Health and Safety policy

Health and Safety Policy for Removal Companies Kingston upon Thames

This Health and Safety Policy sets out the principles and procedures that guide the safe delivery of our removal services in and around Kingston upon Thames. Our aim is to prevent injury, protect health and ensure that all activities are conducted in a safe, responsible and legally compliant manner.

We recognise our duty of care to employees, contractors, customers and members of the public who may be affected by our work. We are committed to providing the resources, training and supervision needed to maintain high standards of health and safety at all times.

Management Responsibility and Commitment

Senior management has overall responsibility for implementing and maintaining this policy. This includes setting clear health and safety objectives, monitoring performance, and ensuring that safe systems of work are in place for all removal operations.

Management will regularly review health and safety arrangements to reflect any changes in legislation, industry best practice or company operations. Where improvements are identified, they will be implemented as quickly as is reasonably practicable.

Employee Responsibilities

Every employee has a duty to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions or omissions. All staff must follow company procedures, attend training sessions, and use equipment correctly and safely.

Employees are required to report hazards, near-misses, accidents and incidents promptly so that appropriate corrective action can be taken. They must cooperate with management in maintaining a safe working environment and must not misuse or interfere with anything provided for health and safety purposes.

Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work

We carry out regular risk assessments for our removal services, including domestic and commercial moves, packing, loading, unloading and transportation. These assessments identify potential risks such as manual handling injuries, slips and trips, vehicle movements and working in and around customers’ premises.

Based on these assessments, we develop and implement safe systems of work. Staff are briefed on the specific risks associated with each job and the control measures required to minimise those risks. Where necessary, site-specific assessments are conducted before work begins to ensure that local conditions are taken into account.

Manual Handling and Use of Equipment

Manual handling is a core element of removal work and is treated as a priority area for risk management. Employees receive instruction in correct lifting techniques, team lifting, use of handling aids and the importance of planning each move to avoid unnecessary strain.

Suitable equipment such as sack trucks, dollies, lifting straps and ramps is provided where required. All equipment is checked regularly for defects, maintained in safe working condition and used only by trained personnel. Staff must not attempt to lift or move items that exceed their capabilities and are encouraged to seek assistance or additional equipment when needed.

Vehicles and Driving Safety

Our vehicles are maintained in a roadworthy and safe condition, with regular inspections and servicing carried out in line with manufacturer recommendations and legal requirements. Drivers are responsible for completing pre-use checks and reporting any defects immediately.

Safe driving practices are expected at all times, with particular attention paid to route planning, loading and securing of items, safe reversing procedures and compliance with speed limits and parking regulations. Drivers must be fit to drive, free from the influence of alcohol or drugs, and must take appropriate breaks to manage fatigue.

Work at Customers’ Premises

When working in homes, offices or other premises, our teams take steps to protect both people and property. This includes maintaining clear walkways, using appropriate floor and corner protection where necessary, and keeping tools and equipment stored safely when not in use.

Customers and other occupants are kept informed of any significant risks, such as large items being moved through confined spaces, and are asked to keep children and pets away from active work areas. Our staff will follow any reasonable site safety rules in place at the premises.

Training, Information and Supervision

All employees receive induction training on company health and safety procedures, including emergency arrangements, reporting procedures and safe working practices relevant to removal operations. Ongoing training is provided to refresh knowledge and address new risks or changes in working methods.

Supervisors are responsible for monitoring work on site, ensuring that procedures are followed and intervening where unsafe practices are observed. Where new equipment or techniques are introduced, suitable instruction and supervision will be provided until competence is demonstrated.

Personal Protective Equipment

Where risks cannot be fully controlled by other means, appropriate personal protective equipment is provided. Depending on the task, this may include safety footwear, gloves, high-visibility clothing or other protective items. Employees are required to use this equipment as instructed and to report any loss or damage so that replacements can be arranged.

Accident Reporting and Investigation

All accidents, incidents and near-misses must be reported without delay. Records are kept and reviewed to identify trends and areas for improvement. Significant incidents are investigated to determine root causes and to implement corrective actions designed to prevent recurrence.

We encourage an open reporting culture, where staff feel able to raise concerns or highlight unsafe conditions without fear of blame, provided they have acted in good faith and in accordance with training.

Emergency Procedures

Clear instructions are provided to staff on what to do in the event of an emergency such as fire, injury, spillage or road traffic incident. This includes communication procedures, evacuation routes where relevant, and the use and location of first aid supplies.

At customers’ premises, our teams will familiarise themselves with any existing emergency arrangements and cooperate with site management or property owners in implementing these procedures.

Policy Review and Continuous Improvement

This Health and Safety Policy is reviewed regularly to ensure it remains effective, up to date and appropriate for our removal operations in Kingston upon Thames and surrounding areas. Feedback from employees, customers and other stakeholders is welcomed and used to drive continual improvement in our health and safety performance.

By working together and taking health and safety seriously, we aim to deliver reliable, efficient and safe removal services while protecting everyone involved in or affected by our activities.