Health and Safety policy
Health and Safety Policy for Removal Van Twickenham
Removal Van Twickenham is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for our employees, clients, contractors and the public. This Health and Safety policy sets out our approach to managing risks associated with removal and transport activities, including packing, loading, unloading and moving goods for residential and commercial customers.
Our Health and Safety Commitments
We aim to conduct all removal operations in a way that prevents accidents, injuries and damage to property. To achieve this, we will:
Identify and manage health and safety risks associated with our services.
Comply with relevant health and safety legislation and recognised industry standards.
Provide suitable information, instruction, training and supervision for our team members.
Consult with employees on health and safety matters and encourage feedback.
Review and improve our procedures regularly to reflect changes in our operations.
Responsibilities
The management of Removal Van Twickenham has overall responsibility for implementing and maintaining this Health and Safety policy. Managers and supervisors are responsible for ensuring that safe systems of work are followed, that staff receive appropriate training and that incidents are reported and investigated.
All employees have a duty to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their work. Staff must follow company procedures, use equipment correctly and report any hazards, near-misses, accidents or unsafe practices to management without delay.
Customers and visitors are asked to cooperate with our team by keeping access routes clear, advising us of any specific risks at their premises and following reasonable safety instructions given by our staff during a move.
Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work
Before undertaking any removal, our team will consider the specific risks associated with the premises, access routes, parking arrangements, items to be moved and any special customer requirements. Where necessary, formal risk assessments will be carried out and appropriate control measures introduced.
Safe systems of work may include the use of additional staff for heavy or awkward items, scheduling moves to avoid peak traffic or restricted access times, using protective equipment to prevent damage to property and planning safe lifting routes in and out of buildings.
Manual Handling and Lifting
Manual handling is a core part of removal activities and presents one of the highest risks of injury. Removal Van Twickenham is committed to minimising manual handling risks by:
Providing manual handling training for staff, including correct lifting techniques and team lifting practices.
Assessing the weight, shape and stability of items before lifting or moving them.
Using mechanical aids, such as sack trucks and moving equipment, where reasonably practicable.
Refusing to lift items that are unsafe due to excessive weight, instability or other hazard.
Employees must never attempt to lift or carry items that exceed their individual capability and must request assistance or equipment whenever needed.
Vehicles, Driving and Road Safety
Our vehicles are essential for providing removal services and must be operated safely at all times. We will ensure that vehicles are maintained, serviced and inspected regularly and that defects are reported and addressed promptly.
All drivers must hold the appropriate licence, follow road traffic laws and drive in a manner that is courteous and safe. Loads must be secured correctly to prevent movement during transit, and doors or tailgates must be properly closed before departure.
Drivers are responsible for planning routes that consider traffic, access and parking limitations. Where parking or access restrictions apply, our staff will work with customers to identify safe and lawful options for loading and unloading.
Use of Equipment and Personal Protective Equipment
Removal Van Twickenham provides suitable equipment to support safe lifting, carrying and protection of goods and property. Staff must use company equipment only for its intended purpose and report any defects immediately.
Where required, personal protective equipment such as gloves, safety footwear or high-visibility clothing will be provided. Employees must wear such equipment as instructed and take reasonable care of it.
Housekeeping, Access and Work Environment
Good housekeeping is essential to preventing slips, trips and falls. Our teams will keep walkways, stairs and loading areas as clear as reasonably practicable, avoiding the build-up of packing materials, tools and waste.
Customers are encouraged to prepare their premises by clearing access routes, securing pets, and notifying our team of any uneven surfaces, low ceilings, fragile fittings or other potential hazards.
Incident Reporting and Emergency Procedures
All accidents, injuries, near-misses and damage to property must be reported to management as soon as possible. Incidents will be recorded and investigated to identify causes and implement any necessary corrective actions.
Our staff are briefed on emergency procedures relevant to their work, including how to respond to injuries, fires, vehicle breakdowns and road traffic incidents. Where emergencies arise at customer premises, our team will follow local instructions and cooperate with the emergency services.
Health, Welfare and Fitness for Work
Removal work can be physically demanding. We expect employees to present themselves fit for work, free from the influence of alcohol or drugs and able to carry out their duties safely. Any health concerns that may affect an employee's ability to work safely must be disclosed to management so that reasonable adjustments can be considered.
We promote a culture where staff look out for one another, take regular breaks during extended moves and report any signs of fatigue, strain or discomfort early.
Training, Consultation and Policy Review
Removal Van Twickenham will provide induction and ongoing training relevant to each role, including manual handling, vehicle safety, use of equipment and site-specific risks. Employees are encouraged to raise any health and safety concerns or suggestions for improvement with their manager.
This Health and Safety policy will be reviewed regularly and updated as necessary to reflect changes in legislation, best practice and the nature of our removal services. The latest version will be made available to staff and customers on request.
Commitment to Continuous Improvement
We recognise that maintaining high standards of health and safety is an ongoing process. By working together with our staff, customers and contractors, Removal Van Twickenham aims to deliver efficient, reliable and, above all, safe removal services across our operating area.
