Health and Safety policy
Health and Safety Policy for Man with Van Surrey Quays
Man with Van Surrey Quays is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for our workers, contractors, customers and members of the public who may be affected by our removal and moving services. This Health and Safety Policy sets out our approach to managing risk, preventing injury, and promoting safe working practices across all aspects of our operations.
Policy Statement and Objectives
Our objective is to conduct all removal, loading, unloading and transportation activities in a way that minimises the risk of accidents, injuries, ill health and damage to property. Health and safety is an integral part of how we plan and deliver our services. We will comply with applicable health and safety legislation and relevant industry guidance, and we will continually seek to improve our standards.
Responsibilities and Management
Overall responsibility for health and safety lies with the management of Man with Van Surrey Quays. Management will ensure that adequate resources, training and supervision are provided so that work can be carried out safely. All workers, whether directly engaged or contracted, are required to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions or omissions.
Every worker must follow company procedures, use equipment correctly, and immediately report hazards, incidents and near misses to management. Failure to follow safe systems of work may result in corrective action.
Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work
We identify and assess the risks associated with our typical activities, including domestic and commercial removals, packing, loading, unloading, and transportation. Risk assessments are reviewed periodically and when significant changes occur in our work practices, equipment or service area.
Based on these assessments, we implement safe systems of work designed to control risks to an acceptable level. These include planning routes, assessing vehicle access, checking for obstacles and trip hazards at collection and delivery locations, and determining appropriate staffing levels and equipment for each job.
Manual Handling and Safe Lifting
Manual handling is a core part of our removal services and is a significant source of potential injury. To reduce this risk, our workers are trained to use safe lifting techniques, including assessing the load, avoiding twisting, keeping loads close to the body, and working in pairs or teams where necessary. Heavy or awkward items are moved using appropriate handling aids wherever reasonably practicable.
Workers are instructed not to attempt to lift or move items that may pose a risk to their health or to others. Customers are encouraged not to assist with heavy lifting, and where they choose to help, they do so at their own risk and must follow the guidance of our team on safe methods.
Use of Equipment and Vehicles
Vehicles, trolleys, straps, blankets and other handling aids are selected, maintained and used to support safe working practices. All vehicles are to be kept in a roadworthy condition and routinely inspected. Loads must be evenly distributed, secured and protected to prevent movement during transit and to avoid damage or injury when doors are opened.
Only authorised and competent personnel may drive company vehicles or operate any specialist equipment. Drivers must follow road traffic laws, drive responsibly, and take breaks to avoid fatigue. Mobile devices may not be used while driving, except with legally compliant hands-free systems and only where it is safe to do so.
Workplace and Site Safety
Whether operating in homes, offices, storage facilities or public locations, our workers are expected to maintain a clean and orderly working area. Walkways should be kept clear where reasonably possible, and trip hazards such as loose packing materials and trailing straps should be minimised.
We take care to protect flooring, walls, staircases and doorways during the moving process, and we are mindful of other occupants and visitors in the vicinity. Where necessary, we may restrict access to certain areas during loading and unloading to prevent accidents.
Personal Protective Equipment
Where risk assessments identify the need for personal protective equipment, such as safety footwear or gloves, these will be provided and must be worn as specified. Personal protective equipment is intended to supplement, not replace, other control measures such as good lifting technique and proper use of handling aids.
Training, Information and Supervision
All workers receive appropriate health and safety induction and on-the-job training relevant to their role, including manual handling, safe use of equipment, vehicle safety and incident reporting procedures. We provide clear instructions and supervision particularly for new or inexperienced workers, and we encourage open communication on any health and safety concerns.
Customer Co-operation and Information
We rely on the co-operation of customers and site representatives to maintain safe conditions. Customers should notify us of any known hazards at their premises, such as narrow staircases, low ceilings, uneven surfaces or restricted vehicle access. We may adjust our methods of work, equipment or timings based on this information in order to manage risk effectively.
Customers should ensure that access routes are clear, pets and children are kept away from working areas, and that they follow any safety guidance given by our workers during the move.
Incident Reporting and Emergency Procedures
All accidents, injuries, near misses and cases of property damage must be reported to management as soon as practicable. We will investigate incidents to identify causes and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence. Where required, incidents will be recorded and reported in line with legal obligations.
Workers must familiarise themselves with basic emergency procedures, including how to respond to injury, fire, road traffic collisions and other unforeseen events. Emergency contact details and instructions are to be readily accessible in vehicles and at our operating bases.
Health and Wellbeing
We recognise that health and safety includes both physical and mental wellbeing. Workloads and schedules will be managed, as far as reasonably practicable, to avoid excessive fatigue or stress. Workers are encouraged to raise any concerns related to their health that may affect their ability to work safely, and to seek appropriate medical advice when needed.
Monitoring, Review and Continuous Improvement
This Health and Safety Policy will be monitored on an ongoing basis and formally reviewed at regular intervals or when significant changes occur in our operations or legislation. Feedback from workers, customers and other stakeholders will be considered as part of our commitment to continuous improvement.
By working together and following the principles set out in this policy, Man with Van Surrey Quays aims to deliver a professional, reliable and safe removal service across our operating areas.
