Health and Safety policy

Health and Safety Policy for Removal Companies in Wandsworth

This Health and Safety policy sets out the standards and procedures followed by removal companies operating in the Wandsworth area to protect employees, customers, contractors and members of the public. The policy applies to all removal activities, including domestic and commercial moves, packing, loading, transport, unloading and temporary storage.

Policy Statement and Objectives

Removal companies in Wandsworth are committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment and to preventing accidents, injuries and ill health associated with moving and handling activities. Health and Safety is an integral part of planning and delivering every removal service, whether local or longer distance.

The primary objectives of this policy are to manage risks from manual handling, vehicle movements, working in and around client premises, and the use of equipment, and to promote ongoing improvement in Health and Safety performance.

Legal Responsibilities and Commitment

Removal companies will comply with all relevant Health and Safety legislation and recognised industry guidance. As employers, they accept ultimate responsibility for the Health and Safety of their employees and for ensuring that work is carried out without unacceptable risk to customers and the public.

Managers and supervisors are responsible for implementing this policy, leading by example, enforcing safe systems of work and ensuring that staff understand and follow the procedures in place. Every employee is required to take reasonable care of their own Health and Safety and that of others who may be affected by their work.

Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work

All removal work, including activities within Wandsworth and surrounding areas, will be planned using suitable and sufficient risk assessments. The assessments will identify hazards, evaluate risks, and set out appropriate control measures for each stage of the removals process.

Safe systems of work will be developed and communicated for tasks such as lifting and carrying, loading and unloading vehicles, working in stairwells and confined areas, handling awkward or fragile items, and operating in shared spaces such as pavements, car parks and communal entrances.

Risk assessments will be reviewed whenever there is a significant change in work activities, equipment or locations, or following any serious incident or near miss.

Manual Handling and Use of Equipment

Manual handling is a core element of removal work and presents a significant risk of injury if not controlled. To minimise these risks, staff will receive training in safe lifting techniques, the importance of team lifts, and the need to use mechanical aids wherever reasonably practicable.

Removal companies will provide appropriate equipment such as sack trucks, trolleys, skates, moving straps, ramps and protective coverings. This equipment will be maintained in good condition and used in accordance with training and instructions.

Loads will be assessed before moving to determine their weight, shape, stability and the route to be taken. Staff are required to refuse to move any item they believe cannot be handled safely without adjustments, assistance or alternative equipment.

Vehicle Safety and Driving Standards

Removal vehicles used for work in and around Wandsworth must be roadworthy, regularly inspected and maintained in line with manufacturer guidance and legal requirements. Daily vehicle checks will be carried out by drivers, and any defects reported immediately.

Drivers must hold the appropriate licence, follow safe driving practices, and comply with all road traffic laws and parking restrictions. Loads will be properly distributed and secured to prevent movement during transit, with particular care taken when transporting heavy, tall or fragile items.

Routes will be planned to consider local traffic conditions, access restrictions and any special requirements at customer properties, such as limited height, narrow streets or residential parking zones.

Working at Customer Premises

When working in client homes, offices or other premises, staff must show respect for the property and for all building users while maintaining safe working practices. Access routes will be surveyed before work starts, with particular attention to stairs, lifts, doorways, corridors and external paths.

Protective coverings such as floor runners and corner guards will be used where necessary to reduce trip hazards and protect surfaces. Obstructions and loose items will be cleared or controlled as part of the site-specific risk assessment.

Noise, dust and disruption will be kept to a minimum, and staff will cooperate with building management, neighbours and other contractors to coordinate safe access and egress.

Personal Protective Equipment

Suitable personal protective equipment, such as safety footwear, gloves, high-visibility garments and other items required by the task, will be provided and maintained. Employees are required to use this equipment correctly and report any loss, damage or defect.

Personal protective equipment is considered a last line of defence and will be used alongside, not instead of, good planning, risk assessment and safe working methods.

Training, Information and Supervision

All staff engaged in removal operations will receive induction training covering Health and Safety responsibilities, emergency procedures and company rules. Role-specific training will be provided on manual handling, safe use of equipment, vehicle operation and working at different types of premises.

Refresher training will be arranged as required, and additional instruction will be given if there are changes in work methods, equipment or legislation. Supervisors will monitor work on site, correct unsafe practices and provide guidance and support to new or less experienced staff.

Accidents, Incidents and Near Miss Reporting

All accidents, injuries, ill health concerns, dangerous occurrences and near misses must be reported as soon as possible to management. An internal report will be completed, and where required by law, incidents will be reported to the relevant enforcing authorities.

Every incident will be investigated so that root causes can be identified and corrective actions implemented, such as revising risk assessments, changing procedures, or arranging further training. Lessons learned will be shared across the workforce.

Emergency Arrangements

Emergency procedures will be established for fire, serious injury, vehicle breakdowns and other foreseeable events during removal activities. Staff will be briefed on these procedures, including how to raise the alarm, contact emergency services and evacuate premises safely.

First aid provisions will be suitable for the nature of removal work, and trained first aiders or appointed persons will be identified. First aid kits will be carried in removal vehicles and maintained with appropriate supplies.

Consultation and Continuous Improvement

Employees will be consulted on Health and Safety matters and encouraged to raise concerns, suggest improvements and participate in the development of safe working practices. Feedback from staff and customers will be taken into account when reviewing procedures.

This Health and Safety policy will be reviewed regularly and whenever significant changes arise in operations, legislation or industry best practice, to ensure that removal services within Wandsworth and beyond continue to be delivered as safely as reasonably practicable.