Health and Safety Policy for Our Removal Company
This Health and Safety Policy sets out how our removal company manages the safety, health, and welfare of our employees, customers, contractors, and members of the public during all removal and relocation activities. Our aim is to provide a safe and healthy working environment and to prevent accidents, injuries, and damage to property at all times.
Policy Statement
The company is committed to managing health and safety as an integral part of our removal services. We will comply with relevant health and safety legislation and industry best practice for lifting, carrying, loading, driving, and operating equipment. We will take all reasonably practicable steps to identify hazards, assess risks, and implement effective controls.
Senior management is responsible for ensuring that appropriate resources, training, and supervision are provided so that this policy is implemented and maintained. All employees and contractors are required to cooperate with this policy and to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their work.
Scope of the Policy
This policy applies to all aspects of our removal operations, including domestic and commercial moves, packing and unpacking, storage activities, loading and unloading vehicles, driving, and on-site work carried out at customers premises or third-party locations. It covers all employees, contractors, agency staff, and any other individuals engaged in work on behalf of the company.
Health and Safety Responsibilities
Management is responsible for setting health and safety objectives, reviewing performance, and leading by example. They will ensure that risk assessments are completed and reviewed, that safe systems of work are in place, and that all staff receive suitable information, instruction, and training relevant to their roles.
Supervisors and team leaders must ensure that removal crews follow safe working procedures, use the correct equipment, and report any hazards, incidents, near misses, or defective equipment immediately. They must not allow unsafe practices, overloading, or work beyond safe limits.
Employees and contractors must take reasonable care for their own health and safety and that of others. They must follow training and instructions, use equipment correctly, wear appropriate personal protective equipment where provided, and report any concerns, injuries, or unsafe conditions without delay.
Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work
The company will carry out risk assessments for typical removal activities, including manual handling of furniture and boxes, stair and corridor work, vehicle loading and unloading, working in customers homes and business premises, and the use of lifting aids and equipment. Where necessary, specific site-based assessments will be undertaken prior to or at the start of work.
Based on these assessments, safe systems of work will be developed and communicated, covering topics such as safe lifting techniques, maximum load weights, team lifting, route planning within properties, use of ramps and trolleys, and safe stacking in vehicles and storage facilities.
Manual Handling and Use of Equipment
Manual handling is central to removal work, and the company places strong emphasis on correct lifting and carrying techniques. Staff will be trained to assess loads before moving them, avoid twisting, keep loads close to the body, and work in teams for heavy or awkward items. Where items are too heavy or unsafe to lift manually, we will use appropriate mechanical aids or adjust the method of work.
Removal equipment such as sack trucks, dollies, furniture skates, hoists, ramps, and protective covers will be maintained in safe condition and inspected regularly. Only trained and authorised personnel may operate specialist lifting or handling equipment. Defective tools or equipment must not be used and must be reported immediately.
Vehicle Safety and Driving Standards
Our vehicles are maintained in a roadworthy and safe condition, with regular checks on brakes, tyres, lights, securing points, and load areas. Drivers must carry out pre-use checks and must not operate vehicles that are unsafe or overloaded.
Drivers are required to follow road traffic laws, drive safely and considerately, and plan routes to allow sufficient time to complete journeys without rushing. Loads must be evenly distributed and properly secured to prevent movement during transit. Rest breaks will be taken in line with legal requirements and company procedures.
Customer Premises and Public Safety
We recognise our duty to protect customers, visitors, and members of the public while carrying out removal work. Wherever possible, work areas will be planned to minimise obstruction and risk. Trip hazards such as packing materials, tools, and equipment will be kept organised and clear of routes.
Access routes, stairs, and doorways will be assessed before moving large or heavy items. When necessary, temporary barriers or warning signs will be used to alert people to moving operations. We will take care to prevent damage to property and to protect vulnerable features such as floors, walls, and door frames.
Training, Information, and Supervision
All staff will receive induction training on the companys health and safety procedures, safe manual handling, use of equipment, incident reporting, and emergency arrangements. Additional role-specific training will be provided for drivers, team leaders, and those using specialist equipment.
Information about site-specific risks will be shared with teams before work begins. Supervisors will monitor working practices to ensure that procedures are followed and will correct unsafe behaviour or conditions promptly.
Accidents, Incidents, and Near Miss Reporting
All accidents, injuries, and near misses must be reported as soon as possible. Records will be kept and reviewed to identify patterns and to take corrective action. Where required, incidents will be reported to the relevant authorities in line with legal obligations.
Following any significant incident, an investigation will be carried out to determine the root causes and to implement improvements in procedures, training, or equipment.
Health, Welfare, and Fitness for Work
The company recognises the physical nature of removal work and will take reasonable steps to protect the health and welfare of employees. This includes encouraging safe working techniques, providing suitable rest breaks, and promoting early reporting of musculoskeletal issues or other health concerns.
Employees must present themselves fit for work and must not work under the influence of alcohol, illegal drugs, or any substance that impairs their ability to work safely. Where staff are taking medication that may affect performance, they should seek medical advice and inform management where appropriate.
Consultation and Continuous Improvement
The company will consult with employees on health and safety matters and encourage feedback on practical improvements. Regular reviews of this policy, risk assessments, and accident data will be carried out to ensure that our arrangements remain effective and reflect any changes in legislation, guidance, or our operations.
This Health and Safety Policy is reviewed periodically and updated as necessary. All employees are required to familiarise themselves with its contents and to apply it consistently in their day-to-day work.
