Man and Van Surrey Health and Safety Policy

Man and Van Surrey is committed to maintaining the highest standards of health and safety across all removal and related transport services. This policy sets out our approach to protecting our employees, customers, contractors, visitors and members of the public who may be affected by our activities. Our aim is to provide a safe working environment, minimise risks during moves, and promote a culture of safety and responsibility at all times.

Our Health and Safety Commitments

We recognise our legal and moral duty to ensure that our operations are carried out in a way that prevents injury, ill health and damage to property. To support this, we commit to:

Identifying and assessing risks associated with domestic and commercial removals, deliveries and loading operations. Implementing practical measures to eliminate or control those risks as far as is reasonably possible. Providing clear instructions, information and supervision to ensure safe working practices. Ensuring that all vehicles, handling equipment and tools are suitable, maintained and used correctly. Giving all employees appropriate health and safety training relevant to their roles. Encouraging open communication about safety concerns and near misses. Regularly reviewing and updating this policy in line with changes in legislation, best practice and company activities.

Responsibilities for Health and Safety

Management at Man and Van Surrey has overall responsibility for implementing this policy and for ensuring that sufficient resources are provided to maintain health and safety standards. Managers and supervisors are responsible for day-to-day health and safety arrangements, including planning work safely, monitoring performance and addressing any issues that arise.

All employees, including drivers, porters and office staff, must take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions. Every team member is required to follow company procedures, use equipment properly, and report hazards or incidents immediately.

Customers and contractors also have a role in supporting safe operations by providing accurate information about access, property layout, parking and any unusual risks before work begins, and by following any safety advice given by our team on site.

Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices

Before each job, Man and Van Surrey will evaluate the main risks associated with the specific property, access routes and items to be moved. Where appropriate, a more detailed risk assessment may be carried out, particularly for large or complex removals.

Common risks that we assess and control include manual handling, slips, trips and falls, working in confined or restricted spaces such as stairwells, vehicle loading and unloading, use of lifting aids and trolleys, and moving large or fragile items.

Findings from these assessments are used to determine safe systems of work. These may include specific lifting techniques, team lifts, use of protective equipment, clear walkways, and safe stacking methods in vehicles and storage areas.

Manual Handling and Use of Equipment

Manual handling is a central part of removal work and is a key focus of our safety measures. All staff involved in lifting and carrying are trained in safe manual handling techniques, including assessing the load and path, using appropriate posture, and knowing when to request assistance or use equipment.

We provide and maintain suitable handling equipment, including trolleys and lifting aids, in good working order. Staff are trained in the safe use of these tools and are expected to use them whenever reasonably practicable. Items that are excessively heavy, bulky or awkward will not be moved unless it can be done safely with additional resources or equipment.

Vehicles, Driving and Transport Safety

Our vehicles are essential to our services and must be operated safely at all times. Man and Van Surrey ensures that each vehicle used for removals or deliveries is roadworthy, regularly inspected and maintained according to manufacturer and legal requirements.

Drivers are expected to hold the correct licence, follow road traffic laws, and drive responsibly with particular care when vehicles are loaded. Loads must be secured correctly to prevent movement during transit, and vehicles must not be overloaded or used in a way that compromises safety.

When operating in residential or busy urban areas, special attention is given to parking, loading and unloading to minimise risk to pedestrians, neighbours and other road users.

Occupational Health and Welfare

Man and Van Surrey recognises the importance of protecting the long-term health and wellbeing of its employees. We aim to prevent work-related injuries and conditions by providing training, planning realistic workloads, and ensuring that staff take appropriate breaks, especially during physically demanding or long-duration jobs.

We do not tolerate the use of alcohol or illegal drugs during work, and staff must not be under the influence of any substance that may impair their ability to work safely. Any employee who considers that their physical condition or fatigue could affect their safety must raise this with a manager before work continues.

Incident Reporting and Emergency Procedures

All accidents, injuries, near misses and instances of property damage that occur during our work must be reported to management as soon as possible. This allows us to investigate what happened, provide support where needed, and identify improvements to prevent a recurrence.

Emergency procedures, such as what to do in the event of fire, injury or sudden illness, are communicated to staff. Where jobs involve working on customer premises, our team will follow any reasonable emergency arrangements in place at that location, while maintaining responsibility for the safety of our own operations.

Training, Communication and Policy Review

Health and safety training is provided as part of induction for new staff and is refreshed periodically, particularly when there are changes in equipment, vehicles, working methods or relevant regulations. Topics covered may include manual handling, vehicle safety, use of equipment, hazard awareness and emergency procedures.

We are committed to open communication on safety matters. Employees are encouraged to raise concerns, suggest improvements and share experiences that can lead to safer practices. No one will be penalised for reporting a genuine concern or incident.

This Health and Safety Policy is reviewed regularly to ensure it remains relevant, effective and aligned with current legislation and best practice in the removal and transport sector. Any changes will be communicated to all employees and implemented as part of our ongoing commitment to a safe and professional service.