Removals Shoreditch Health and Safety Policy

Removals Shoreditch 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 removal and relocation activities. This Health and Safety policy explains our approach to managing risks associated with moving services, transport, handling of goods, and work at customers premises.

We aim to prevent injury and ill health, comply with all relevant health and safety legislation, and continually improve our safety performance across our service area. Health and safety is an integral part of how we plan and deliver our removal services, from initial survey through to final delivery.

Management Commitment and Objectives

The management of Removals Shoreditch accepts overall responsibility for health and safety and will provide appropriate resources to implement this policy. Our primary health and safety objectives are to:

Identify, assess, and control risks arising from our removal operations.

Provide and maintain safe vehicles, equipment, and working systems.

Ensure employees are competent through training, supervision, and information.

Consult with employees on matters affecting their health and safety.

Review and update this policy regularly to reflect changes in legislation, industry standards, and our own operations.

Responsibilities

The director and senior management are responsible for ensuring that effective health and safety arrangements are in place and that they are implemented across all removal and moving activities.

Supervisors and team leaders are responsible for day-to-day safety on site and on the road. They must:

Promote safe working practices and lead by example.

Ensure staff follow safe systems of work and use equipment correctly.

Report and investigate accidents, incidents, and near misses.

All employees have a duty to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by what they do or fail to do. Employees must:

Follow training and safety instructions at all times.

Use personal protective equipment provided by the company.

Report hazards, defects, and unsafe practices without delay.

Cooperate with management in implementing this policy.

Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work

Removals Shoreditch carries out risk assessments covering typical removal tasks such as manual handling, packing, loading and unloading vehicles, use of lifting equipment, working at height, and driving. Site-specific risks at customer premises are assessed before or on arrival, taking into account access, parking, stairways, lifts, and any unusual items to be moved.

Based on these risk assessments, we develop and implement safe systems of work, including:

Use of appropriate lifting techniques and team lifts for heavy or awkward items.

Use of trolleys, dollies, and other mechanical aids where reasonably practicable.

Safe securing and stacking of items within vehicles to prevent movement.

Clear communication and coordination among crew members during all lifting and moving tasks.

Manual Handling and Ergonomics

Manual handling is a major element of removal work and presents a risk of injury if not properly managed. Removals Shoreditch seeks to reduce manual handling risks by:

Assessing loads for weight, shape, and stability before attempting to move them.

Planning routes inside buildings to avoid obstacles, trip hazards, and unnecessary carrying distances.

Training staff in correct lifting and carrying techniques, posture, and team coordination.

Encouraging staff to recognise and report any physical strain or discomfort at an early stage.

Vehicles, Driving, and Road Safety

Our vehicles are maintained in a safe and roadworthy condition, with regular checks and servicing. Drivers are required to complete pre-use inspections and report any defects immediately. Loads are secured to prevent shifting during transit and to comply with road safety requirements.

Our driving safety measures include:

Ensuring drivers hold the correct licences and are medically fit to drive.

Planning routes to minimise unnecessary travel and reduce exposure to traffic risks.

Managing driving hours and breaks to reduce fatigue.

Promoting courteous and defensive driving at all times.

Work at Customer Premises

When operating at customer homes, offices, or other premises, our teams take care to protect both people and property. This includes:

Using protective coverings where appropriate to prevent damage and reduce slip risks.

Keeping walkways and stairways clear of obstructions and trip hazards.

Communicating with customers about any temporary restrictions to access.

Working tidily and maintaining good housekeeping throughout the removal process.

Training, Information, and Supervision

Removals Shoreditch provides induction training for new employees and ongoing refresher training for existing staff. Training covers manual handling, use of equipment, vehicle safety, incident reporting, and emergency procedures. Additional task-specific training is provided where required.

Employees receive clear instructions and guidance on their roles and responsibilities. Supervisors monitor working practices and provide on-the-job coaching to maintain safe standards.

Accident Reporting and Emergency Procedures

All accidents, incidents, and near misses must be reported to management as soon as possible. We investigate these events to identify root causes and implement measures to prevent recurrence. Records are maintained and reviewed to monitor trends and improve safety performance.

Our teams are briefed on emergency procedures, including how to respond to injuries, fire, and other urgent situations while on the road or at customer premises. First aid provisions are maintained in vehicles and at our base of operations, and staff are informed how to access assistance.

Consultation and Continuous Improvement

Removals Shoreditch encourages open communication about health and safety. Employees are invited to suggest improvements, raise concerns, and participate in discussions about safer ways of working. Feedback from customers regarding safety and conduct is also welcomed and used to refine our practices.

This Health and Safety policy is reviewed at regular intervals and whenever there are significant changes to our operations or to relevant legislation. Updated versions are communicated to all employees to ensure continued understanding and compliance.

By working together and following this policy, Removals Shoreditch aims to deliver professional removal services while protecting the health, safety, and welfare of everyone involved.