Health and Safety policy

Health and Safety Policy for Removal Company Putney

Removal Company Putney is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for our employees, contractors, customers, and members of the public who may be affected by our activities. This policy sets out our approach to managing health and safety within all aspects of our removal and relocation services, including domestic moves, commercial moves, packing, loading, transport, and unloading.

Our objective is to prevent injury and ill health by identifying and controlling risks, complying with applicable health and safety legislation, and promoting a positive safety culture throughout our organisation.

Management Responsibilities and Commitment

The management team at Removal Company Putney accepts overall responsibility for health and safety. We will provide clear leadership, allocate appropriate resources, and ensure that suitable arrangements are in place to manage risks associated with removal operations, storage activities, and related services.

Managers and supervisors are responsible for implementing this policy in their areas of control, ensuring that safe systems of work are in place and that staff are adequately trained, supervised, and equipped to carry out their tasks safely. Management will regularly review the effectiveness of this policy and make improvements where necessary.

Employee Responsibilities

All employees, whether full time, part time, or temporary, share a responsibility for maintaining health and safety. Every worker is expected to:

Take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions or omissions during removal and transport activities.

Follow all safe working procedures, instructions, and training that relate to lifting, carrying, driving, vehicle loading, and the use of equipment such as trolleys and lifting aids.

Report accidents, near misses, unsafe conditions, or concerns to their line manager as soon as possible so that corrective action can be taken promptly.

Use personal protective equipment provided by the company, such as safety footwear and gloves, in accordance with instructions and training.

Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work

We will identify hazards associated with our removal services and assess the risks to employees and others. Risk assessments will cover, as a minimum, manual handling, vehicle movements, working in and around customers premises, use of equipment, and storage operations.

Based on these assessments, we will develop and implement safe systems of work that may include correct lifting techniques, safe loading and securing of goods, safe access to properties, and procedures for handling fragile, heavy, or awkward items. These systems will be communicated clearly to staff and reviewed regularly, particularly when new equipment, vehicles, or methods of work are introduced.

Manual Handling and Use of Equipment

Manual handling is a significant component of removal work, and we recognise the importance of minimising the risk of strain or injury. We will:

Provide manual handling training for all removal staff, focusing on safe lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling techniques.

Use mechanical aids and handling equipment where reasonably practicable to reduce the need for heavy or repetitive lifting.

Plan each move to ensure that adequate staffing levels and appropriate equipment are available for the size and complexity of the job.

Ensure that all equipment, including trolleys, ramps, and securing devices, is maintained in good condition and inspected regularly.

Vehicle Safety and Driving Standards

Our vehicles are an essential part of our removal service, and their safe operation is a priority. We will ensure that:

All drivers are competent, hold the appropriate licences, and receive training in safe driving practices and defensive driving techniques.

Vehicles are regularly inspected, serviced, and maintained to meet safety and roadworthiness standards.

Loads are properly planned, evenly distributed, and securely fastened to prevent movement or damage in transit.

Routes and schedules are planned to allow sufficient time for safe driving, avoiding unnecessary pressure on drivers.

Customer and Public Safety

We are committed to protecting the safety of our customers and members of the public during removal operations. This includes:

Planning access to properties to minimise risks from moving vehicles, loading ramps, and carrying items through shared or public areas.

Maintaining clear walkways and work areas, using warning signs or verbal instructions where appropriate.

Securing doors, gates, and other access points when necessary to prevent unauthorised entry into work areas.

Handling customers possessions with care to prevent damage and ensure that large or heavy items do not pose a hazard once delivered.

Training, Information, and Supervision

We will provide all employees with the information, instruction, and training they need to perform their duties safely. This includes induction training for new starters and ongoing refresher training for existing staff, covering topics such as manual handling, vehicle safety, use of equipment, and emergency procedures.

Supervisors will monitor work on site to ensure that safe practices are followed and will provide guidance or additional support where necessary. Any changes in procedures or equipment will be communicated clearly to all affected employees.

Accident Reporting and Investigation

All accidents, injuries, work related illnesses, and near misses must be reported to management without delay. We will record these incidents, investigate their causes, and implement measures to prevent recurrence. Lessons learned from incidents will be shared with staff where relevant to help improve overall safety performance.

Welfare, Health, and Wellbeing

We recognise that the physical nature of removal work can be demanding. We will provide appropriate welfare facilities, encourage staff to raise any concerns about their health, and make reasonable adjustments where necessary to support employees fitness for work.

We aim to promote a working environment in which employees feel able to speak up about issues such as fatigue, stress, or injuries that might affect their ability to work safely.

Policy Review and Continuous Improvement

This Health and Safety Policy will be reviewed regularly and updated when necessary to reflect changes in legislation, best practice, or the nature of our services. We will monitor our performance, seek feedback from employees and customers, and use this information to improve our approach to health and safety across all removal operations.

By working together and maintaining a strong commitment to safety, Removal Company Putney aims to provide a reliable, professional, and safe removal service for every customer we serve.