Health and Safety policy
Removal Van Dulwich Health and Safety Policy
Removal Van Dulwich is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for our employees, customers, contractors, and members of the public who may be affected by our removals and related services. This policy sets out how we manage health and safety in all aspects of our work, including home moves, office relocations, packing, loading, transport, and unloading.
Policy Statement
Our objective is to prevent injury, ill health, and damage to property arising from our activities. We will identify and control risks associated with manual handling, driving, working at height, use of equipment, and work carried out in and around customer premises and public roads.
Health and safety is an integral part of the way we operate. We comply with relevant health and safety legislation, approved codes of practice, and industry guidance applicable to removal and transport services. We expect all employees and contractors to actively support and uphold this policy.
Responsibilities
The management of Removal Van Dulwich has overall responsibility for implementing and reviewing this Health and Safety Policy. This includes providing adequate resources, ensuring suitable risk assessments are carried out, and maintaining safe systems of work.
Supervisors and team leaders are responsible for the day-to-day implementation of safe working practices on jobs, monitoring compliance, and addressing unsafe behaviour or conditions promptly.
All employees, including drivers, porters, and packing staff, must take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions or omissions. They must follow training, instructions, and safe systems of work, and report any hazards, incidents, or near misses to management without delay.
Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work
We carry out risk assessments for our key tasks, including lifting and carrying furniture and boxes, loading and unloading vehicles, operating on streets and driveways, and working inside homes, offices, and commercial premises. These assessments identify significant hazards and the control measures required to minimise risk.
Control measures include using appropriate lifting techniques, using handling aids where practical, planning vehicle access and parking, securing loads correctly, and ensuring safe routes for moving items. When site-specific risks are identified, such as restricted access, uneven surfaces, or shared use of areas with the public, the team leader will adjust the method of work accordingly and communicate this to the team.
Manual Handling and Lifting
Manual handling is a core part of our removal activities and is managed carefully to reduce the risk of injury. Staff are trained in correct lifting techniques, including assessing load weight and shape, working in pairs or teams where necessary, and avoiding awkward postures and sudden movements.
Where feasible, we use equipment such as trolleys, dollies, straps, and ramps to reduce the strain on individuals. Items that are particularly heavy, fragile, or awkward are assessed before moving, and a lifting plan is agreed by the team. Staff are instructed not to exceed their individual physical limits and to request assistance when needed.
Vehicles, Driving and Road Safety
Our vehicles are maintained in a safe and roadworthy condition. Regular checks are carried out on tyres, lights, brakes, securing points, and safety equipment. Any defects are reported and addressed promptly.
Drivers are required to hold appropriate licences and to follow all road traffic regulations. They must drive responsibly, plan routes to allow sufficient time, and take into account weather, traffic conditions, and access constraints near customer properties. Loads are secured correctly to prevent shifting during transit, and doors are checked before departure.
When operating in residential streets or busy areas, the team will take extra care when manoeuvring vehicles, opening doors, and loading or unloading near pedestrians and parked vehicles.
Working at Height and Use of Equipment
Occasional work at height may be required, for example when loading high vehicles or accessing upper floors via steps or stairs. Staff are trained to use steps, ramps, and other equipment safely. Improvised methods such as standing on boxes or unsecured items are strictly prohibited.
All equipment used in our work is inspected regularly and used only for its intended purpose. Defective or damaged equipment is taken out of service immediately.
Customer Premises and Public Safety
We are committed to safeguarding the safety of customers, visitors, neighbours, and members of the public while we carry out our services. Our teams maintain clear walkways, avoid blocking exits, and take care when moving large items through doorways, corridors, stairwells, and shared spaces.
Where possible, we will cordon or clearly mark working areas, especially at entrances and on pavements, to reduce the risk of trips, collisions, or other accidents. We work with customers to agree safe access routes and to identify any special considerations such as children, pets, or vulnerable people on the premises.
Training, Information and Supervision
All staff receive induction training covering health and safety responsibilities, safe lifting, vehicle safety, accident reporting, and emergency procedures. Additional task-specific training is provided where required, and refresher training is delivered periodically or following any significant incident or change in procedure.
Supervisors provide ongoing guidance and supervision on site, ensuring teams follow agreed methods and use equipment correctly. Safety information and updates are communicated regularly, and staff are encouraged to raise questions or concerns.
Accident Reporting and Emergency Procedures
All accidents, incidents, and near misses must be reported to management as soon as possible. We investigate incidents to understand the causes and to identify improvements to our systems and procedures. Records of incidents are maintained and reviewed to identify any recurring trends.
Our teams are briefed on emergency procedures, including actions to take in the event of injury, fire, property damage, or road traffic incidents. First aid provisions are maintained, and appropriate emergency contact details and local emergency services information are available to staff.
Welfare and Occupational Health
We recognise the importance of general wellbeing in maintaining a safe workplace. Staff are encouraged to report any health issues that may affect their ability to carry out physical work or drive safely. We take reasonable steps to adjust tasks where necessary and practical.
We aim to minimise fatigue by planning workloads sensibly and encouraging regular breaks, especially during physically demanding moves or long journeys.
Continuous Improvement and Policy Review
Removal Van Dulwich is committed to continuous improvement in health and safety performance. We review this policy periodically and when there are significant changes in our operations or in relevant legislation or guidance. Feedback from staff and customers is welcomed and used to improve our practices.
By working together and following this Health and Safety Policy, we aim to deliver professional and reliable removal services while protecting the health, safety, and welfare of everyone involved.
