Man and a Van Surrey Health and Safety Policy
Man and a Van Surrey 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 the principles and procedures we follow to manage risks associated with our removal and transportation services.
Policy Statement and Objectives
Our objective is to prevent injury, ill health, and damage to property during all removal and delivery operations. We aim to achieve this by identifying hazards, assessing risks, and implementing effective control measures. Health and safety considerations form an integral part of our planning, decision-making, and day-to-day work.
We comply with all relevant health and safety legislation and codes of practice applicable to removal and transportation activities within our service area. This policy is reviewed regularly and updated where necessary to reflect changes in law, best practice, or business operations.
Responsibilities and Accountability
Overall responsibility for health and safety within Man and a Van Surrey rests with the company management. Management is responsible for providing suitable resources, training, equipment, and supervision to ensure work is carried out safely.
All employees, including drivers, porters, and administrative staff, have a duty to:
• Take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions.
• Follow all health and safety procedures and instructions provided by the company.
• Use equipment, vehicles, and protective gear correctly and report any defects immediately.
• Report accidents, incidents, near misses, and unsafe conditions as soon as possible.
Customers also have responsibilities to ensure that the working environment at collection and delivery points is safe and free from unnecessary hazards.
Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work
We conduct risk assessments for typical removal tasks, including lifting, carrying, loading, unloading, driving, and working in customer premises. These assessments identify potential hazards such as manual handling injuries, trips and slips, falls from vehicles, collisions, and property damage.
Based on these assessments, we develop safe systems of work that may include:
• Planning access routes and parking for vehicles in advance.
• Assessing stairways, lifts, and narrow corridors before moving items.
• Agreeing safe loading and unloading areas with customers.
• Using appropriate equipment such as trolleys, dollies, straps, and blankets.
• Ensuring vehicles are loaded securely and within safe weight limits.
Risk assessments are reviewed periodically and whenever there are significant changes to the nature of the work or the working environment.
Manual Handling and Use of Equipment
Manual handling is a key element of removal work, and we place particular emphasis on reducing the risk of strains, sprains, and back injuries. Our approach includes:
• Training staff in correct lifting and carrying techniques.
• Encouraging team lifting for heavy or bulky items.
• Using mechanical aids where practicable to minimise physical strain.
• Refusing to move items that cannot be handled safely within reasonable resources.
All equipment used in our operations is checked regularly to ensure it is fit for purpose. Any damaged or defective equipment is removed from service until repaired or replaced.
Vehicle Safety and Driving Standards
We are committed to safe driving practices across our fleet of vehicles. Drivers must:
• Hold the appropriate licence and be medically fit to drive.
• Carry out pre-use vehicle checks and report any defects immediately.
• Drive in accordance with road traffic laws and local conditions.
• Allow adequate time for journeys to avoid rushing or unsafe driving.
• Ensure loads are secured to prevent movement during transit.
Vehicles are serviced and maintained at regular intervals to ensure they remain safe, roadworthy, and suitable for removal operations throughout our service area.
Workplace and Customer Premises Safety
Our staff frequently work in and around customer homes, offices, and commercial premises. To maintain safety in these environments, we will:
• Check for hazards such as uneven surfaces, loose carpets, or obstructed walkways before starting work.
• Request that customers keep children, visitors, and pets away from working areas.
• Use appropriate warning where there is a risk of trips, slips, or other incidents.
• Take care to protect floors, walls, and doorways when moving larger items.
If a situation is deemed unsafe, our team may pause work and discuss with the customer how the risks can be controlled before continuing.
Training, Information, and Supervision
We provide employees with appropriate training relevant to their roles, which may include induction training, manual handling, vehicle safety, use of equipment, and emergency procedures. Refresher training is provided as required to maintain competency.
Supervision is proportionate to the experience and skills of staff. New or less experienced employees may work under closer supervision until they demonstrate safe working practices.
Accidents, Incidents, and First Aid
All accidents, injuries, near misses, and dangerous occurrences must be reported to management as soon as practicable. We maintain records of such events to help identify trends and implement improvements.
Vehicles and teams are provided with basic first aid provisions suitable for minor injuries that may occur during normal removal activities. Where necessary, emergency services will be contacted without delay.
Health, Welfare, and Fitness for Work
We recognise that the physical nature of removal work requires staff to be fit and capable of performing their duties safely. Employees are expected to declare any medical conditions that may affect their ability to work safely so that reasonable adjustments can be considered.
We do not tolerate working under the influence of alcohol or illegal substances. Prescription or over-the-counter medication that may impair performance must be discussed confidentially with management so that risks can be assessed.
Consultation, Communication, and Continuous Improvement
We encourage open communication on health and safety matters. Employees are invited to raise concerns, suggest improvements, and participate in discussions about safe working practices.
This policy and associated procedures are communicated to all staff and are available to customers on request. We are committed to reviewing and improving our health and safety performance on an ongoing basis, learning from experience and adopting relevant best practice for removal services.
Policy Review
This Health and Safety Policy is reviewed at regular intervals, and whenever there are significant changes in operations, legislation, or risk profile. Updated versions will replace previous editions and be communicated to all employees.
