of work for all removal services, and continually improve our performance through monitoring and review.

2. Responsibilities

Overall responsibility for health and safety lies with the company management, who ensure that appropriate resources, training and supervision are provided. Managers are responsible for implementing this policy, carrying out risk assessments, providing safe equipment, and ensuring that staff follow safe working procedures.

All employees and contractors are responsible for taking reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions. This includes following training and instructions, using equipment correctly, wearing any required protective equipment, and reporting hazards, near misses and accidents without delay.

Customers have a responsibility to provide accurate information about access conditions, parking arrangements, and any known hazards at the property or site, and to cooperate with our team to enable work to be carried out safely.

3. Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices

Before and during each job, Lambeth Man and Van will assess the risks associated with the premises, access routes, items to be moved and any special requirements. Where necessary, dynamic risk assessments will be carried out on site to address specific conditions such as narrow staircases, poor lighting, uneven surfaces or adverse weather.

Safe systems of work are developed for common activities including loading and unloading vehicles, moving heavy or bulky items, working on or near roads, and operating in shared spaces such as flats, offices or communal areas. Work will be planned to minimise the need for hazardous movements, awkward lifting positions or unnecessary bending and twisting.

4. Manual Handling and Lifting

Manual handling is a core part of removal services and is managed as a key health and safety risk. Staff receive training in correct lifting and carrying techniques, team lifts, and the safe use of handling aids such as sack trucks, dollies and straps.

Where possible, loads are broken down into smaller, manageable components. Heavy, large or unstable items are assessed individually, and work is refused or re-planned if safe handling cannot be guaranteed. Staff are instructed not to exceed their individual capabilities or to attempt unsafe lifts under any circumstances.

5. Vehicles, Driving and Road Safety

All vehicles used by Lambeth Man and Van must be maintained in a safe and roadworthy condition in line with legal requirements and manufacturer guidance. Regular checks are carried out on tyres, lights, brakes, securing points, ramps and tail-lifts where fitted.

Drivers must hold the appropriate driving licence, follow road traffic laws, and operate vehicles in a safe and considerate manner. Loads must be properly secured to prevent movement during transit. Parking, loading and unloading will be planned to reduce risks to staff, customers and the public, including the use of hazard warning lights and, where practical, guidance from a second person when reversing or manoeuvring.

6. Use of Equipment and Personal Protective Equipment

Any equipment used in the course of removal work, including trolleys, ramps and lifting aids, must be suitable for the task and inspected regularly. Faulty or damaged equipment must be reported immediately and taken out of use.

Where necessary, personal protective equipment such as gloves, safety footwear or high-visibility garments will be provided and must be worn as instructed. PPE is considered a last line of defence and does not replace safe systems of work, but is an important part of our overall safety approach.

7. Housekeeping and Site Safety

Safe housekeeping is essential to prevent slips, trips and falls during removal operations. Walkways and stairs should be kept as clear as reasonably practicable, packaging and waste materials disposed of safely, and any spillages or obstructions dealt with promptly.

When working in customers premises, our staff will take care to avoid creating unnecessary hazards, including trailing cables or poorly stacked items. Routes for carrying items will be planned in advance to avoid congestion and reduce the risk of collision or damage.

8. Health, Welfare and Fitness for Work

Lambeth Man and Van recognises that removal work can be physically demanding. Staff are expected to present themselves fit for work and to notify management of any health issues that may affect their ability to work safely, such as back problems or conditions affecting balance or strength.

We do not permit the use of alcohol or illegal substances during working hours or immediately beforehand. The misuse of drugs or alcohol is strictly prohibited and will be treated as a disciplinary matter.

9. Accident Reporting and Emergency Procedures

All accidents, incidents and near misses, however minor, must be reported to management as soon as possible. This allows appropriate action to be taken, including first aid where required, and helps us identify trends and areas for improvement.

Staff are instructed on what to do in the event of fire, serious injury or other emergencies at a customer site or on the road. This includes contacting the emergency services where necessary, making the area safe, and informing management.

10. Training, Communication and Review

Training in health and safety is provided to all staff at induction and refreshed periodically or when new risks, equipment or procedures are introduced. Key topics include manual handling, vehicle safety, use of equipment, incident reporting and working safely in customer environments.

This Health and Safety Policy is communicated to employees and is available to customers on request. It is reviewed regularly and updated when necessary to reflect operational changes, new legislation or improvements in best practice. Lambeth Man and Van expects everyone involved in our services to cooperate in upholding these standards and to contribute to a safe working environment on every job.