Health and Safety policy

Health and Safety Policy for Removal Companies Barnes

This Health and Safety policy describes the standards and procedures followed by Removal Companies Barnes to protect employees, contractors, customers, and members of the public during all removal and related activities. We are committed to maintaining safe working practices in homes, offices, storage facilities, and on the road throughout our service area.

Our Health and Safety Objectives

We aim to prevent accidents, injuries, and ill health arising from our work. Our objectives are to manage risks effectively, provide safe equipment and vehicles, ensure staff are competent and trained, and continually improve our safety performance. Health and safety considerations are integrated into daily planning for every removal job, from initial survey to final delivery.

Management Responsibilities

Senior management has overall responsibility for implementing this Health and Safety policy. Managers are responsible for ensuring that safe systems of work are in place, that risk assessments are carried out and reviewed, and that staff have access to suitable information, instruction, and training. Management will monitor compliance with the policy, investigate incidents, and take corrective action where required.

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. Staff must follow all safety instructions, use equipment correctly, wear appropriate personal protective equipment when required, and report any hazards, near misses, or incidents to their supervisor. Employees are expected to cooperate fully with risk assessments, toolbox talks, and training sessions.

Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices

We carry out suitable and proportionate risk assessments for our activities, including household removals, office moves, packing, loading, unloading, and storage operations. Where work conditions vary, such as restricted access, high-rise properties, or busy streets, we assess site-specific risks and implement appropriate control measures. Safe working procedures are communicated to our crews before and during each job.

Manual Handling and Use of Equipment

Manual handling is a core part of removal work, and it is managed carefully to reduce the risk of strain, sprain, or other injury. Staff receive training in correct lifting and carrying techniques, use of team lifts, and safe use of handling aids. Where possible, we use equipment such as sack trucks, trolleys, lifting straps, and furniture blankets to move items safely and to protect both people and property.

Use of Vehicles and Driving Safety

Our vehicles are maintained in a roadworthy condition and inspected regularly in line with legal and company requirements. Drivers are required to hold the appropriate licence and to follow safe driving practices at all times, including adherence to speed limits, parking regulations, and loading rules. Loads are secured properly to prevent shifting during transit, and access is carefully planned to minimise risks to pedestrians and other road users.

Working on Customer Premises

When working in homes, offices, or other premises, our crews take steps to protect both people and property. This includes keeping access routes clear, securing doors where required, protecting floors and walls where reasonably practicable, and maintaining good housekeeping throughout the move. We aim to minimise disruption and operate respectfully and safely around customers, neighbours, and visitors.

Control of Hazardous and High-Risk Items

Certain items may present additional risks during removal, such as heavy safes, fragile or valuable equipment, or items containing hazardous substances. These are assessed individually, and where we cannot move an item safely within our normal working procedures, we will advise alternative arrangements. We do not transport illegal or prohibited items and reserve the right to refuse goods that present an unacceptable risk.

Personal Protective Equipment

Where identified by risk assessment, staff are provided with suitable personal protective equipment. This may include safety footwear, gloves, high-visibility clothing, or other items as appropriate to the task and environment. Employees are required to use and look after any PPE issued to them and to report any defects or losses without delay.

Training, Information, and Supervision

All staff receive induction training covering safe working procedures, manual handling, incident reporting, and key health and safety rules. Further training is provided where roles or tasks change, or where new equipment or processes are introduced. Supervisors monitor working practices on site, provide guidance, and ensure that safe systems of work are followed consistently.

Incident Reporting and Investigation

All accidents, injuries, near misses, and dangerous occurrences must be reported promptly. We record and investigate these events to identify causes and to prevent recurrence. Where necessary, we update risk assessments, methods of work, or training programmes in light of investigation findings.

Consultation and Continuous Improvement

We encourage feedback from employees, contractors, and customers on health and safety matters. Lessons learned from jobs across Barnes and the wider service area are used to refine our procedures. Management reviews this policy periodically to ensure it remains relevant, effective, and aligned with current legislation and best practice for the removals sector.

Policy Review and Availability

This Health and Safety policy is reviewed regularly and when significant changes occur in our operations, services, or legal requirements. The most current version is made available to employees and can be provided to customers and other interested parties on request. By following this policy, Removal Companies Barnes seeks to provide a safe, reliable, and professional moving service throughout the areas we serve.