Health and Safety policy

Health and Safety Policy for Removal Company Chiswick

This Health and Safety policy sets out how Removal Company Chiswick manages the wellbeing of employees, subcontractors, customers, visitors and members of the public during all moving and storage activities. Our aim is to prevent injury, ill health and damage to property while delivering reliable removal services in Chiswick and the surrounding areas.

1. Policy Statement and Objectives

Removal Company Chiswick is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment. We will take all reasonably practicable steps to identify and control risks associated with household moves, office relocations, packing, loading, transport, unloading and storage.

Our health and safety objectives are to:

Prevent accidents, injuries and work-related ill health.

Comply with all applicable health and safety legislation and relevant industry guidance.

Provide and maintain safe vehicles, equipment and systems of work.

Ensure all staff are trained and competent for the tasks they undertake.

Promote a positive safety culture through communication, consultation and continual improvement.

2. Responsibilities

Overall responsibility for health and safety rests with the company management. They are responsible for ensuring this policy is implemented, monitored and reviewed regularly.

Managers and supervisors are responsible for:

Carrying out and updating risk assessments for all removal activities.

Providing appropriate training, instruction and supervision.

Ensuring vehicles and equipment are properly maintained and safe to use.

Investigating accidents, incidents and near misses, and implementing corrective actions.

Employees and subcontractors must:

Take reasonable care for their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions.

Follow all health and safety instructions, safe systems of work and training provided.

Use equipment, vehicles and personal protective equipment correctly.

Report hazards, defects, accidents and near misses to management without delay.

3. Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work

We carry out risk assessments for typical removal operations, including local moves in residential streets, commercial relocations, work in shared buildings, stairways and loading areas. Site-specific risks are identified before or on arrival and suitable control measures are implemented.

Safe systems of work are established for:

Manual handling of furniture, appliances and boxes.

Use of trolleys, lifting equipment and ramps.

Loading and unloading vehicles safely in driveways, on streets and at loading bays.

Working in confined spaces such as narrow corridors and staircases.

Protection of customers, visitors and members of the public in and around properties.

4. Manual Handling and Musculoskeletal Health

Manual handling is one of the core activities of a removal company and presents significant risk if not properly managed. We will:

Provide manual handling training for all operatives, including correct lifting, carrying and team-handling techniques.

Encourage the use of mechanical aids such as sack trucks, dollies and lifting straps whenever reasonably practicable.

Plan lifts in advance, considering weight, shape, route and landing area before moving items.

Avoid lone handling of heavy or awkward items such as pianos, large wardrobes or appliances.

Promote early reporting of aches, strains or discomfort so that action can be taken before problems become serious.

5. Vehicles, Driving and Road Safety

Our vehicles are maintained in a safe and roadworthy condition, with regular inspections and servicing. Drivers are expected to:

Hold the appropriate licence and be medically fit to drive.

Carry out pre-use vehicle checks and report defects immediately.

Secure loads correctly to prevent movement during transit.

Drive responsibly, obeying speed limits and parking restrictions, especially in residential streets and busy town centres.

Plan routes to allow sufficient time, avoiding unnecessary pressure and fatigue.

6. Working on Customer Premises

Our teams often work in homes, offices and shared buildings. To keep everyone safe we will:

Introduce the team to the customer and agree safe access routes and loading points.

Use floor protection where necessary to reduce slip and trip risks and protect surfaces.

Keep walkways and staircases as clear as possible, stacking items safely.

Use caution on stairs and landings and employ additional manpower where needed.

Remain mindful of children, pets and other building users and keep them away from moving operations where reasonably practicable.

7. Equipment and Personal Protective Equipment

We provide appropriate tools and equipment for safe working, including trolleys, lifting aids, ropes, blankets and securing straps. Equipment is inspected and maintained regularly.

Where required, personal protective equipment is supplied, such as safety footwear, gloves and high-visibility clothing. Staff must use this equipment when instructed and report any loss or damage.

8. Housekeeping and Slips, Trips and Falls

To minimise slips, trips and falls on removal jobs we will:

Keep access routes free from trailing leads, loose packaging and other obstructions.

Clean up or highlight spillages promptly.

Stack boxes and furniture in stable formations, away from doors and stairs.

Use appropriate lighting in storage areas, staircases and loading zones.

9. Welfare, Health and Wellbeing

We recognise that removal work can be physically demanding. We aim to manage workload and scheduling to allow reasonable rest breaks and reduce fatigue. Staff are encouraged to hydrate regularly, especially during warm weather, and to report any health concerns that might affect their ability to carry out removal tasks safely.

10. Training, Information and Supervision

All new employees receive an introduction to our health and safety procedures, including safe lifting, vehicle safety, equipment use and site conduct. Ongoing training is provided where tasks, equipment or regulations change.

Supervisors are responsible for monitoring working practices on site and correcting unsafe behaviour. Safety information is communicated to staff through briefings, instruction and regular discussions.

11. Incident Reporting and Investigation

All accidents, near misses and hazardous situations must be reported to management as soon as possible. We will investigate incidents, identify root causes and implement measures to prevent recurrence. Records of accidents and corrective actions will be maintained and reviewed.

12. Consultation and Continuous Improvement

We encourage employees to raise health and safety concerns and suggestions for improvement. Feedback from staff and customers is used to refine our procedures and promote safer working practices across all removal services in and around Chiswick.

13. Review of Policy

This Health and Safety policy will be reviewed regularly and updated as necessary to reflect changes in legislation, industry standards, working practices and company structure. The latest version is communicated to all employees and is available to customers on request.

By following this policy, Removal Company Chiswick aims to deliver professional moving services while protecting the health, safety and welfare of everyone involved.