Health and Safety policy

Man With a Van Lisson Grove Health and Safety Policy

Man With a Van Lisson Grove is committed to maintaining high standards of health, safety and welfare for our employees, customers, contractors and members of the public. As a professional removals and man and van service, we recognise that our work involves manual handling, transport, access to homes and business premises, and the movement of heavy and bulky items. We will take all reasonably practicable steps to prevent injury, ill health and damage to property during every stage of our work.

Policy Aims and Objectives

The aim of this policy is to provide a clear framework for managing health and safety in our removal and delivery operations. Our objectives are to prevent accidents and work-related ill health, promote safe working practices in all locations where we operate, comply with relevant health and safety legislation and guidance, and continually improve our standards through monitoring, training and review.

Management Responsibilities

Management at Man With a Van Lisson Grove is responsible for implementing this policy and ensuring that suitable resources are provided for health and safety. This includes maintaining safe vehicles and equipment, providing appropriate training and supervision, carrying out suitable and sufficient risk assessments for removal activities, and responding promptly to any reported hazards, near misses or incidents.

Managers will lead by example, promote a positive safety culture, and ensure that health and safety considerations are factored into planning for every job, whether a small flat move or a larger home or office relocation.

Employee Responsibilities

All employees, including drivers, porters and office staff, have a duty to take reasonable care for their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions or omissions. Staff must follow all safety instructions and procedures, use equipment correctly and report hazards, defects, incidents or near misses without delay.

Employees are expected to attend all required training sessions, wear any provided personal protective equipment as instructed, and cooperate fully with management to ensure that health and safety standards are maintained throughout our service area.

Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices

Before carrying out removal work, appropriate risk assessments will be completed to identify potential hazards such as restricted access, stairs, long carrying distances, uneven surfaces, traffic conditions and weather. Where risks are identified, suitable control measures will be put in place, including planning safe routes, using mechanical aids where possible and allocating sufficient personnel for heavy or awkward loads.

Safe systems of work will be followed for tasks such as lifting and carrying, loading and unloading vehicles, securing loads, and working in customers homes or commercial premises. These systems will be reviewed regularly to reflect experience, feedback and any changes in our operations.

Manual Handling and Safe Lifting

Manual handling is a core part of our removals service. We recognise the potential for sprains, strains and back injuries if lifting is not carried out correctly. All staff who handle furniture, appliances, boxes and other items will receive manual handling training appropriate to their role.

Wherever reasonably practicable, we will avoid hazardous manual handling by using trolleys, dollies, straps and other handling aids. When manual lifting is required, our team will use safe techniques, work in pairs or teams for bulky items, and take regular breaks where needed. We will never require staff to lift or carry items that they reasonably believe are unsafe to handle.

Vehicles, Driving and Road Safety

Our vehicles are essential to providing man and van and removal services. We are committed to ensuring that all vehicles are maintained in a safe and roadworthy condition in accordance with legal requirements and manufacturer recommendations. Regular checks will be carried out on tyres, brakes, lights, load securing points and other safety systems.

Only authorised and competent drivers are permitted to operate company vehicles. Drivers must follow all road traffic laws, drive courteously and safely, and ensure that loads are properly distributed and secured before the vehicle moves. Journey planning will take into account weather, traffic and parking considerations to reduce risk.

Customer Premises and Public Safety

Our work frequently takes place at domestic properties, apartment buildings, offices and other commercial premises. We will always act with care and respect to minimise disruption and ensure safety in and around these locations. Access routes will be kept as clear as reasonably possible, trip hazards such as loose packing materials will be controlled, and care will be taken when moving large items through shared areas, stairwells and corridors.

We will take steps to minimise risk to customers, neighbours, visitors and members of the public during loading and unloading, including the careful positioning of vehicles and equipment, supervision of open doors and ramps, and the use of safe lifting and carrying techniques.

Equipment, PPE and Maintenance

Any equipment used in our removal operations, such as sack trucks, moving straps, ramps and protective covers, will be maintained in good condition and inspected regularly. Defective equipment will be taken out of use immediately and replaced or repaired.

Where appropriate, personal protective equipment such as gloves, safety footwear or high visibility clothing will be provided. Staff are required to use such equipment as instructed and to report any loss or damage so that it can be replaced promptly.

Training, Information and Supervision

We will provide information, instruction and training to ensure that employees can work safely and understand their responsibilities. Training may include induction training for new starters, manual handling and lifting techniques, safe loading and unloading of vehicles, site specific instructions for particular buildings or locations, and refreshers where needed.

Supervision will be proportionate to the level of risk and the competence and experience of staff involved. New or less experienced employees will be supported and supervised until they are assessed as competent to work more independently.

Incident Reporting and Investigation

All accidents, injuries, near misses and dangerous occurrences must be reported as soon as possible to management. Records of incidents will be kept and investigated to identify causes and any necessary corrective or preventive actions. Lessons learned will be communicated to staff and, where applicable, reflected in updated risk assessments and safe working procedures.

Review of Policy

This Health and Safety Policy will be reviewed regularly and updated as necessary to reflect changes in legislation, our services, working practices or organisational structure. We will also consider feedback from employees and customers, as well as findings from audits and incident investigations, to continuously improve our approach to health and safety.

By following this policy and working together, Man With a Van Lisson Grove aims to provide a reliable removal service that protects the health, safety and wellbeing of everyone involved.