Health and Safety policy

Health and Safety Policy for Removal Company Ilford

This Health and Safety Policy sets out the standards and procedures followed by our removal company operating in and around Ilford. Our aim is to protect the health, safety and welfare of our employees, customers, contractors and members of the public during all moving, packing, lifting, loading, transport and unloading activities.

Policy Statement

The company is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment and to preventing injury and ill health connected with removal services. We will comply with all relevant health and safety legislation and recognised industry guidance, and we will take reasonably practicable steps to identify, assess and control risks associated with our work.

Management accepts overall responsibility for implementing this policy and for providing the resources, equipment, information, training and supervision needed to work safely within our Ilford service area and beyond.

Objectives

Our principal health and safety objectives are to:

Reduce the risk of accidents, injuries and work-related ill health.

Ensure that all removal activities, including domestic and commercial moves, are planned and carried out safely.

Provide safe vehicles, equipment and systems of work for all staff.

Promote a positive health and safety culture through consultation, communication and training.

Review performance regularly and make improvements where required.

Responsibilities

Directors and senior management are responsible for ensuring that this policy is implemented and maintained. They will:

Set clear health and safety standards and ensure they are communicated to all staff.

Carry out or commission suitable and sufficient risk assessments.

Provide appropriate equipment, personal protective equipment and training.

Monitor health and safety performance and take corrective action where necessary.

Supervisors and team leaders must ensure that staff follow safe working methods on all removal jobs and that any hazards, near misses or incidents are reported and investigated. All employees have a duty to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions. This includes cooperating with the company on all health and safety matters and using equipment correctly.

Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work

We carry out risk assessments for our core activities, including packing, dismantling and reassembly, manual handling of furniture and appliances, use of trolleys and lifting equipment, vehicle loading and unloading, and driving within local streets. These assessments identify hazards and specify control measures that must be followed by all staff.

Safe systems of work are developed from these risk assessments and include, where applicable:

Planning moves to avoid unnecessary manual handling.

Using adequate numbers of trained staff for heavy or awkward items.

Ensuring clear access routes at collection and delivery addresses.

Using suitable lifting aids and equipment whenever reasonably practicable.

Securing loads safely within vehicles before travelling.

Specific risk assessments are completed for non-standard items or locations, such as pianos, safes, high-rise buildings or restricted access areas, to ensure additional controls are in place.

Manual Handling and Lifting

Manual handling is a key part of removal work and presents a risk of musculoskeletal injury when not managed properly. We are committed to avoiding hazardous lifting so far as is reasonably practicable. Where manual handling cannot be eliminated, we will:

Provide training in correct lifting and carrying techniques.

Use equipment such as sack trucks, dollies, straps and ramps where appropriate.

Assess the weight, size and shape of items before moving them.

Ensure team handling is used for bulky or heavy loads.

Encourage staff to stop and seek assistance where a lift is beyond their safe capability.

Vehicles and Driving Safety

Our vehicles are maintained in a roadworthy and safe condition, with regular inspections and servicing. Drivers must hold appropriate licences, follow road traffic laws and drive responsibly at all times. They are expected to conduct basic vehicle checks, such as tyres, lights and securing of loads, before leaving the depot or job location.

Driving routes are planned to minimise risk wherever possible and to allow sufficient time for safe travel. Mobile phones or communication devices may only be used in line with legal requirements and the company rules on safe driving.

Premises, Equipment and Housekeeping

Any premises, depots or storage facilities used by the company are to be kept in a clean, orderly and safe condition. Walkways and working areas must be kept clear of tripping hazards and obstructions, and lighting must be adequate for safe visibility.

All work equipment, including lifting aids, hand tools and personal protective equipment, is selected, maintained and inspected to ensure it is suitable and safe for use. Defective equipment must be reported immediately and removed from service until repaired or replaced.

Training, Information and Supervision

We provide appropriate health and safety training tailored to removal work. This includes induction training for new starters, job-specific training on manual handling, use of equipment, vehicle loading, and safe working practices at client premises.

Supervisors monitor working methods and correct unsafe behaviour. Staff are informed about relevant risks and controls through briefings, instructions and updates when procedures change.

Consultation and Communication

The company encourages open communication on health and safety matters. Employees are invited to raise concerns, suggest improvements and report hazards without fear of reprisal. Health and safety topics are discussed in team meetings and toolbox talks to ensure that safe practices are understood and routinely applied during jobs throughout our operating area.

Accidents, Incidents and Near Misses

All accidents, injuries, incidents and near misses occurring during removal activities must be reported as soon as possible to a supervisor or manager. These will be recorded, investigated and, where necessary, followed up with corrective actions to prevent recurrence. Serious incidents will be handled in line with applicable reporting requirements.

Emergency Preparedness

Staff are briefed on emergency arrangements relevant to their work, including procedures for fire, first aid, vehicle breakdowns and incidents at client sites. We aim to ensure that appropriate first aid provisions are available and that employees know how to obtain assistance promptly.

Policy Review

This Health and Safety Policy is reviewed regularly and whenever there are significant changes to our activities, legal requirements or operating environment. Updates are communicated to all employees so that the policy remains effective and relevant to the removal services we provide in Ilford and surrounding areas.