Health and Safety Policy for Man With a Van Lewisham

Man With a Van Lewisham is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for our employees, contractors, customers, and members of the public affected by our removal and transport activities. This Health and Safety policy sets out our approach to managing risk and ensuring that all removal and delivery work is carried out in a responsible and controlled manner.

We recognise that our work involves manual handling, vehicle use, and activity in a variety of domestic and commercial environments. We therefore treat health and safety as a core part of our service, planning each job with care and following clear procedures to reduce the likelihood of accidents, injuries, or damage to property.

Health and Safety Objectives

Our main health and safety objectives are to prevent injury and ill health, protect property, and comply with all relevant health and safety laws and regulations. We aim to continually improve our safety performance by monitoring our work practices, learning from experience, and making necessary changes to our procedures.

We will provide guidance and information to all staff so they understand their responsibilities and are able to carry out removal tasks in a safe and efficient way. We also expect customers to cooperate with our safety measures so that work can be completed without unnecessary risk.

Roles and Responsibilities

Overall responsibility for health and safety within Man With a Van Lewisham rests with our management, who ensure that appropriate procedures, risk assessments, and training are in place. Management will review this policy regularly to keep it up to date with current legal and industry standards.

All employees and contractors working on behalf of Man With a Van Lewisham are responsible for taking reasonable care of their own health and safety, and that of others who may be affected by their actions. Staff must follow company procedures, use equipment properly, report hazards or incidents, and refuse to carry out work that is clearly unsafe.

Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices

Before starting any removal or transport job, we consider the likely risks involved and plan our work accordingly. This may include reviewing access routes, stairways, parking arrangements, the size and weight of items, and the presence of vulnerable persons or pets on site. Where necessary, we will adapt our methods or staffing levels to manage identified risks.

We follow safe systems of work designed for the removals sector, including the use of appropriate lifting techniques, team lifts for heavy or awkward items, and the safe securing of loads inside our vehicles. Staff are required to keep work areas as tidy and free from obstructions as practical, reducing the risk of slips, trips, and falls.

Manual Handling and Lifting

Manual handling is a significant part of removal work, and we place particular emphasis on safe lifting practices. Our staff are trained to assess the weight and shape of items, plan the lift, and use correct posture and technique to minimise strain on the back and joints. Wherever possible, we use handling aids such as trolleys, dollies, and straps to reduce physical effort.

Items that are excessively heavy or present unusual risks may require additional staff, specialist equipment, or alternative arrangements. Our team will not attempt to move items if they believe doing so would present an unreasonable risk to themselves or others.

Vehicles and Driving Safety

Our vehicles are a central part of our service, and we take care to ensure they are roadworthy, clean, and suitable for the loads they carry. Vehicles undergo regular checks and maintenance in accordance with manufacturer guidance and legal requirements.

Drivers are expected to operate vehicles responsibly, adhering to speed limits, road traffic laws, and safe loading practices. Loads are secured to prevent movement during transit, and access ramps and doors are used with caution. Drivers must not operate vehicles under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or any condition that may impair safe driving.

Customer Premises and Public Safety

We recognise our duty to safeguard customers, their property, and members of the public while we carry out removal activities. Our staff will act with respect and care on all premises, taking steps to protect floors, walls, and fixtures where reasonably practical.

Where work takes place in shared spaces or near public pathways, we will take reasonable measures to minimise obstruction and clearly indicate any immediate hazards. Customers may be asked to keep children and pets away from work areas for their own safety.

Training, Information, and Supervision

Man With a Van Lewisham provides initial and ongoing training appropriate to each role, covering safe lifting techniques, equipment use, vehicle safety, and emergency procedures. New staff are supervised as needed until they are competent to work safely on their own or as part of a team.

We provide information about specific risks related to each job, such as limited access, fragile items, or time restrictions, so that staff can plan their work safely. We encourage open communication and expect all staff to ask for guidance whenever they are unsure about a task or procedure.

Accidents, Incidents, and Reporting

All accidents, near misses, damage, or dangerous occurrences must be reported to management as soon as practicable. We record relevant details and, where required, take further action to comply with legal reporting obligations.

Each incident is reviewed so we can understand what happened and take steps to prevent recurrence. This may include changes to procedures, additional training, or adjustments to equipment or staffing levels.

Health, Welfare, and Fitness for Work

We recognise the physical nature of removal work and the importance of staff being fit for duty. Employees are encouraged to report any health conditions or injuries that may affect their ability to carry out tasks safely. Where appropriate, temporary adjustments or alternative duties may be considered.

We do not tolerate working under the influence of alcohol or illegal substances. Any use of prescribed medication that may affect safety must be disclosed so that suitable precautions can be taken.

Policy Review and Customer Cooperation

This Health and Safety policy is reviewed regularly and whenever there are significant changes to our operations, services, or legal requirements. Updates are communicated to staff so that everyone is aware of the current standards and procedures.

We ask customers to support our health and safety commitments by providing accurate information about access conditions, special risks, and any restrictions at their premises. Cooperation between our team and our customers is essential to ensure that each move is completed safely, efficiently, and with minimal disruption.