Health and Safety policy
Health and Safety Policy for Man with Van Lisson Grove
Man with Van Lisson Grove is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for our employees, customers, contractors and members of the public. This Health and Safety Policy sets out our approach to managing risks associated with domestic and commercial removals, furniture transport and related van services within our service area.
Policy Statement
Our objective is to prevent injury, ill health and damage to property arising from our activities. We will identify and control risks, comply with relevant health and safety legislation, and promote a positive safety culture throughout our operations. Health and safety is an integral part of our planning, decision-making and day-to-day work.
Responsibilities
Overall responsibility for health and safety rests with the company management. Management will ensure that suitable resources, information, instruction and supervision are provided to maintain safe working conditions and practices.
All team leaders and drivers are responsible for implementing this policy on site and for ensuring that work is carried out safely and without risk. They must monitor working practices, report hazards and cooperate fully with any health and safety initiatives.
Every employee and contractor has a duty to take reasonable care for their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions. All workers must follow safety instructions, use provided equipment correctly and report any concerns, incidents or near misses at the earliest opportunity.
Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work
We will carry out risk assessments for our removal and transport activities, including loading and unloading vehicles, carrying items, working in homes, offices and communal areas, and operating in public spaces. These assessments will be reviewed regularly, particularly when there are changes in equipment, processes or work locations.
Safe systems of work will be developed based on the findings of the risk assessments. These will include guidance on lifting techniques, route planning, vehicle loading, securing loads, using moving equipment and managing access to premises. All staff will be informed of the relevant procedures and expected to follow them at all times.
Manual Handling and Use of Equipment
Manual handling is a significant part of our removal operations. We aim to avoid hazardous manual handling where reasonably practicable by using suitable equipment such as sack trucks, trolleys and moving straps. Where manual lifting is unavoidable, it must be planned and carried out in accordance with safe handling techniques.
Employees will receive training on correct posture, team lifting, assessing the weight and stability of items, and communicating clearly with colleagues during lifts and manoeuvres. No employee should attempt to lift or carry any item that they feel is beyond their individual capability or that cannot be handled safely with the resources available.
All equipment used in the course of our work will be maintained in good condition. Defective or damaged equipment must be removed from use immediately and reported to management for repair or replacement.
Vehicle Safety and Driving Standards
Our vehicles are central to our removal services. They will be maintained in a safe, roadworthy condition with regular checks and servicing. Daily visual inspections of tyres, lights, brakes, mirrors and securing points will be carried out by drivers before starting work.
Drivers must hold a valid licence appropriate to the vehicle they operate and must comply with road traffic laws, speed limits and parking regulations. Safe driving techniques will be promoted, including maintaining safe distances, adjusting speed for weather and traffic conditions, and allowing sufficient time for journeys.
Loads must be evenly distributed and securely fastened to prevent movement during transit. Overloading is strictly prohibited. Doors, ramps and tailgates must be used carefully to avoid injury to staff or members of the public.
Customer Premises and Public Safety
Our teams often work in and around customers homes, offices and shared areas. We will take all reasonable steps to minimise disruption and risk to occupants, neighbours and visitors. This includes maintaining clear access routes, using warning signs where appropriate, and carefully handling furniture and belongings to avoid damage.
Where work involves stairways, narrow corridors or shared entrances, our teams will coordinate movements, control access where necessary and communicate with building users to keep everyone informed of potential hazards.
Training, Information and Supervision
We will provide appropriate health and safety training to all employees, including new starters and temporary staff. Training may include induction sessions, manual handling techniques, vehicle safety, use of equipment and emergency procedures.
Information on risks and safety measures will be communicated clearly through briefings, instructions and on-site supervision. Supervisors will monitor working practices and provide guidance and corrective action where unsafe behaviour or conditions are observed.
Accidents, Incidents and Near Miss Reporting
All accidents, injuries, work-related ill health and near misses must be reported to management as soon as possible. Reports will be recorded, investigated and analysed to identify root causes and any necessary corrective actions.
We encourage open reporting and a no-blame culture so that issues can be addressed promptly. Lessons learned from incidents will be shared with staff and, where appropriate, incorporated into revised procedures and training.
Emergency Preparedness
Our teams will be briefed on emergency procedures relevant to their work, including fire safety in customer premises, vehicle breakdowns, road incidents and first aid arrangements. All staff must follow evacuation instructions and cooperate with emergency services and building management when required.
Where necessary, basic first aid supplies will be carried in vehicles, and staff will know how to access further medical assistance if needed.
Review of this Policy
This Health and Safety Policy will be reviewed regularly and updated when there are changes in our operations, legislation or identified risks. We will consult with employees on health and safety matters and consider their feedback when improving our systems and procedures.
By working together and following this policy, Man with Van Lisson Grove aims to deliver removal and transport services in a way that protects the health, safety and wellbeing of everyone involved.
