Health and Safety Policy for Lambeth Man with Van
Our organisation, Lambeth Man with Van, is committed to maintaining the highest standards of health and safety across all aspects of our rubbish collection and waste removal operations. This policy applies to all staff, contractors and operatives engaged in man-and-van rubbish removal, clearance and waste transport services. We recognise that safe working practices protect employees, customers and the public and reduce the likelihood of incidents that could affect service delivery. The policy sets out the framework we use to identify hazards, assess risks and apply control measures for manual handling, vehicle operation, and on-site waste handling.
The policy covers operational activities including waste uplift, skip alternatives, bulky waste clearance and general site clearance. It emphasises safe loading and unloading practices, appropriate use of personal protective equipment (PPE), secure containment of loads, and routine vehicle maintenance. We are committed to compliance with relevant health and safety legislation and industry best practice, and to the continuous improvement of safety performance through training, monitoring and review. Employees are required to follow safe systems of work and to report any hazards or unsafe acts immediately.
Responsibilities and Roles
Senior management holds ultimate responsibility for health and safety policy implementation, ensuring adequate resources, training and oversight are in place. Supervisors and drivers have day-to-day responsibility for assessing the safety of each job, confirming that vehicles are roadworthy, that loads are safely secured and that the route and site conditions are suitable for the proposed work. Individual staff must take reasonable care for their own health and safety and that of others by following instructions, using PPE correctly and cooperating with risk control measures.
To support this, Lambeth Man with Van provides regular training and competence checks. Key responsibilities are highlighted below and form part of every induction and refresher course:
- Management: policy review, resource allocation, incident investigation
- Supervisors: task briefings, risk assessments, ensuring safe systems of work
- Operatives and drivers: vehicle checks, safe lifting, correct waste handling
Risk Assessment, Controls and Safe Systems
Risk assessments are carried out for all routine tasks and for non-standard or higher-risk activities. Controls include but are not limited to: the use of mechanical aids for lifting where practical, two-person lifts for bulky or awkward items, segregating hazardous materials from general rubbish, and using appropriate signage at work sites. Regular vehicle pre-start checks are mandatory and include brakes, tyres, securing equipment and load containment devices. Safe driving practices and adherence to payload limits are enforced to minimise the risk of road incidents.
Manual handling guidance and training are provided to reduce musculoskeletal injuries. Operatives are instructed to assess each lift, use correct body mechanics, and escalate to mechanical assistance when the task exceeds safe manual handling limits. For situations involving sharp objects, asbestos suspicion or hazardous chemicals, work will be halted and specialist removal procedures applied. Emergency procedures are in place for road incidents, site accidents and environmental contamination, including first aid provision and immediate reporting to management.
Monitoring and inspection programmes are used to ensure the effectiveness of controls. Routine site audits, vehicle maintenance logs and incident records are reviewed to identify trends and areas for improvement. Near-miss reporting is encouraged and treated as an important source of learning. Where an incident occurs, a formal investigation is carried out to determine root causes and to implement corrective actions. Staff are supported during investigations, and lessons learned are communicated across the team.
We maintain a programme of training that covers manual handling, hazardous waste awareness, safe use of tools and equipment, vehicle loading and load restraint, and customer site safety etiquette. Training records are maintained and refreshed regularly. Contractors working alongside our teams are required to demonstrate compatible safety standards and must receive a site-specific briefing before beginning work.
Health surveillance is provided where appropriate and employees are encouraged to disclose any medical condition that could affect their ability to carry out duties safely. We promote wellbeing initiatives such as rest breaks, hydration advice and guidance on safe working hours to manage fatigue, particularly for drivers who operate on busy routes.
Environmental protection is embedded within our health and safety approach. Waste segregation, secure containment during transport and correct disposal at authorised facilities minimise the risk of pollution and protect public health. Spillage control kits are carried on vehicles and staff are trained to respond to small spills, with escalation procedures in place for larger incidents requiring specialist responders.
Policy review is conducted at least annually and after any significant incident or legislative change. This document will be updated to reflect improvements, new technologies and emerging risks. The aim is continual improvement: reducing incidents, enhancing competence and maintaining a reliable, safe rubbish collection and waste removal service.
All employees and contractors are expected to read, understand and comply with this health and safety policy. Non-compliance may result in disciplinary action. By working together and maintaining a proactive approach to risk management, Lambeth Man with Van ensures that safety remains integral to our daily operations and service delivery.
