Health and Safety Policy for Professional Removal Services

This Health and Safety Policy sets out how our removal company manages the safety and wellbeing of our employees, customers, contractors, and members of the public. Our aim is to deliver moving and relocation services in a manner that prevents injury, ill health, and damage to property.

Our Commitment to Health and Safety

We are committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for all staff and to ensuring that our operations do not place anyone at unacceptable risk. This commitment applies to all moving activities, including household removals, office relocations, packing, loading, transport, unloading, and storage services.

We recognise that effective health and safety management is an integral part of delivering a professional moving service, protecting our team, our customers, and their belongings.

Objectives

Our health and safety objectives are to:

Prevent accidents, injuries, and work-related ill health during moving and handling tasks.

Identify and control hazards associated with removals, including manual handling, vehicle movements, use of equipment, and work at height.

Provide information, instruction, training, and supervision so that all staff can work safely and competently.

Maintain safe working practices at customers premises, in vehicles, and in any storage or operational facilities.

Continuously improve our health and safety performance through monitoring, review, and staff engagement.

Responsibilities

Management is responsible for implementing this policy, providing adequate resources, and ensuring that health and safety considerations are built into planning and decision making for all moving work. Managers will lead by example, promote a positive safety culture, and ensure that risk assessments and procedures are kept up to date.

Supervisors are responsible for day-to-day safety on site and on the road. They must ensure that teams understand safe systems of work, use equipment correctly, and follow company procedures at all times.

Employees have a duty to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their work. They must follow training and instructions, report hazards and incidents promptly, and use all equipment and personal protective equipment correctly.

Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work

We carry out risk assessments for all key moving activities, including manual handling, lifting and carrying large or heavy items, stair work, use of ramps and tail lifts, vehicle loading and unloading, and access to properties. These assessments inform our safe systems of work and are reviewed regularly or following any incident or significant change.

Before each move, the team will consider specific site conditions, such as narrow access, parking arrangements, uneven surfaces, weather, and the nature of the items to be moved. Where necessary, the plan of work will be adjusted to maintain safe practice.

Manual Handling and Ergonomics

Manual handling is central to removal work and is managed carefully to reduce the risk of strains and injuries. We provide training in safe lifting techniques, team lifting, and the use of handling aids. Wherever possible, we use equipment such as sack trucks, dollies, furniture sliders, and straps to reduce the need for heavy manual lifting.

Employees are instructed to:

Assess the weight and stability of items before lifting.

Ask for assistance or use equipment when lifting heavy or awkward loads.

Avoid twisting while carrying and to move their feet instead.

Take regular breaks during intensive lifting tasks and report early signs of discomfort.

Vehicles, Driving, and Road Safety

Our vehicles are maintained in a safe and roadworthy condition, with regular inspections and servicing. Drivers must hold the appropriate licence and receive training in safe driving techniques, load security, and route planning.

Loads must be evenly distributed and securely fastened to prevent movement during transport. Drivers are expected to observe all traffic regulations, adjust driving to weather and road conditions, and avoid fatigue by planning adequate rest breaks.

Equipment and Personal Protective Equipment

All moving equipment is selected, maintained, and inspected to ensure it is suitable and safe for use. Defective equipment must be taken out of service immediately and reported so it can be repaired or replaced.

Where required, personal protective equipment such as safety footwear, gloves, high-visibility clothing, and back supports will be provided. Employees must use this equipment as instructed and take care to keep it in good condition.

Working at Height and Use of Premises

Work involving steps, ramps, or vehicle access platforms is planned to minimise the risk of falls. Only stable and suitable equipment may be used for reaching elevated areas, such as high shelving in storage units. Climbing on furniture or unstable surfaces is strictly prohibited.

When working at customers premises, we take care to protect floors, walls, and fixtures and to keep access routes clear. Trip hazards such as loose packing materials, straps, or tools are controlled by keeping work areas tidy throughout the move.

Health, Welfare, and Fitness for Work

We recognise the physical nature of removal work and encourage staff to maintain fitness, hydration, and general wellbeing. Employees must report any health conditions or fatigue that may affect their ability to carry out moving tasks safely.

The company does not tolerate working under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Any employee who is unfit for duty for these reasons will be removed from work and may be subject to disciplinary action.

Incident Reporting and Continuous Improvement

All accidents, near misses, and dangerous occurrences must be reported as soon as possible. Incidents are investigated to identify root causes and to put in place corrective actions that prevent recurrence.

We use feedback from employees and customers, as well as incident data, to update our procedures and training. Regular reviews of this policy ensure that it remains effective and reflects current best practice in the removals industry.

Training, Communication, and Policy Review

All staff receive health and safety induction training and task-specific instruction before carrying out moving work. Refresher training and toolbox talks are provided to reinforce safe behaviour and to cover any new equipment or procedures.

This Health and Safety Policy is communicated to all employees and is available to customers and interested parties on request. It is reviewed periodically and following any significant changes in our operations to ensure that it continues to support safe, reliable, and professional moving services.