Removals Camden Health and Safety Policy

Removals Camden is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for all employees, contractors, customers and members of the public who may be affected by our removals activities. This policy sets out our approach to managing health and safety in connection with our services, including household moves, office relocations and storage-related handling.

Our Health and Safety Commitment

We recognise that professional removals work involves manual handling, driving, loading and unloading vehicles, and working in a variety of properties and locations. We are committed to managing these risks responsibly and to continually improving our health and safety performance.

We will take all reasonably practicable steps to prevent injury, ill health, damage to property and harm to the environment resulting from our operations. Health and safety considerations are an integral part of our planning, supervision and delivery of every removal service.

Objectives

Removals Camden will work towards the following health and safety objectives:

To minimise accidents, incidents and near misses associated with our removals and related services.

To ensure that all staff are adequately trained, supervised and equipped to carry out their work safely.

To identify, assess and control risks arising from manual handling, vehicle use, working at height, use of equipment and any other relevant activities.

To consult with employees on health and safety matters and encourage active participation in improving safe practices.

To comply with all applicable health and safety legislation, codes of practice and industry standards relevant to removal operations.

Management Responsibilities

Management at Removals Camden is responsible for implementing and maintaining this policy. This includes providing adequate resources, information, instruction and training to support safe working practices.

Managers and supervisors will:

Plan work so that health and safety risks are identified and controlled before tasks begin.

Ensure that suitable and sufficient risk assessments are carried out for typical removals activities and any non-routine work.

Check that vehicles, lifting aids, trolleys and other equipment are maintained in safe working condition.

Monitor performance on jobs, investigate accidents and near misses, and put in place corrective actions where required.

Lead by example by following all health and safety procedures and encouraging a positive safety culture.

Employee Responsibilities

Every employee of Removals Camden has a duty to take reasonable care for their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions or omissions.

All staff must:

Follow the instructions, training and safe systems of work provided by the company.

Use equipment, vehicles and protective gear correctly and report any faults immediately.

Cooperate with management on health and safety matters, including attending training and briefings.

Report hazards, near misses, accidents and unsafe conditions promptly so they can be addressed.

Refrain from horseplay or any behaviour that could put themselves or others at risk.

Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work

Removals Camden will carry out and maintain risk assessments for its activities, with particular attention to manual handling, vehicle movements and working in customers premises. These assessments will be used to develop safe systems of work that are communicated to staff.

Key considerations include:

Assessing the weight, size, shape and condition of items before lifting or moving.

Planning routes through properties to avoid obstructions, trip hazards and damage to fixtures.

Using appropriate lifting aids, trolleys and team lifting methods to reduce strain.

Controlling vehicle loading to maintain stability and safe weight limits.

Managing access points and parking to reduce the risk of accidents involving pedestrians or other road users.

Manual Handling and Use of Equipment

Manual handling is a core element of removal work and is a major focus of our health and safety controls. All employees involved in lifting and carrying will receive manual handling training that covers posture, team lifting, use of equipment, and recognition of loads that should not be handled without assistance.

We will provide suitable equipment such as sack trucks, dollies, straps and blankets to assist in the safe movement of items and to protect both staff and property. Equipment will be inspected regularly and taken out of use if defects are identified.

Vehicles and Driving Safety

Removals Camden is committed to safe vehicle operation on public roads and at customer locations. All drivers must hold the appropriate valid licence and follow road traffic rules at all times.

We will ensure that vehicles are roadworthy, regularly inspected and serviced in line with manufacturer recommendations and legal requirements. Loads will be secured to prevent movement during transit, and drivers will be instructed on safe loading, reversing and parking procedures.

Working in Clients Premises

Our teams often work in homes, offices and commercial properties. We respect that these environments are occupied spaces and take care to prevent harm or disruption.

On arrival, the team leader will assess any immediate hazards such as narrow staircases, uneven surfaces, low ceilings or restricted access. Appropriate steps will be taken to control these risks, including using additional staff, protective coverings, or alternative moving routes.

We will maintain good housekeeping throughout the job, keeping access ways clear of packaging, tools and loose items to reduce the risk of slips, trips and falls.

Training, Information and Supervision

Removals Camden will provide employees with the training and information they need to work safely and confidently. This includes induction training for new staff, role-specific training for drivers and porters, and refreshers when necessary.

Supervisors and team leaders are responsible for overseeing work on site, ensuring procedures are followed and providing guidance to less experienced staff.

Accident Reporting and Investigation

All accidents, incidents and near misses must be reported as soon as practicable to a manager or supervisor. Removals Camden will record and, where appropriate, investigate these events to understand their causes and to prevent recurrence.

Where required by law, certain incidents will be reported to the relevant authorities. Lessons learned from investigations will be shared with staff and used to update risk assessments and procedures.

Review of Policy

This Health and Safety Policy will be reviewed regularly and whenever there are significant changes to our operations, legislation or industry best practice. Updates will be communicated to all employees so that our commitment to safe, professional removals is maintained at all times.