Removal Company Ealing Health and Safety Policy

Removal Company Ealing is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for our employees, customers, contractors, visitors and members of the public who may be affected by our activities. This Health and Safety Policy sets out our approach to managing risks associated with household and commercial removals, packing, loading, transport and unloading of goods.

Our Health and Safety Objectives

Our main objectives are to prevent injury, ill health, damage to property and avoidable disruption during every move we carry out. We aim to continually improve our safety performance by identifying hazards, reducing risks and promoting a strong safety culture across our team.

Legal Responsibilities and Management Commitment

We comply with all relevant health and safety laws and regulations applicable to the removal and transport sector. Senior management takes overall responsibility for ensuring that adequate resources, equipment, information and training are provided to support safe working practices. Health and safety considerations are integrated into all planning and decision-making processes for our operations.

Managers and supervisors are responsible for implementing this policy on a day-to-day basis, leading by example and monitoring working practices to ensure that the required standards are maintained.

Employee Responsibilities

Every employee has a duty to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions. All staff must:

Follow agreed safe systems of work and instructions given by supervisors.

Use tools, vehicles and equipment correctly and only for their intended purpose.

Wear appropriate personal protective equipment when required.

Report hazards, near misses, accidents and damage without delay.

Attend training and safety briefings and apply what they have learned.

Employees are encouraged to raise any concerns or suggestions that could improve safety during removal activities, whether at customers premises, in transit or at our own facilities.

Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices

We carry out risk assessments for typical removal tasks as well as for specific moves that involve unusual items, restricted access, long carries, or other increased risks. These assessments consider hazards such as manual handling, slips and trips, falls from height, vehicle movements, loading operations and working in customers homes or business premises.

Following each assessment, we implement control measures, which may include adjusting staffing levels, using specialist equipment, altering routes or access points, and changing how items are packed or lifted. Method statements and safe working procedures are communicated to all relevant staff before work begins.

Manual Handling and Use of Equipment

Manual handling is a core part of removal work and is therefore a key focus of our safety arrangements. We:

Provide manual handling training tailored to handling furniture, appliances, boxes and delicate items.

Encourage team lifting techniques for heavy or awkward loads.

Use trolleys, dollies, lifting straps, ramps and other handling aids where appropriate.

Plan loading sequences to minimise unnecessary handling and reduce the need for carrying over long distances or up multiple flights of stairs.

All equipment is inspected regularly and removed from service if found to be defective or unsafe.

Vehicle Safety and Driving Standards

Our vehicles are maintained in safe working order, with regular checks and servicing. Drivers must carry out pre-use inspections and report any defects immediately. We promote safe driving practices including adherence to speed limits, careful parking and loading, and consideration for other road users and pedestrians.

Loads are secured effectively to prevent movement during transport, reducing the risk of damage, instability and injury during unloading.

Customer and Public Safety

We recognise our responsibility to safeguard customers, visitors and members of the public during removal operations. To achieve this, we:

Plan routes for carrying items through properties to avoid unnecessary risk.

Keep access routes as clear as reasonably possible and highlight any trip hazards created by equipment or packaging materials.

Use safe lifting and carrying methods to protect both our staff and customers property.

Operate respectfully in residential streets and commercial areas, minimising obstruction and maintaining awareness of pedestrians and neighbours.

Training, Information and Supervision

All new employees receive an induction that includes health and safety information relevant to our removal services. Ongoing training covers topics such as manual handling, vehicle safety, use of equipment, hazard awareness and emergency arrangements.

Supervisors are responsible for monitoring work on site, ensuring that procedures are followed and that any arising risks are controlled. Refresher training is provided when practices change or where additional guidance is required.

Accident Reporting and Investigation

All accidents, incidents and near misses must be reported promptly. We record and investigate these events to identify root causes and take action to prevent recurrence. Where necessary, we review and update our risk assessments, procedures and training in light of investigation findings.

Welfare and Occupational Health

We recognise the physical nature of removal work and take steps to manage fatigue, strain and the risk of musculoskeletal injury. Staff are encouraged to take appropriate breaks, use correct lifting techniques and seek advice at an early stage if they experience discomfort related to their work.

We promote a respectful working environment, free from bullying, harassment and discrimination, and support the wellbeing of our team.

Emergency Procedures

Emergency procedures are in place for fire, accidents, vehicle breakdowns and other unforeseen events. Staff are briefed on what to do in an emergency, including how to raise the alarm, evacuate safely, secure vehicles and loads, and assist customers and colleagues where it is safe to do so.

Monitoring, Review and Improvement

This Health and Safety Policy is monitored on an ongoing basis and formally reviewed at regular intervals or following significant changes to our operations. Feedback from staff and customers, as well as findings from inspections and investigations, is used to improve our arrangements.

By working together and following the principles set out in this policy, Removal Company Ealing aims to deliver efficient, professional and safe removal services throughout our operating area.