Man with Van Lee Health and Safety Policy
Man with Van Lee is committed to providing removal and transport services in a manner that safeguards the health, safety and welfare of our customers, employees, subcontractors and members of the public. This policy sets out the principles and arrangements we follow to manage risks during house moves, office relocations, furniture deliveries and related activities.
Our objective is to prevent injury, ill health, property damage and environmental harm arising from our work. Health and safety considerations form an integral part of our planning, decision making and day to day operations.
Management Responsibilities
The management of Man with Van Lee accepts overall responsibility for health and safety performance. Management will provide leadership, resources and support to maintain safe systems of work for all removal and transport tasks.
Management responsibilities include
Assessing risks associated with lifting, carrying, driving, loading and unloading, and putting suitable control measures in place. Ensuring vehicles, lifting equipment and removal tools are maintained in safe working condition. Providing employees and regular subcontractors with appropriate information, instructions and training relevant to their roles. Planning work schedules and routes to minimise fatigue and unsafe time pressure. Investigating accidents, near misses and incidents, and implementing corrective actions to prevent recurrence. Reviewing this policy periodically to ensure it remains suitable and effective.
Employee Responsibilities
Every employee and subcontractor has a duty to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions or omissions during removal and transport work.
Individual responsibilities include
Following company safety procedures and safe systems of work at all times. Using vehicles, tools, lifting aids and personal protective equipment as instructed. Immediately reporting hazards, near misses, accidents or defective equipment to management. Cooperating with training, supervision and any health and safety initiatives introduced by the company. Refraining from horseplay, unsafe shortcuts or any behaviour that could endanger themselves or others.
Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work
Man with Van Lee undertakes risk assessments for typical tasks associated with removals and light transport. These assessments consider hazards associated with manual handling, working in confined or cluttered spaces, staircases, loading ramps, vehicle movements, weather conditions and interaction with the public.
From these assessments we develop safe systems of work that may include
Planning the sequence of loading and unloading to minimise handling and congestion. Identifying items requiring two person lifting, mechanical aids or dismantling before movement. Checking access routes, stairways, lifts and doorways at collection and delivery points. Agreeing safe parking and loading areas to reduce vehicle and pedestrian conflicts. Allowing sufficient time for each job to be completed safely.
Manual Handling and Use of Equipment
Manual handling is a core part of removal work and is a significant source of potential injury. Man with Van Lee aims to reduce manual handling risks wherever reasonably practicable.
Our arrangements include
Training staff in safe lifting and carrying techniques, including team lifting. Using trolleys, dollies, straps, ramps and blankets to aid the safe movement of heavy or awkward items. Assessing the weight, size and condition of each item before moving it. Avoiding twisting, overreaching or carrying loads that block line of sight. Stopping work where an item is too heavy or unsafe to move with the available equipment or manpower.
Vehicle Safety and Driving Standards
Safe driving and vehicle operation are essential to the safety of our staff and other road users. Man with Van Lee maintains its vehicles and expects all drivers to operate them responsibly.
Our approach includes
Carrying out regular vehicle checks and arranging servicing and repairs as required. Ensuring loads are evenly distributed, secured and covered where necessary to prevent movement during transit. Requiring drivers to follow road traffic laws, speed limits and parking regulations. Planning routes to minimise unnecessary mileage, congestion and risky manoeuvres. Prohibiting driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs or any substance that impairs performance. Encouraging regular breaks on longer journeys to reduce driver fatigue.
Customer Premises and Public Safety
Removal work is often carried out in or near occupied homes, offices and public spaces. Man with Van Lee recognises its responsibility to protect customers, visitors and the public from risks arising from our activities.
We will
Maintain clear walkways and exits wherever possible, keeping tripping hazards to a minimum. Use warning where work presents foreseeable risk to others, such as during vehicle manoeuvring or heavy lifting near entrances. Take care to protect floors, walls, doorframes and fixtures to reduce the risk of damage and related hazards. Cooperate with building managers and site rules when operating in shared or commercial premises.
Training, Information and Supervision
We provide appropriate health and safety training relevant to our staff members roles and the type of work they undertake. This may include induction training, manual handling instruction, vehicle familiarisation, use of lifting aids and job specific briefings.
Supervision is proportionate to the experience and competence of each worker, and new staff are supported until they can demonstrate safe working practices. Health and safety information is communicated through job instructions, team briefings and updates when procedures change.
Wellbeing and Fitness for Work
Man with Van Lee recognises that physical and mental wellbeing influence the safety of removal and driving work. Staff are encouraged to report any health issues that may affect their ability to carry out tasks safely, including fatigue, injuries or the use of medication that may impair concentration or strength.
We do not expect staff to lift or move items beyond their capability and will adjust work practices, provide assistance or reconsider tasks where necessary.
Incident Reporting and Continuous Improvement
All accidents, near misses, injuries and safety concerns must be reported to management as soon as practicable. Incidents are reviewed to identify immediate and underlying causes so that improvements can be implemented.
Feedback from staff and customers is welcomed as part of our commitment to continuous improvement. Lessons learned from incidents, customer comments and internal reviews are used to update procedures, training and this policy where appropriate.
Policy Review
This Health and Safety Policy reflects the current arrangements in place at Man with Van Lee. It will be reviewed periodically and whenever there are significant changes to our operations, equipment or legal requirements. The latest version of this policy is made available to employees, subcontractors and customers on request.
By working together and following the principles set out in this policy, Man with Van Lee aims to deliver reliable removal services while maintaining a safe environment for everyone involved.
