Health and Safety Policy for Kingston Upon Thames Removals

Kingston Upon Thames Removals is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for all employees, customers, contractors and members of the public who may be affected by our removals operations. This Health and Safety Policy sets out our approach to managing risks associated with moving, handling, transportation, storage and associated activities carried out by our company.

Policy Statement

Our objective is to prevent injury and ill health by identifying, assessing and controlling risks in every aspect of our work. Health and safety is an integral part of our management systems and decision-making processes. We comply, as a minimum, with all relevant health and safety legislation and recognised industry standards applicable to the removals and transport sector, and we are committed to continual improvement of our health and safety performance.

Scope of the Policy

This policy applies to all employees of Kingston Upon Thames Removals, including temporary and agency staff, contractors engaged to work on our behalf, and visitors to any premises or sites where we operate. It covers all activities relating to domestic and commercial removals, packing and unpacking, loading and unloading, storage operations, driving and vehicle operations, and on-site work at customer locations.

Health and Safety Responsibilities

The company management has overall responsibility for health and safety. This includes ensuring suitable resources are made available, appropriate procedures are developed and maintained, and that this policy is implemented and periodically reviewed. Managers and supervisors are responsible for day-to-day implementation of this policy, including communicating safe systems of work, monitoring compliance and addressing any shortcomings promptly.

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. Employees must follow all safety instructions, use equipment correctly, wear any required personal protective equipment, report hazards and incidents without delay, and cooperate fully with training and health and safety procedures.

Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work

We carry out and maintain suitable and sufficient risk assessments for all significant hazards associated with our removals operations. These include manual handling and lifting activities, loading and securing of goods, driving and vehicle movements, working on or near roads and pavements, use of equipment such as sack trucks and lifting aids, work at height when required, and risks present at client premises.

Findings from risk assessments are used to establish clear, practical safe systems of work. These procedures are communicated to all relevant staff, regularly reviewed and updated when working practices, equipment, legislation or known risks change. Employees are expected to follow these procedures at all times during removals work.

Manual Handling and Lifting Operations

Manual handling is a key part of the removals industry and a primary focus of our health and safety arrangements. We provide training and guidance on safe lifting techniques, team lifting, use of mechanical aids, and planning of lifts. Wherever reasonably practicable, heavy or awkward items are moved with trolleys, dollies or specialist equipment to reduce strain and the risk of musculoskeletal injury.

Staff must assess the weight, size and shape of items before lifting, ensure clear routes, use appropriate lifting methods and request assistance when required. No employee is expected to lift or carry items they believe are beyond their capability or unsafe to move without additional support.

Vehicles, Driving and Road Safety

Our drivers and crew members operate vehicles in a safe, legal and considerate manner at all times. Vehicles are maintained in a roadworthy condition through regular inspections and servicing, and any defects are reported immediately and rectified before use. Loads are packed and secured to prevent movement or damage during transit, using appropriate restraints and load distribution techniques.

Drivers must adhere to speed limits, parking and traffic regulations and must not drive under the influence of alcohol, drugs or any medication that may impair their ability to drive safely. Fatigue management is taken seriously and working hours are planned to avoid excessive driving times and to allow sufficient rest.

Working Safely at Customer Premises

Each removal job is assessed on arrival to identify any site-specific hazards such as restricted access, staircases, uneven surfaces, poor lighting, or shared access with other road users and pedestrians. Our teams take reasonable steps to protect customers and members of the public, for example by using safe loading areas where possible, maintaining clear walkways, and coordinating vehicle movements.

Staff are expected to conduct themselves professionally and safely in and around customer properties, taking care to avoid trip hazards, preventing damage to property and maintaining good housekeeping throughout the job.

Training, Information and Supervision

All employees receive appropriate health and safety induction training when they join the company, including an overview of this policy, emergency procedures and key risks in removals work. Role-specific training is provided for drivers, team leaders and staff using specialist equipment. Refresher training is arranged at suitable intervals or when there are changes to procedures or equipment.

Information on health and safety procedures is communicated through briefings, toolbox talks and written instructions. Supervisors monitor working practices on site to ensure procedures are being followed and to provide guidance and correction where needed.

Accidents, Incidents and Near Miss Reporting

All accidents, injuries, dangerous occurrences and near misses must be reported promptly in accordance with company procedures. This enables us to provide appropriate support, meet any reporting duties and learn from events to reduce the likelihood of recurrence. We investigate incidents proportionately to identify root causes and implement corrective actions, which may include revised procedures, additional training or changes to equipment.

Consultation and Employee Involvement

We recognise that employee involvement is essential to effective health and safety management. Staff are encouraged to raise concerns, suggest improvements and participate in discussions about safe working practices. Consultation may take place through team meetings, briefings and direct communication with managers and supervisors.

Monitoring, Review and Continuous Improvement

We monitor our health and safety performance through inspections, audits, incident data, feedback from employees and customers, and regular management review. This Health and Safety Policy is reviewed at least annually, and sooner if there are significant changes in legislation, our operations or identified risks. Any updates to the policy will be communicated to all employees.

By working together and following this policy, Kingston Upon Thames Removals aims to provide a professional removals service delivered in a safe and responsible manner for everyone involved.