Wandsworth Removals Health and Safety Policy

Wandsworth Removals is committed to maintaining high standards of health, safety and welfare for our employees, customers, contractors and members of the public who may be affected by our activities. As a professional removals company, we recognise that careful planning, safe working practices and ongoing training are essential to carrying out moves safely and efficiently.

Policy Statement

Our policy is to manage all removal and related services in a way that prevents injury, ill health, property damage and environmental harm. We will comply with all relevant health and safety legislation and approved codes of practice and will strive for continuous improvement in our safety performance.

This policy applies to all removal operations, including domestic moves, office relocations, packing, loading and unloading, transportation, storage handling and associated services in our operating area.

Health and Safety Objectives

To support this policy, Wandsworth Removals will:

Identify, assess and control risks arising from our work activities, with particular focus on manual handling, vehicle movements and working in and around customer premises.

Provide and maintain safe systems of work, safe equipment and suitable personal protective equipment.

Ensure all employees receive appropriate information, instruction, training and supervision to work safely and competently.

Promote a positive safety culture where staff are encouraged to report hazards, near misses and incidents so that learning and improvements can be made.

Investigate all accidents, incidents and near misses thoroughly and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence.

Review this policy regularly and revise it as necessary to reflect changes in legislation, guidance and our operations.

Responsibilities

The management of Wandsworth Removals has overall responsibility for health and safety within the company. Management will provide the resources, leadership and commitment required to implement this policy effectively.

Supervisors and team leaders are responsible for ensuring that work is planned and carried out safely on a day-to-day basis. This includes briefing staff, monitoring working practices, checking equipment and addressing any unsafe behaviour or conditions.

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 actions or omissions. They must follow company procedures, use equipment correctly, attend training, report hazards and cooperate with management in meeting health and safety requirements.

Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices

Wandsworth Removals will carry out suitable and sufficient risk assessments for our removal activities. These assessments will identify significant hazards and set out appropriate control measures. Risk assessments will be reviewed regularly and when there are significant changes in work practices, equipment or locations.

Specific attention is given to risks associated with manual handling of furniture and boxes, moving large or awkward items, use of trolleys and lifting equipment, working on stairs, access routes, parking and loading at properties, and operating in busy streets and shared spaces.

Safe working procedures will be developed and communicated for key tasks. Staff must follow these procedures at all times, adapting carefully to different types of properties, access conditions and customer requirements within a safe framework.

Manual Handling and Safe Lifting

Manual handling is central to removals work and is a major focus of our safety management. Wandsworth Removals will minimise manual handling risks by:

Assessing loads and routes before lifting or moving items.

Using mechanical aids such as sack trucks, dollies and lifting straps where appropriate.

Team lifting heavier or bulky items to reduce strain on individuals.

Providing training in correct lifting techniques, posture, load assessment and use of equipment.

Encouraging staff to recognise their own limits and to ask for assistance when needed.

Where an item cannot be moved safely, our staff are instructed to stop and seek guidance rather than proceed in an unsafe manner.

Vehicles, Driving and Site Access

Wandsworth Removals will ensure that vehicles used for removals are maintained in a safe and roadworthy condition. Regular checks and servicing schedules will be followed, and any defects will be reported and addressed promptly.

Drivers will hold the appropriate licences, receive relevant training and are expected to drive in a safe, courteous and legal manner at all times. Journey planning will take account of safe access, realistic timings and local traffic and parking conditions.

At customer premises, extra care is taken with parking positions, reversing, loading and unloading areas, and the movement of vehicles near pedestrians. Where necessary, a trained team member will act as a banksman to guide vehicle manoeuvres and protect pedestrians.

Customer Premises and Public Safety

During moves, our teams often work inside homes, offices and shared buildings. We will take reasonable steps to protect customers, visitors, neighbours and members of the public by:

Keeping access routes, stairs and doorways as clear as practicable.

Managing trip hazards such as packing materials, tools and equipment.

Using warning signs or verbal communication where short-term risks cannot be eliminated.

Securing vehicle ramps, tail lifts and doorways to prevent falls.

Handling and storing customer goods carefully to avoid damage and injury.

Training, Information and Supervision

All staff will receive induction training that includes our health and safety policy, emergency procedures, manual handling principles, vehicle and equipment safety and expectations for behaviour at customer sites.

Ongoing training will be provided as needed to address new risks, refresher requirements or changes in equipment and procedures. Supervisors will monitor competence and provide guidance, coaching and supervision, particularly to newer team members.

Accidents, Incidents and Near Misses

All accidents, incidents and near misses must be reported to management as soon as practicable. Wandsworth Removals will record and investigate these events to identify root causes and implement suitable corrective and preventive actions.

Records will be maintained and reviewed to identify any patterns or trends so that further improvements to our working practices can be made.

Review of Policy

This Health and Safety Policy will be reviewed at regular intervals and whenever there are significant changes in our operations, equipment or legal requirements. Updated versions will be communicated to all employees so that everyone is aware of their responsibilities and of any new procedures.

By working together and following this policy, Wandsworth Removals aims to provide a safe, professional and reliable removals service for our customers while protecting the wellbeing of our staff and the wider community.