Man with Van Lamorbey Health and Safety Policy

Man with Van Lamorbey is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for our staff, customers, contractors and members of the public. This Health and Safety Policy sets out our approach to managing risk during all moving, lifting and transport activities associated with our removal and man and van services.

We aim to prevent injury, ill health and damage to property while operating efficiently across our service area. Everyone working with or on behalf of Man with Van Lamorbey is required to follow this policy and the procedures that support it.

Health and Safety Responsibilities

The business owner has overall responsibility for health and safety within Man with Van Lamorbey. This includes providing suitable resources, arranging training, and ensuring that vehicles, tools and equipment are properly maintained.

Supervisors and team leaders are responsible for implementing safe systems of work on each job, communicating site-specific risks, checking that team members understand their duties, and monitoring performance to ensure health and safety standards are upheld.

All employees and regular contractors have a duty to take reasonable care for their own health and safety, as well as that of colleagues, customers and the public who may be affected by their actions. They must follow instructions, use equipment correctly, report hazards and incidents promptly, and never carry out tasks for which they have not been trained or deemed competent.

Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work

We assess the risks associated with our removal activities, including packing, loading, unloading, and transporting goods. Where necessary, a site-specific assessment is carried out before work begins, taking into account access restrictions, parking arrangements, stairways, lifts, floor conditions, and any unusual items or loads.

Control measures are put in place to manage identified risks, such as using appropriate lifting techniques, allocating additional staff for heavy or awkward items, using equipment such as dollies or straps, and planning loading orders to minimise handling and protect fragile goods.

Staff must follow established safe systems of work at all times. If conditions change or new hazards are identified during a job, work should pause until the risk is assessed and a safe solution is agreed.

Manual Handling and Lifting

Manual handling is a central part of our work, and we recognise the potential for back injuries and musculoskeletal disorders if it is not managed safely. All team members receive guidance on safe lifting techniques, including assessing the load, maintaining good posture, lifting with the legs, and working within personal limits.

Heavy or bulky items must be moved using team lifts or mechanical aids where reasonably practicable. No employee is expected to lift or carry items that they believe are unsafe due to size, weight, shape or environmental conditions such as slippery surfaces or tight corners.

Breaks are scheduled on longer jobs to reduce fatigue, and staff are encouraged to speak up if they feel a lift or manoeuvre cannot be completed safely.

Vehicle and Driving Safety

We maintain our vehicles in safe, roadworthy condition, carrying out regular checks on tyres, lights, brakes, and securing systems. Any defects or concerns must be reported immediately so they can be addressed before further use.

Drivers must hold the appropriate valid licence, follow road traffic laws, and drive in a manner that prioritises safety over speed. Routes are planned to allow realistic travel times, avoiding unnecessary pressure on drivers.

Loads are secured correctly to prevent movement or falling items during transit. Weight limits for vehicles are never exceeded, and loads are distributed evenly to maintain vehicle stability.

Use of Equipment and Personal Protective Equipment

Where equipment such as sack trucks, trolleys, ramps, straps or protective coverings is used, it must be checked before use and only operated in line with training and instructions. Faulty or damaged equipment must be removed from service until repaired or replaced.

Personal protective equipment, such as protective footwear and gloves, is provided where the risk assessment identifies a need. Staff must use the protective equipment supplied to them and care for it appropriately.

Customer Premises and Public Safety

We take care to protect customer property and ensure the safety of residents, visitors and the public near our work area. Walkways are kept as clear as possible, and trip hazards such as boxes, tools and packing materials are managed carefully.

Where necessary, signs or verbal warnings are used to alert people to moving loads, open vehicle doors, or temporary obstructions. Particular care is taken in shared hallways, communal entrances, pavements and access roads.

We handle customer belongings with respect, using protective materials where needed to reduce the risk of damage to items or to fixtures and fittings at the property.

Training, Communication and Competence

Man with Van Lamorbey ensures that team members receive appropriate instruction and information for the tasks they undertake, including manual handling, use of equipment, vehicle loading and customer care.

New or less experienced staff work under closer supervision until they are judged competent to carry out tasks independently. We encourage open communication so that safety concerns can be raised without hesitation or fear of criticism.

This policy and related procedures are reviewed periodically and whenever there are significant changes to our work processes or legal requirements. Updates are communicated to all relevant staff and contractors.

Accidents, Incidents and Near Miss Reporting

All accidents, injuries, near misses and damage to property must be reported as soon as practicable to the person in charge and recorded accurately. Investigations are conducted to identify root causes and to prevent recurrence.

Where appropriate, lessons learned from incidents are shared with the whole team and may result in updates to risk assessments, training content or working methods.

Wellbeing and Fitness for Work

We recognise the physical nature of removal work and the importance of staff being fit to work safely. Employees are expected to attend work in a condition that allows them to perform duties without undue risk to themselves or others.

The misuse of alcohol or drugs, or working while impaired by medication, is not permitted. If a team member has a health concern that may affect their ability to carry out physical tasks or drive safely, they should inform management so that suitable adjustments can be considered.

Policy Review and Commitment

Man with Van Lamorbey is committed to continuous improvement in health and safety performance. This policy is reviewed regularly to ensure it remains relevant to our operations, legal obligations and best practice in the removals and transport sector.

By working together, following procedures and speaking up about any concerns, we can provide a removal service that is both efficient and safe for our staff, customers and the wider community.