Health and Safety policy

Health and Safety Policy for Removal Companies Surrey

This Health and Safety Policy sets out the commitment of Removal Companies Surrey to protect the health, safety and welfare of our employees, contractors, customers and members of the public during all removal and relocation activities. Our aim is to operate safely and responsibly at all times, across homes, offices and commercial premises within our service areas.

Our Commitment to Health and Safety

We are committed to maintaining a safe working environment and to continually improving our health and safety performance. Senior management accepts overall responsibility for ensuring that adequate resources, information, instruction, supervision and training are provided to support this policy. Health and safety considerations will always be given equal priority with other business objectives.

All work will be planned, organised and carried out in a way that prevents injury, ill health, damage to property and environmental harm. We will comply with all relevant health and safety legislation, approved codes of practice and industry guidance relating to removals and transportation activities.

Responsibilities

Health and safety is a shared responsibility. Every person involved in our removal operations has a role to play in keeping workplaces, customers’ premises and public areas safe.

Management is responsible for establishing safe systems of work, carrying out risk assessments, providing appropriate equipment and training, and monitoring compliance with this policy. Managers and supervisors will lead by example, promote a strong safety culture and ensure that any breaches of safe practice are investigated and addressed.

Employees are responsible for following all safety instructions, using equipment correctly, wearing any required personal protective equipment and reporting hazards, near misses, accidents and unsafe conditions without delay. No employee is expected to work in an unsafe manner or to carry out a task for which they are not trained or competent.

Contractors working on behalf of Removal Companies Surrey are expected to meet the same safety standards as our own employees and must co operate with our procedures and site specific rules.

Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work

We will identify, assess and manage the risks associated with our removal services, including manual handling, use of vehicles, loading and unloading, working in customers’ homes and premises, and operating in public spaces. Suitable and sufficient risk assessments will be completed, recorded and reviewed regularly or following any significant change in work practices or equipment.

Safe systems of work and method statements will be developed for key activities such as lifting and carrying heavy items, dismantling and reassembling furniture, using ramps and lifting aids, navigating stairs and tight access routes, and securing loads in vehicles. These procedures will be communicated clearly to all relevant staff.

Training, Instruction and Supervision

All personnel will receive appropriate induction and ongoing training to enable them to carry out their work safely and competently. This includes, as relevant to their role, manual handling techniques, safe lifting practices, use of moving equipment, vehicle safety, hazard awareness and emergency procedures.

Supervision will be provided to ensure that safe working methods are followed, particularly for new employees, temporary workers and those undertaking unfamiliar tasks. Additional guidance will be given on site where specific risks are identified.

Manual Handling and Use of Equipment

Manual handling is a core part of removal work and presents a significant risk of injury if not controlled. We will minimise manual handling risks by planning moves carefully, using mechanical aids where reasonably practicable and ensuring that loads are within safe limits for the individuals involved.

Staff must always use correct lifting techniques, work in teams where required and avoid twisting or overreaching while carrying loads. Equipment such as sack trucks, dollies, skates, ramps, straps and protective covers will be maintained in good condition, inspected regularly and used in accordance with training and instructions.

Vehicles, Driving and Transport Safety

Removal vehicles will be maintained, serviced and inspected to ensure they are safe, roadworthy and suitable for the tasks undertaken. Drivers must hold the correct licences, be medically fit and follow all road traffic laws and company driving standards.

Loads must be packed, balanced and secured properly to prevent movement during transit. Access routes will be planned in advance where possible, taking account of local conditions, access restrictions and parking arrangements near customer properties. Drivers must never operate vehicles when tired, impaired or under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Customer Premises and Public Safety

When working at customer locations, we will take all reasonable steps to prevent damage, disruption and risk to occupants and visitors. Walkways and work areas will be kept as clear as reasonably practicable, with trip hazards identified and controlled. Where necessary, barriers, warning signs or temporary restrictions will be used to protect members of the public and others in the vicinity.

We will respect customers’ property and ensure that protective measures such as floor coverings, corner guards and furniture wraps are used where appropriate to prevent damage and minimise hazards from debris or spillages.

Accident, Incident and Near Miss Reporting

All accidents, injuries, dangerous occurrences, near misses and property damage incidents must be reported promptly to management. We will maintain accurate records, investigate incidents to identify root causes and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence.

Lessons learned from incidents will be shared across the company and, where necessary, will result in updates to risk assessments, procedures and training programmes.

Welfare, Health and Wellbeing

We recognise the importance of general health and wellbeing in maintaining a safe workforce. Reasonable welfare facilities and rest breaks will be provided, and work will be planned to avoid excessive physical strain and fatigue, particularly during demanding removal schedules.

We will encourage open communication about health issues that may affect fitness for work and, so far as reasonably practicable, will make adjustments to support employees with specific needs.

Policy Review and Communication

This Health and Safety Policy will be reviewed regularly and at least annually, or sooner if there are significant changes in legislation, our operations or identified risks. Any amendments will be communicated to all employees and contractors.

The policy will be made available to staff, customers and other interested parties on request. Everyone working with or for Removal Companies Surrey is expected to cooperate fully with this policy and to contribute to maintaining a safe, healthy and professional removal service.