Health and Safety policy

Health and Safety Policy for Shepherds Bush Removal Company

This Health and Safety Policy sets out the standards, procedures, and responsibilities that apply to all activities carried out by our removal company in Shepherds Bush and surrounding areas. Our objective is to protect the health, safety, and welfare of our employees, customers, contractors, and members of the public who may be affected by our work.

1. Policy Statement and Commitment

Management is committed to maintaining a safe and healthy working environment and to preventing injury, ill health, and damage to property during all removal and relocation services. Health and safety considerations form an integral part of our planning, decision making, and day-to-day operations.

We will continually review and improve our systems to ensure compliance with applicable health and safety legislation and recognised industry best practice in the removals sector.

2. Responsibilities

2.1 Management Responsibilities

Management will provide clear direction on health and safety matters and will ensure that this policy is implemented and maintained. Responsibilities include:

Ensuring suitable and sufficient risk assessments are carried out for removal work, including domestic and commercial moves.

Providing appropriate equipment, vehicles, and tools that are safe, well maintained, and suitable for the task.

Ensuring staff receive adequate training, instruction, and supervision.

Allocating sufficient resources to manage health and safety effectively.

Investigating accidents, incidents, and near misses, and implementing measures to prevent recurrence.

2.2 Employee Responsibilities

All employees, including drivers, porters, supervisors, and office staff, share responsibility for maintaining safe working conditions. Employees must:

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

Follow all safety procedures, instructions, and training received.

Use equipment, vehicles, and personal protective equipment correctly and report defects immediately.

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

Refrain from any behaviour that could endanger themselves or others, including working under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

2.3 Contractors and Visitors

Contractors working with our company must comply with this policy and all relevant health and safety requirements. Visitors and customers are expected to cooperate with safety instructions provided by our staff during removal activities at homes, offices, or storage facilities.

3. Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work

We will conduct and maintain written risk assessments covering key aspects of our removal services, including manual handling, driving and vehicle operations, loading and unloading, working at height where applicable, use of lifting aids and trolleys, and work at customers premises.

From these assessments, we will develop safe systems of work that set out the correct methods for handling furniture, appliances, and other items, securing loads in vehicles, accessing properties safely, and using ramps, tail lifts, and other equipment. These procedures will be communicated to all relevant employees.

4. Manual Handling and Lifting

Manual handling is central to removal work, and we recognise the potential for musculoskeletal injuries. To reduce this risk, we will:

Provide manual handling training specific to removal work, including team lifts, use of lifting aids, and safe carrying techniques in tight spaces and stairways.

Plan each move to minimise unnecessary lifting and carrying.

Provide handling equipment such as sack trucks, skates, and furniture dollies where appropriate.

Encourage staff to assess each load before lifting and to seek assistance or use equipment for heavy or awkward items.

5. Vehicles, Driving, and Road Safety

Our vehicles are essential to our removal operations across Shepherds Bush and neighbouring districts. We will maintain them in a safe, roadworthy condition through regular inspections and servicing. Drivers must:

Hold the appropriate licence and be authorised to drive company vehicles.

Carry out daily vehicle checks and report defects immediately.

Drive in accordance with road traffic laws and company policies, including observing speed limits and parking safely at collection and delivery points.

Ensure loads are evenly distributed, adequately restrained, and protected from movement or damage during transit.

Avoid use of mobile phones or other distractions while driving.

6. Site and Customer Premises Safety

Our crews frequently work at domestic properties, commercial buildings, and access-restricted locations. To manage risk at these sites, we will:

Assess access routes, stairs, lifts, and loading areas before commencing work.

Use appropriate protective coverings for floors and surfaces where necessary.

Ensure safe stacking of items to prevent collapse or falling objects.

Coordinate with customers and building management to agree safe access, parking, and loading arrangements.

Take care to protect members of the public and occupants from hazards arising from our activities, including use of warning signs or barriers where required.

7. Equipment, Tools, and Personal Protective Equipment

All equipment and tools used in removals, such as straps, blankets, ramps, and trolleys, will be checked regularly and maintained in good condition. Defective items will be taken out of use immediately.

Personal protective equipment will be provided where identified by risk assessment. This may include safety footwear, high visibility clothing, gloves, and other items as appropriate. Employees must use and care for this equipment in accordance with training and report any damage or loss.

8. Training, Information, and Supervision

We will provide induction training for new employees, covering this policy, general safety rules, emergency procedures, and safe working practices for removals. Further role-specific training will be provided for drivers, team leaders, and specialist tasks.

Refresher training will be delivered as necessary, including when new equipment or procedures are introduced. Supervisors will monitor working practices on jobs across the service area to ensure that safety standards are maintained and that staff are following agreed procedures.

9. Accident Reporting and Emergency Procedures

All accidents, incidents, and near misses must be reported promptly to management. Records will be kept and reviewed to identify patterns and necessary improvements.

In the event of an emergency on the road or at a customer property, employees must follow company procedures, prioritising the safety of people over property. Staff will be made aware of first aid arrangements and any emergency contacts relevant to their work.

10. Monitoring, Review, and Policy Communication

This Health and Safety Policy will be reviewed regularly, and at least annually, to reflect changes in legislation, company operations, or identified risks. Amendments and updates will be communicated to all staff.

The policy is made available to employees, customers, and other interested parties on request. By working together and following this policy, we aim to deliver removal services across Shepherds Bush and the wider area in a safe, responsible, and professional manner.