Health and Safety policy

Health and Safety Policy for Removal Companies in Richmond Upon Thames

This Health and Safety Policy sets out the principles and standards followed by removal companies operating in and around Richmond Upon Thames. The aim is to protect employees, customers, contractors and members of the public from injury or ill health arising from moving, handling, transport and associated activities.

Policy Statement

Removal operations involve manual handling, vehicle use, packing, loading and unloading at homes, offices and storage sites. All such work must be planned and carried out in a way that minimises risk. Management is committed to providing safe systems of work, appropriate training and properly maintained equipment so that work can be completed efficiently and safely across the service area.

Health and safety performance is considered an integral part of quality customer service. No job, deadline or commercial consideration is allowed to justify unsafe practices.

Legal Duties and Scope

This policy is designed to align with relevant UK health and safety legislation and recognised best practice for the removals industry. It applies to all employees, labour-only subcontractors, agency workers and anyone else engaged in removal operations. It also covers visitors and customers present at premises or job locations while work is being undertaken.

Everyone working on behalf of the company is expected to co-operate with these requirements and follow all reasonable instructions relating to health and safety while carrying out work in Richmond Upon Thames and surrounding areas.

Responsibilities

Management Responsibilities

Management is responsible for:

Conducting and reviewing risk assessments for all key activities, including surveying, packing, loading, unloading, transport, storage and work at height.

Providing information, instruction, training and supervision so that staff understand the risks in removal work and how to control them.

Ensuring vehicles, lifting aids and equipment are fit for purpose, properly maintained and used only by competent personnel.

Establishing emergency procedures and communicating them to staff, including what to do in case of fire, accidents, spillages or other incidents at client premises or on the road.

Consulting with employees on health and safety matters and encouraging suggestions for safer ways of working.

Monitoring compliance with this policy and taking appropriate action where standards are not met.

Employee Responsibilities

All employees and subcontractors are responsible for:

Taking reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions or omissions.

Following safe working procedures, training and instructions provided by the company.

Using equipment, vehicles and personal protective equipment correctly and reporting defects immediately.

Reporting all accidents, incidents, near misses and unsafe conditions so that they can be investigated and prevented from recurring.

Co-operating fully with supervisors, managers and health and safety representatives.

Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices

Formal risk assessments are carried out for typical removal tasks and updated when new equipment, processes, or locations are introduced. Site-specific assessments are completed when necessary for unusual or higher risk work.

Key areas addressed include manual handling, vehicle movements, working in confined or restricted spaces, stair carries, use of ramps, work at height, use of lifting equipment, handling fragile or high-value items, and working at residential and commercial addresses across the service area.

From these assessments, safe systems of work are developed and communicated to staff. These include guidelines on maximum weights, team lifting, securing loads, traffic routes, and safe use of access equipment such as steps and platforms.

Manual Handling

Manual handling is a core part of removals and presents a significant risk of injury if not properly managed. To reduce this risk:

Manual handling tasks are planned to minimise carrying distances, awkward postures and the need to lift above shoulder height.

Suitable handling aids such as sack trucks, dollies, furniture skates and straps are provided and used wherever reasonably practicable.

Staff receive training in safe lifting and carrying techniques, including team handling for heavier or bulky items.

Loads are assessed before lifting, and employees are instructed not to attempt lifts that exceed their capability or training.

Vehicles, Driving and Transport

Vehicles used for removals and storage work are maintained in accordance with legal requirements and manufacturer guidance. Pre-use checks are carried out by drivers, and defects are reported promptly.

Drivers must hold the appropriate valid licence and are expected to follow road traffic law and company rules on safe driving, route planning and parking. Particular care is taken when operating in residential streets and busy commercial areas to protect pedestrians, cyclists and other road users.

Loads are secured within vehicles to prevent shifting during transit, and doors, ramps and tail lifts are used only by trained staff following safe procedures.

Equipment and Personal Protective Equipment

Removals equipment is selected and maintained to support safe working. Only trained personnel are allowed to use mechanical lifting devices, tail lifts and specialist equipment.

Personal protective equipment, such as safety footwear and gloves, is provided where risk assessments identify a need. Employees are required to use such equipment correctly and report any damage or loss.

Work at Client Premises

When working at homes, offices or other locations, staff must respect the property and ensure it is left safe and tidy at all times. This includes using edge protection where necessary, managing trailing cables and equipment, and keeping access routes clear to reduce the risk of slips, trips and falls.

Particular attention is paid to protecting vulnerable people, children, pets and members of the public from hazards associated with moving large items and vehicle movements.

Training, Information and Supervision

All new employees receive induction training covering general health and safety, emergency arrangements and specific risks linked to removal work. Additional role-specific training is provided for tasks such as driving, operating tail lifts, using lifting equipment and handling specialist items.

Refresher training is given at appropriate intervals or following changes in equipment, legislation or working methods. Supervisors are responsible for monitoring standards on site and correcting unsafe behaviour.

Accident Reporting and Emergency Procedures

All accidents, near misses and dangerous occurrences must be reported to management as soon as practicable. Records are maintained and incidents are investigated to identify root causes and implement corrective actions.

Emergency procedures are in place for fire, evacuation, first aid and serious incidents at both company premises and client locations. Staff are informed of these procedures and must follow them in the event of an emergency.

Monitoring, Review and Continuous Improvement

Health and safety performance is monitored through site inspections, vehicle checks, incident reports and feedback from employees and customers. Where shortcomings are identified, actions are taken to improve standards.

This policy is reviewed regularly and updated when necessary to reflect changes in legislation, industry guidance, company activities or operational areas. The aim is to continually improve health and safety management and to ensure that removal services in Richmond Upon Thames are delivered in a safe, professional and responsible manner.