Health and Safety Policy for Removal Company Wandsworth

This Health and Safety policy sets out the principles and procedures followed by Removal Company Wandsworth to protect our employees, customers, contractors and members of the public during all removal and related services. We are committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment across all properties and locations where we operate.

Our Commitment to Health and Safety

Removal Company Wandsworth recognises its duty to comply with relevant health and safety legislation and accepted industry standards. We aim to prevent accidents, injuries and work-related ill health through proactive planning, continuous staff training and clear safety procedures. Health and safety considerations form an integral part of our operational decisions, including route planning, vehicle loading, equipment use and on-site working practices.

Responsibilities and Leadership

Overall responsibility for health and safety rests with the company management, who ensure that suitable resources, equipment and training are provided. Managers and supervisors are responsible for implementing safe systems of work, monitoring performance and addressing hazards or non-compliance promptly. Every employee has a personal responsibility to work safely, follow instructions, use equipment correctly and report any hazards, incidents or near misses without delay.

Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work

We carry out risk assessments for our removal activities, including packing, loading, unloading, transporting goods and working within homes, offices and communal areas. These assessments identify significant hazards such as manual handling, slips and trips, working at height on vehicle platforms or ramps, and vehicle movements in busy streets or tight access points. Based on the findings, we implement control measures and safe systems of work designed to reduce risks to an acceptable level.

Where conditions on site differ from what was originally assessed, team leaders are expected to conduct a dynamic risk assessment and adjust the working method accordingly. This may include changing access routes, using additional equipment, or temporarily suspending work until a hazard is removed or properly controlled.

Training, Competence and Supervision

All staff receive appropriate health and safety training relevant to their role, including manual handling techniques, use of removal equipment, vehicle safety, safe lifting of bulky or fragile items and emergency procedures. New team members undergo an induction that covers company safety rules, reporting procedures and the importance of maintaining a tidy and hazard-free work area.

We ensure that drivers are suitably licensed and competent to operate vehicles used for removals. Where specialist equipment is required, such as tail lifts or moving aids, only trained personnel are permitted to operate them. Supervisors monitor working practices on site, provide guidance and correct unsafe behaviour immediately.

Manual Handling and Use of Equipment

Manual handling is a key risk in the removals industry. To minimise the likelihood of injury, we plan lifts in advance, use team lifting where required and employ mechanical aids such as trolleys, dollies and straps whenever practicable. Staff are trained to assess weight, size and stability of items before lifting, to avoid twisting while carrying loads and to take regular breaks when handling heavy or repetitive loads.

All equipment, including trolleys, ramps, protective blankets and securing straps, is maintained in good condition and inspected regularly. Damaged or defective equipment must not be used and is removed from service immediately for repair or replacement.

Vehicle Safety and Driving Standards

Our vehicles are maintained to a high standard and inspected regularly in line with legal and manufacturer requirements. Drivers are expected to conduct basic checks before use, including tyres, lights, brakes and securing points within the load area. Loads are distributed safely and secured to prevent movement during transit, reducing risks to staff, other road users and customers property.

Drivers must follow safe driving practices, comply with speed limits and parking regulations, and take extra care when reversing or manoeuvring in residential streets, narrow roads or shared access areas. When necessary, a team member will act as a banksman to guide vehicle movements and protect pedestrians and property.

Working in Customer Premises

When operating in homes, offices and shared spaces, our staff work with respect for the property and for the safety of everyone present. We aim to keep access routes clear, avoid blocking fire exits and minimise noise and disruption. Protective coverings may be used on floors, staircases and banisters where appropriate to reduce the risk of damage and trips.

Children, pets and other non-workers should be kept away from active working areas. Our team will communicate clearly with customers about the safest access routes and any temporary restrictions that may be needed while large items are being moved.

Personal Protective Equipment

Personal protective equipment is provided where required by risk assessment, which may include safety footwear, gloves and high-visibility clothing. Staff are responsible for wearing PPE as instructed, keeping it in good condition and reporting any damage or need for replacement. PPE is considered a last line of defence and is used alongside, not instead of, other risk control measures.

Accident Reporting and Emergency Procedures

All accidents, near misses and incidents must be reported to management as soon as practicable. We maintain records of such events, investigate causes and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence. First aid arrangements are in place, and vehicles carry basic first aid supplies for use by trained personnel.

In the event of fire, gas leak or other emergency within a property or public area, staff are instructed to stop work, evacuate to a safe location and follow the established emergency procedures for that premises, as well as local emergency services guidance. Safety takes priority over continuation or completion of work.

Consultation, Monitoring and Continuous Improvement

We encourage open communication on health and safety matters and invite feedback from employees and customers on any concerns or suggestions for improvement. Management monitors health and safety performance through site observations, incident analysis and regular reviews of procedures. This policy and associated procedures are reviewed periodically and updated when necessary to reflect changes in legislation, industry practice or company operations.

Policy Review and Availability

This Health and Safety policy is made available to all employees and interested parties and is communicated as part of staff induction and ongoing training. It is reviewed at regular intervals and whenever significant changes occur in our activities or operating environment. Removal Company Wandsworth is committed to maintaining high standards of safety and continually improving the way we plan and deliver our removal services.