Health and Safety policy

Health and Safety Policy for Removal Companies Brompton

Removal Companies Brompton is committed to providing a professional removals service carried out in a safe and responsible manner. This Health and Safety policy sets out our approach to protecting our employees, contractors, clients, visitors and members of the public from risks arising from our activities. We aim to comply with all relevant health and safety legislation and industry best practice across our service area.

Our Health and Safety Objectives

We seek to prevent injury, ill health and damage to property during all domestic and commercial removals. Our objectives include maintaining safe working environments, using safe systems of work, supplying suitable equipment, and ensuring that our staff are competent and properly supervised. We continually review our performance and seek improvements where required.

Management Responsibilities

Senior management has overall responsibility for implementing this Health and Safety policy and ensuring that adequate resources are provided. Management duties include setting clear safety standards, planning work to minimise risk, ensuring that vehicles and equipment are properly maintained, and reviewing incident reports and risk assessments. Managers are expected to lead by example and promote a positive safety culture at all times.

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 company procedures, use equipment correctly, wear any required personal protective equipment, and report hazards, near misses or incidents without delay. Employees must not misuse safety equipment or carry out tasks for which they have not been trained or authorised.

Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices

We carry out risk assessments for our activities, including packing, lifting, loading and unloading, working in clients premises, operating in shared areas and driving. Assessments consider hazards such as manual handling, slips and trips, working at height when accessing vehicles, and moving large or awkward items through restricted spaces. The findings are used to develop safe systems of work which are communicated to all relevant personnel.

Before starting a job, our teams are expected to carry out a dynamic risk assessment, taking into account the layout of the property, access routes, stairs, floor conditions and any specific client requirements. If conditions are unsafe or significantly different from those anticipated, work will be paused and a supervisor or manager will be consulted.

Manual Handling and Use of Equipment

Lifting and carrying are central to removals work and are managed carefully to avoid injury. Staff receive instruction on correct manual handling techniques, including team lifting, using mechanical aids and planning moves in advance. Where practical, we use equipment such as sack trucks, dollies, straps and ramps suitable for the weight and size of items being moved.

All equipment is inspected regularly and removed from service if any defect is identified. Employees must not modify equipment, exceed load limits or use items they suspect to be unsafe. Only trained personnel may operate any specialist lifting or loading equipment.

Vehicles and Driving Safety

Our vehicles are maintained in a roadworthy condition and inspected at appropriate intervals. Drivers must hold the correct licence, adhere to road traffic laws and operate vehicles in a professional manner. Loads are secured properly to prevent movement in transit, and access to the vehicle is kept clear and orderly to reduce the risk of slips, trips and falls.

Drivers are expected to plan routes, consider weather and traffic conditions and allow sufficient time for journeys to avoid unsafe driving practices. The use of mobile phones or other devices while driving must comply with legal requirements and company procedures.

Protection of Clients, Visitors and the Public

We recognise our duty of care to our clients, neighbours near our work locations and the general public. Work areas are kept as tidy as possible, and trip hazards such as packing materials and tools are managed promptly. Where appropriate, we use signs or verbal warnings to alert people to potential risks such as trailing cables, ramps or open vehicle doors.

We take care to protect property from damage, using coverings, protective materials and suitable handling methods. Any damage or incident involving a third party is reported and investigated so that lessons can be learned.

Training, Information and Supervision

All employees receive induction training covering our Health and Safety policy, emergency procedures and safe working methods relevant to removal operations. Ongoing training is provided on topics such as manual handling, use of equipment, vehicle safety and hazard awareness. Supervisors monitor working practices to ensure that training is being applied and that procedures are followed.

Instructions and safety information are communicated clearly, using briefings and written guidance where appropriate. Employees are encouraged to ask questions if they are uncertain about any aspect of their work or safety requirements.

Accident, Incident and Near Miss Reporting

All accidents, incidents and near misses must be reported as soon as possible to a manager or supervisor. We maintain records and investigate incidents to identify root causes and implement corrective actions. Where required, incidents will be reported to the relevant authorities in line with legal requirements.

We treat reporting as a positive and constructive process aimed at preventing recurrence, not placing blame. Lessons learned are communicated to staff and reflected in updated risk assessments and procedures.

Welfare, Health and Wellbeing

We recognise that physical and mental wellbeing are essential for safe work. Staff are encouraged to take appropriate breaks, remain hydrated and work at a sustainable pace, especially during demanding moves. Any employee who feels unfit for work, whether due to illness, injury or fatigue, must inform their manager so that appropriate steps can be taken.

Consultation and Continual Improvement

We consult with employees on health and safety matters and welcome suggestions for improving our practices. Regular reviews of this policy, risk assessments and working methods are carried out to ensure they remain suitable, effective and in line with current legislation and guidance.

This Health and Safety policy applies to all activities undertaken by Removal Companies Brompton and forms an integral part of the way we plan and deliver our removal services.