Health and Safety policy

Health and Safety Policy for Removal Company Acton

This Health and Safety Policy sets out the principles and procedures followed by Removal Company Acton to protect the health, safety and welfare of our employees, customers, contractors and members of the public. We are committed to providing removal and relocation services in a manner that minimises risk, prevents injury, and promotes a safe working environment at all times.

Our Health and Safety Commitment

Removal Company Acton recognises its responsibility to manage health and safety as an integral part of our business. We will comply with relevant health and safety legislation and accepted best practice for the removals industry. Our aim is to prevent accidents and cases of work-related ill health, and to maintain safe and healthy working conditions on all moves, whether domestic or commercial.

Senior management is responsible for ensuring that this policy is implemented, maintained and periodically reviewed so that it remains suitable and effective. All employees 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 work.

Responsibilities

Overall responsibility for health and safety rests with the company management, who will ensure that adequate resources are made available to implement this policy. Managers and supervisors are responsible for day-to-day health and safety arrangements, for communicating safe working procedures to staff, and for monitoring compliance on all removal jobs.

Employees must follow all safety instructions, use equipment correctly, report hazards, and raise any concerns about health and safety without delay. Every team member has a duty to avoid behaviour that could put themselves, colleagues or customers at risk, whether working in customers homes, offices, storage facilities, or on the road.

Risk Assessment and Planning

Removal Company Acton will carry out suitable and proportionate risk assessments for its activities. Typical assessments include the handling and lifting of furniture and goods, access to premises, vehicle loading and unloading, and working in confined, shared or public spaces.

Before each removal, the team leader will review the work environment to identify site-specific hazards, such as restricted access, stairs, uneven surfaces, poor lighting or vehicle access constraints. Control measures will be put in place to reduce risks, such as planning safe lifting routes, using appropriate moving equipment, or adjusting staffing levels to match the complexity of the job.

Safe Manual Handling and Use of Equipment

Manual handling is a central part of removal work and can present a risk of injury if not managed properly. Removal Company Acton provides training on safe lifting techniques, team lifting, and the use of handling aids such as trolleys, dollies and straps. Staff are instructed to assess each item before moving it, to avoid over-reaching or twisting, and to ask for assistance when an item is too heavy or awkward to carry alone.

All handling equipment, including ramps, protective covers, and securing devices, will be inspected regularly and maintained in good condition. Only trained personnel are permitted to operate any specialised equipment used during moves. Defective equipment must be reported immediately and taken out of service until repaired or replaced.

Vehicle Safety and Driving Standards

Our vehicles are essential to our removal operations, and their safe use is a priority. Vehicles will be maintained according to the manufacturer’s recommendations and subject to routine checks. Drivers must hold the correct licences, follow road traffic laws, and operate vehicles with due care at all times.

Loads must be evenly distributed and properly secured to prevent movement during transit. Team leaders are responsible for ensuring that vehicles are not overloaded and that access to emergency exits and equipment remains clear. Drivers must not operate vehicles under the influence of alcohol, drugs or medication that may impair their ability to drive safely.

Working in Clients Premises

Removal Company Acton is committed to working safely and respectfully in clients homes, offices and other premises. Our teams will take reasonable steps to protect floors, walls and fixtures from damage, use appropriate coverings, and maintain clear access routes to minimise slips, trips and falls.

Staff will remain vigilant for hazards such as loose carpets, trailing cables or fragile surfaces, and will raise these with the client where appropriate. Smoking and the use of open flames are not permitted in clients premises or within vehicles. Where work is carried out in shared buildings, care will be taken to avoid obstructing communal areas or fire exits.

Training, Information and Supervision

All employees will receive appropriate health and safety induction and role-specific training for removal work. This includes instruction in manual handling techniques, use of lifting equipment, vehicle safety, personal protective equipment and emergency procedures. Refresher training will be provided as necessary and when new equipment or methods are introduced.

Supervisors and team leaders are responsible for guiding less experienced staff, ensuring that safe working practices are followed, and addressing unsafe behaviour promptly. Health and safety information will be communicated through team briefings and internal updates to ensure that all staff are aware of current procedures.

Accidents, Incidents and Near Misses

All accidents, incidents and near misses must be reported as soon as possible to the relevant manager or supervisor. An internal record will be maintained, and where appropriate an investigation will be carried out to identify root causes and implement corrective actions.

Lessons learned from incidents will be shared within the company to prevent recurrence. Employees are encouraged to report hazards and near misses, and Removal Company Acton will foster a culture in which safety concerns can be raised without fear of blame.

Personal Protective Equipment

Where risks cannot be completely eliminated by other means, appropriate personal protective equipment will be provided. Depending on the nature of the work, this may include safety footwear, gloves, high-visibility clothing and other protective items. Employees must use the equipment provided and report any damage or loss immediately.

Monitoring and Review of the Policy

This Health and Safety Policy will be reviewed regularly and updated as necessary to reflect changes in legislation, industry practice, or the nature of our removal services. Feedback from employees and customers will be considered in improving our health and safety performance.

By implementing this policy and maintaining a strong safety culture, Removal Company Acton aims to deliver reliable and efficient removal services while safeguarding the wellbeing of everyone affected by our operations.