Health and Safety Policy for Removal Companies Putney

This Health and Safety Policy sets out our commitment to providing a safe and healthy working environment for our employees, contractors, clients and members of the public during all removal and relocation activities in Putney and the surrounding area. We recognise our duties under relevant health and safety legislation and aim to exceed minimum legal requirements wherever reasonably practicable.

Policy Statement and Objectives

Our objective is to prevent injury, ill health and damage to property arising from our removal operations. We will identify and control risks associated with lifting, carrying, loading, unloading, driving, working at height, use of equipment and interaction with clients and the public. Health and safety considerations will be integrated into planning, supervision and delivery of all moves, whether domestic or commercial.

Management will provide the leadership, resources and support needed to maintain and improve safe working practices. All employees and contractors are required to cooperate fully with this policy and to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions.

Management Responsibilities

Senior management holds overall responsibility for implementing this Health and Safety Policy across all removal projects. This includes ensuring that suitable and sufficient risk assessments are completed, that safe systems of work are implemented and that health and safety performance is monitored and reviewed regularly.

Supervisors and team leaders are responsible for day to day enforcement of safe working practices on site and in transit. They must brief staff on site specific risks, check that equipment is in good condition, and ensure that work is planned and carried out in a manner that minimises hazards to staff, clients and the public.

Employee and Contractor Responsibilities

All employees and contractors must work safely at all times, follow company procedures and instructions, use equipment correctly, and report any hazards, near misses, accidents or unsafe conditions immediately. They must not engage in horseplay, misuse any equipment provided, or undertake tasks for which they are not trained or authorised.

Employees and contractors are required to use the personal protective equipment provided, such as safety footwear or gloves, where specified by risk assessments or the site supervisor. They must present themselves fit for work and must not work under the influence of alcohol, drugs or medication that may impair their ability to carry out their duties safely.

Risk Assessments and Safe Systems of Work

We will carry out written risk assessments for our key activities, including manual handling of furniture and boxes, loading and unloading vehicles, driving and parking in busy residential streets, working in confined spaces, using lifting aids, and handling fragile or heavy items. These assessments will be reviewed periodically and whenever there is a significant change in work methods, equipment or locations.

Findings from risk assessments will be translated into clear safe systems of work. These may include specific lifting techniques, team lifts for heavy items, use of trolleys and dollies, sequential loading plans for vehicles, and agreed procedures for working on staircases, in tight hallways or at height when accessing loft spaces.

Manual Handling and Use of Equipment

Manual handling is a core part of removal work and will be managed carefully to prevent musculoskeletal injuries. Staff will receive training in correct lifting and carrying techniques, including how to assess the weight and stability of items before moving them, and how to work as a team when handling bulky loads. Wherever reasonably practicable, mechanical aids and handling equipment will be used to reduce physical strain.

Only trained and authorised personnel may use removal equipment such as sack trucks, dollies, lifting straps, ramps and tail lifts. All equipment will be maintained in good condition and checked regularly for defects. Any faulty or damaged equipment must be taken out of service immediately and reported to management.

Vehicles and Driving Safety

Our vehicles will be maintained to a high standard and inspected regularly in accordance with legal and manufacturer requirements. Drivers are responsible for checking basic safety features before departure, including brakes, lights, tyres and securing mechanisms in the load area.

Loads will be secured correctly to prevent movement during transit, and vehicles will not be overloaded. Drivers must obey all traffic laws, drive considerately and adapt their driving to local conditions, including narrow residential streets and areas with high pedestrian activity. Driving while tired, distracted or under the influence of alcohol or drugs is strictly prohibited.

Client Premises and Public Safety

When working at client properties, we will take reasonable steps to protect the premises and those within or near them. This includes using floor protection where appropriate, stacking boxes safely, keeping walkways and staircases clear, and managing trip hazards such as trailing straps or packing materials.

We will consider the safety of neighbours and members of the public near loading areas, taking care with vehicle positioning, use of ramps, and movement of large items on pavements and through shared entrances. Where necessary, staff will guide vehicle movements and monitor access points to reduce the risk of accidents.

Training, Information and Supervision

All staff will receive induction training covering our Health and Safety Policy, emergency procedures, safe manual handling, use of equipment and vehicle safety. Additional task specific training will be provided as required for specialist activities or equipment.

Supervision levels will reflect the complexity of the work, the experience of the team and any specific site risks. New or less experienced staff will be monitored closely and supported until they demonstrate competence in their roles.

Accident Reporting and Emergency Procedures

All accidents, incidents, near misses and damage to property must be reported promptly to management so that they can be recorded, investigated and, where appropriate, used to improve our procedures. Serious incidents will be escalated to senior management and, where required, reported to relevant authorities.

Emergency procedures, including first aid arrangements and fire safety measures, will be communicated to staff and, where necessary, to clients before work begins. Staff must familiarise themselves with escape routes and local emergency arrangements at each site.

Monitoring, Review and Continuous Improvement

We will monitor our health and safety performance through inspections, incident reports, staff feedback and periodic audits. This Health and Safety Policy will be reviewed regularly and updated as necessary to reflect changes in legislation, best practice, business operations and client requirements in Putney and the surrounding region.

All employees and contractors are expected to support the continuous improvement of our health and safety standards and to contribute ideas and feedback that help make our removal services safer for everyone involved.