Health and Safety Policy for Removal Companies in Stockwell

This Health and Safety policy sets out how our removal company manages risks to protect employees, customers, contractors and members of the public during all removal, packing, loading, transport and delivery activities. We are committed to maintaining safe working conditions across Stockwell and the wider service area, and to continuously improving our safety performance.

Health and Safety Responsibilities

Overall responsibility for Health and Safety rests with the company management, who ensure that suitable resources, training and equipment are provided. Supervisors and team leaders are responsible for implementing safe systems of work on each removal job and for monitoring the behaviour of staff under their control.

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. Staff must follow all safety instructions, attend relevant training, use equipment correctly and report hazards, accidents, injuries or near misses without delay.

Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices

We carry out risk assessments for our typical removal operations, including house moves, office relocations, storage collections and deliveries. Site-specific risks are assessed at each property or premises so that appropriate control measures can be put in place before work begins.

Safe systems of work are developed and maintained for tasks such as manual handling, dismantling and assembly of furniture, moving items up or down stairs, loading and unloading vehicles, driving and parking removal vehicles, and working in shared or public areas. Staff are instructed to pause work if they believe conditions have become unsafe and to seek guidance from a supervisor.

Manual Handling and Use of Equipment

Manual handling is a key risk in removal work. We take all reasonably practicable steps to reduce the need for hazardous lifting and carrying by planning loads and using appropriate equipment. Staff are trained in safe lifting techniques, team lifting and the correct use of aids such as sack trucks, dollies, furniture skates, webbing, straps and ramps.

All handling equipment and tools are inspected regularly and maintained to ensure they remain safe and suitable for use. Staff must carry out visual checks before use and report any defects immediately. Equipment must only be used for its intended purpose and in line with training and instructions.

Vehicles, Driving and Traffic Management

Our vehicles are maintained in a roadworthy condition and inspected according to a planned schedule. Drivers must hold appropriate licences, follow road traffic laws and operate vehicles in a professional and courteous manner throughout Stockwell and surrounding areas.

Before loading or unloading, staff must consider traffic routes, parking, access restrictions and the presence of pedestrians or other road users. Where necessary, a banksman or guide is used to assist with vehicle manoeuvring. Loading is carried out to prevent movement of goods in transit and to avoid overloading or imbalance.

Slips, Trips, Falls and Site Safety

We seek to prevent slips, trips and falls by keeping access routes, stairways and working areas as clear as reasonably practicable. Protective coverings, ramps and signage are used when required. Staff must take care with loose cables, packing materials and debris, ensuring that waste is collected frequently and disposed of appropriately.

When working in shared buildings, offices, apartment blocks or busy residential streets, our teams take additional care to protect the public and other building users. This may include temporarily restricting access to certain routes, closing doors while moving items or using spotters on stairways and in corridors.

Protection of Customers, Public and Property

Our duty of care extends beyond employees to anyone who may be affected by our operations. We plan moves to minimise disruption, noise and obstruction. We use suitable protective materials to reduce the risk of damage to flooring, walls, door frames, lifts and other property features.

When moving large or awkward items, extra precautions are taken to prevent uncontrolled movement and to avoid striking walls, ceilings, fixtures or other people. Staff are instructed to communicate clearly with customers and building occupants about any temporary hazards arising from the move.

Personal Protective Equipment

Where risks cannot be eliminated or adequately controlled by other means, personal protective equipment is provided. This may include safety footwear, gloves, high visibility clothing and other items appropriate to the task. Staff must use the equipment provided, keep it in good condition and report any damage or loss.

Training, Information and Supervision

We provide induction training for all new employees, covering general Health and Safety responsibilities, emergency procedures and safe working practices for removal operations. Additional task-specific training is provided as required, and refresher training is delivered periodically to maintain competence.

Supervisors are expected to monitor working practices on site, correct unsafe behaviour and ensure that procedures are followed. Health and Safety information is communicated through briefings, toolbox talks and written instructions where appropriate.

Accident Reporting and Emergency Procedures

All accidents, incidents, injuries and near misses must be reported to management as soon as practicable. We investigate incidents to identify root causes and take action to prevent recurrence. Records are maintained in accordance with legal requirements.

Emergency procedures are in place for fire, serious injury, vehicle incidents and other foreseeable events. Staff are briefed on evacuation routes, assembly points and how to summon emergency services when working at customer addresses, commercial premises or storage facilities.

Health, Welfare and Occupational Wellbeing

We recognise the physical nature of removal work and aim to protect the long term health of our employees. Reasonable steps are taken to manage workload, rest breaks, and exposure to heat, cold or adverse weather. Drinking water and appropriate welfare arrangements are provided or identified at each job where reasonably practicable.

We encourage staff to report any health concerns that may affect their ability to carry out removal duties safely, including musculoskeletal issues, fatigue or any condition that could impair driving or manual handling capability.

Review and Continuous Improvement

This Health and Safety policy is reviewed regularly and whenever there are significant changes in our operations, regulations or best practice guidance for the removals industry. We welcome feedback from employees and customers to help us improve our approach to safety in Stockwell and the surrounding areas.

By working together, following agreed procedures and maintaining a strong safety culture, we aim to ensure that every removal is carried out as safely and responsibly as possible.