Health and Safety policy
Removal Van Harrow Health and Safety Policy
Removal Van Harrow is committed to maintaining the highest practical standards of health and safety for our employees, customers, visitors and members of the public who may be affected by our activities. This policy explains our approach to managing health and safety risks in connection with our removal and transportation services across our operating areas.
Our objective is to prevent injury, ill health and damage to property by identifying hazards, assessing risks and implementing effective controls. Health and safety is an integral part of our planning and decision-making, not an add-on to our day-to-day work.
Management Responsibilities
The management of Removal Van Harrow is responsible for providing clear leadership on health and safety matters and ensuring that this policy is implemented and reviewed regularly. Management will provide appropriate resources, information, instruction and supervision to enable staff to work safely and to comply with legal requirements.
Managers and supervisors will ensure that risk assessments are carried out for our removal operations, including lifting and carrying, loading and unloading vehicles, driving, working at customers premises and handling specialist or heavy items. They will ensure that safe systems of work are developed, documented where appropriate and clearly communicated to all team members.
Management will monitor performance, investigate accidents and near-misses, and take corrective action where necessary to improve safety standards throughout our service area.
Employee Responsibilities
All employees and contractors working for Removal Van Harrow have a duty to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions or omissions. Every team member is expected to follow all safety instructions, training and safe working procedures, and to use equipment and vehicles responsibly.
Employees must report hazards, near-misses, incidents and any unsafe conditions to their supervisor as soon as reasonably practicable. Staff must not undertake any task for which they have not been trained or which they believe cannot be carried out safely with the available equipment or manpower.
No employee is expected to continue work where there is a serious and imminent danger to their safety or the safety of others. Concerns must be raised immediately with management so that appropriate measures can be taken.
Safe Handling, Lifting and Manual Work
Manual handling is a core part of our removals activity and presents a significant risk if not controlled. We are committed to minimising the risk of musculoskeletal injuries and other harm associated with lifting, carrying and moving items.
We will provide manual handling training appropriate to the role and experience of each member of staff. This will cover correct lifting techniques, team lifting, the use of handling equipment and the importance of planning each move. Staff are expected to follow this training at all times when handling furniture, appliances, boxes and other items.
Wherever possible we use mechanical aids such as trolleys, dollies and lifting straps to reduce strain. Heavy or awkward loads must be assessed before moving, and sufficient staff and equipment must be used to handle them safely. Routes should be checked for obstructions, trip hazards and uneven ground before carrying items through properties or to and from vehicles.
Vehicle Safety and Driving Standards
Our removal vehicles are maintained in a safe and roadworthy condition. Regular checks and servicing are arranged in line with manufacturer recommendations and legal requirements. Drivers must carry out daily vehicle checks, including tyres, lights, mirrors, securing points and load space, and report any defects immediately.
All drivers must hold the appropriate licence for the vehicle they operate and follow all road traffic laws, local regulations and company procedures. Safe driving practices, including appropriate speed, safe distance and defensive driving techniques, must be followed at all times, whether operating within local neighbourhoods or travelling longer distances between locations.
Loads must be properly secured to prevent movement during transit. Heavier items are to be positioned low and evenly distributed to maintain vehicle stability. Doors, ramps and tail lifts must be used in accordance with manufacturer instructions and kept in good condition.
Customer Premises and Public Safety
We recognise our responsibility to safeguard customers, visitors and the general public while carrying out removal work at homes, offices and other premises. Our teams will plan each job to minimise disruption and reduce risks such as trips, falls and collisions.
Walkways, staircases and entrances will be kept as clear as reasonably possible while work is in progress. Where necessary, our staff will use warning signs, verbal warnings or physical barriers to alert people to potential hazards such as ramps, trailing equipment or moving loads.
Particular care is taken when working in shared buildings, busy streets or communal areas. Staff must remain alert to children, pets and vulnerable persons who may be present and adjust their working methods accordingly to keep everyone safe.
Equipment, Tools and Personal Protective Equipment
All equipment and tools used during our removal operations, including trolleys, straps, blankets and ramps, must be inspected regularly and maintained in a safe condition. Defective equipment must be taken out of service immediately and reported for repair or replacement.
Where risk assessments identify the need for personal protective equipment, such as gloves, safety footwear or high-visibility clothing, it will be provided and must be worn as instructed. Employees are responsible for taking reasonable care of the equipment issued to them and reporting any damage or loss.
Training, Information and Supervision
Removal Van Harrow is committed to providing adequate health and safety training for all employees, whether new starters or experienced staff. Training may include induction, manual handling, vehicle safety, use of equipment, working at customer premises and emergency procedures.
We will ensure that staff receive information on the risks associated with their work and the measures in place to control those risks. Supervisors will provide ongoing guidance and supervision, especially for complex moves, large projects or work in unfamiliar locations.
Accident Reporting and Emergency Procedures
All accidents, incidents, near-misses and cases of work-related ill health must be reported in line with our internal procedures. Records will be kept and reviewed to identify patterns and opportunities for improvement.
Emergency procedures, including response to fire, injury, road traffic incidents and other serious events, will be communicated to staff. Employees must familiarise themselves with these procedures and cooperate fully in any investigation following an incident.
Continuous Improvement and Policy Review
This Health and Safety policy will be reviewed regularly and updated when necessary to reflect changes in legislation, industry best practice or the nature of our operations. We welcome feedback from employees and customers on health and safety matters and use it to improve our systems and performance.
By working together, management and staff at Removal Van Harrow aim to provide a safe, reliable and professional removals service throughout our service area, protecting the wellbeing of all those who may be affected by our work.
