Health and Safety policy

Health and Safety Policy for Removal Companies in Twickenham

This Health and Safety policy explains how we manage health, safety and welfare across our removal operations in and around Twickenham. Our aim is to prevent injury, ill health and property damage by planning and delivering all removal services in a safe and controlled manner. This policy applies to all employees, contractors, agency staff and any other person working under our direction.

Our Health and Safety Commitment

We are committed to maintaining the highest reasonably practicable standards of health and safety during house moves, office relocations, packing, loading, transport and unloading. We recognise our duties under current health and safety legislation and industry best practice and will provide the resources, equipment and training required to meet these responsibilities.

Management will lead by example, promote a positive safety culture and ensure that health and safety considerations are integrated into day-to-day decision making and planning for all removal work.

Responsibilities and Accountability

Overall responsibility for health and safety rests with senior management, who will ensure that effective arrangements, procedures and controls are in place. Supervisors and team leaders are responsible for implementing this policy on-site, communicating relevant procedures and monitoring compliance during removal activities.

Every employee has a duty to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of colleagues, customers and members of the public who may be affected by their work. Staff must co-operate with management, follow safe systems of work, use equipment correctly and report any hazards, incidents or near-misses immediately.

Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work

We will carry out suitable and proportionate risk assessments for removal operations, including survey visits, packing, manual handling, stair work, use of lifting equipment, vehicle loading, unloading and transport. These assessments identify significant hazards and the control measures required to reduce risks to an acceptable level.

From these assessments, we will develop written safe systems of work and method statements where necessary. These will be communicated to staff before work begins and will be reviewed following any significant changes to tasks, equipment, locations or legislation, or after any relevant incident.

Manual Handling and Use of Equipment

Manual handling is a core part of removal work and presents a significant risk of injury if not managed correctly. We will avoid hazardous manual handling so far as is reasonably practicable by using appropriate lifting aids, trolleys and other handling equipment. Where manual handling cannot be avoided, we will assess the load, individual capability, task and environment and apply suitable controls.

All staff will receive training in safe lifting techniques, team lifts, handling awkward and heavy items, working on stairs and protecting both themselves and customers' property. Only trained and authorised staff may operate any mechanical lifting aids or specialist equipment. All equipment will be maintained, inspected and used in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and company procedures.

Vehicles, Driving and Transport Safety

We recognise the risks associated with driving and operating removal vehicles within Twickenham and surrounding areas. All drivers must hold the appropriate valid licence and be medically fit to drive. We will ensure that vehicles are properly maintained, inspected and loaded safely in line with legal weight limits and stability requirements.

Drivers and crew members must follow company driving standards, plan routes to minimise risk, obey all traffic laws and allow sufficient time for journeys to avoid unsafe time pressures. Vehicles must not be moved until all doors are shut, loads are properly secured and all personnel are accounted for and safely seated.

Customer Premises and Public Safety

We will take all reasonably practicable steps to protect customers, visitors, neighbours and members of the public during removal operations. This includes careful planning of vehicle positioning, safe access routes, the use of warning signs or barriers where appropriate and the prompt management of any trip hazards such as trailing cables or discarded packaging.

Special care will be taken in shared spaces, narrow streets and busy areas to minimise obstruction and prevent accidents. Our teams will demonstrate courtesy and professionalism at all times and will stop work immediately if an activity presents an unacceptable risk.

Training, Information and Supervision

We will provide all employees with information, instruction, training and supervision appropriate to their role. Induction training for new starters will cover general health and safety responsibilities, emergency procedures, accident reporting, manual handling and vehicle safety.

Ongoing training will be provided where work activities change, new equipment is introduced or refresher training is required. Supervisors will monitor performance on-site, correct unsafe practices and ensure that agreed safety standards are consistently applied.

Accidents, Incidents and Near-Miss Reporting

All accidents, incidents, work-related ill health and near-misses must be reported as soon as possible to a supervisor or manager. We will keep appropriate records, investigate the circumstances and take reasonable steps to prevent recurrence.

Where required, incidents will be reported to the relevant enforcing authorities in line with current legal requirements. Lessons learned from investigations will be shared within the company and, where suitable, reflected in updated risk assessments and procedures.

Welfare, Health and Occupational Hygiene

We will ensure that suitable welfare arrangements are available to staff during their work, including access to rest breaks, drinking water and toilet facilities. Work will be organised to limit excessive physical strain, fatigue, heat or cold exposure and to encourage good posture and safe working habits.

Where particular health risks exist, such as dust, noise or repetitive tasks, we will assess these and implement appropriate controls, which may include personal protective equipment, task rotation, improved tools or revised methods of work.

Policy Review and Continuous Improvement

This Health and Safety policy will be reviewed regularly and at least annually, or sooner if there are significant changes in legislation, operations, equipment or if an incident indicates that improvements are needed. We are committed to continuous improvement in our health and safety performance and encourage feedback from employees and customers on how we can work more safely.

By following this policy and working together, we aim to provide reliable and professional removal services while safeguarding the health, safety and welfare of everyone involved.