Health and Safety policy
Health and Safety Policy for Removal Van Greenwich
Removal Van Greenwich is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for our employees, customers, visitors and members of the public who may be affected by our removal operations. This Health and Safety Policy sets out our approach to planning, managing and delivering removal services in a safe, responsible and compliant manner across Greenwich and surrounding areas.
Policy Statement and Objectives
We aim to prevent injury, ill health, property damage and environmental harm that may arise from our activities. We recognise our duties under relevant health and safety legislation and industry best practice and will take all reasonably practicable steps to meet these obligations.
Our objectives are to identify and manage risks associated with removal work, maintain safe systems of work, ensure all vehicles and equipment are safe and fit for purpose, provide suitable information, instruction, training and supervision to staff, and consult with employees on health and safety matters to encourage open communication and continuous improvement.
Management Responsibilities
Senior management is responsible for implementing this policy and integrating health and safety into all planning and decision-making. Management will ensure adequate resources are provided for training, equipment, maintenance and supervision and will regularly review performance to drive improvement.
Managers and supervisors must make sure that risk assessments are completed and kept up to date, safe working practices are followed on every job, employees understand their responsibilities and any incidents, accidents or near misses are recorded, investigated and acted upon.
Employee Responsibilities
All employees 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. Staff must follow company procedures, use equipment correctly, report hazards and cooperate fully with any health and safety instructions or investigations.
Employees must never operate vehicles or equipment for which they are not trained or authorised, must report any injuries, near misses, unsafe conditions or equipment defects without delay and must refrain from horseplay, dangerous behaviour or working under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices
We carry out risk assessments for typical removal tasks and for any non-routine or higher risk activities. Assessments consider hazards such as manual handling, working at height, use of trolleys and lifting equipment, vehicle movements, access restrictions, weather conditions and the condition of client premises.
Findings from risk assessments are used to develop safe systems of work that are communicated to all relevant employees. Staff are expected to follow these procedures at all times, including assessing access routes before starting work, using appropriate lifting techniques and mechanical aids, keeping work areas tidy and free from trip hazards, securing loads properly in vehicles and stopping work if conditions become unsafe.
Manual Handling and Load Management
Manual handling is a significant part of removal work and is carefully controlled. Employees receive training in safe lifting, carrying and team handling techniques. Wherever reasonably practicable, trolleys, dollies, straps and other handling aids are used to reduce strain and risk of injury.
Heavy or awkward items are assessed individually and may require additional staff, equipment or specific handling plans. Staff are instructed never to attempt to lift items beyond their capability and to communicate clearly when performing team lifts. Loads are distributed evenly within vehicles and secured using appropriate restraints to prevent movement during transit.
Vehicle Safety and Driving Standards
All removal vans and associated vehicles are maintained in a roadworthy condition, with regular inspections and servicing. Drivers must hold the appropriate licences and follow all road traffic regulations and company driving standards.
Before each journey, drivers carry out basic safety checks and ensure that loads are properly secured. Routes are planned with consideration for time, traffic and access constraints. Drivers must not exceed legal driving hours and must take adequate breaks to avoid fatigue. Safe and courteous driving is expected at all times to protect staff, customers and other road users.
Customer and Public Safety
We take reasonable steps to protect customers, visitors and members of the public from risks arising from our operations. This includes planning access to minimise obstruction, using warning signs or verbal warnings where necessary and maintaining clear walkways during loading and unloading.
Where work is carried out in shared or busy areas, staff are instructed to be especially vigilant and to control movements of items and trolleys to avoid collision or injury. Any damage or hazards identified on a client’s premises that could affect safety are reported to the client and, where appropriate, work is paused until a safe solution is agreed.
Training, Information and Supervision
Removal Van Greenwich provides induction and ongoing training to ensure employees understand the health and safety risks associated with their roles and how to manage them. This includes training in manual handling, use of equipment, vehicle safety, incident reporting and emergency procedures.
Information about specific jobs, including any known hazards or special requirements, is communicated to staff before work begins. Supervisors monitor performance on site, provide guidance and intervene if unsafe practices are observed. Refresher training is provided as needed or when procedures or equipment change.
Equipment, Maintenance and Personal Protective Equipment
All tools, trolleys, lifting devices and other equipment used in our removal services are selected for suitability and maintained in good condition. Faulty or damaged equipment is removed from service immediately and reported so that repairs or replacements can be arranged.
Where necessary, staff are provided with personal protective equipment such as safety footwear, gloves or high visibility clothing, and are instructed in its proper use, care and storage. Employees must use any issued protective equipment as required.
Accident Reporting and Emergency Procedures
All accidents, incidents, near misses and cases of work-related ill health must be reported as soon as possible to a supervisor or manager. Records are kept to enable investigation, identification of root causes and implementation of corrective measures.
Emergency procedures, including response to fire, serious injury, vehicle collisions and unsafe conditions on client premises, are communicated to staff. Employees must know how to raise the alarm, contact emergency services if required and follow instructions from supervisors and emergency responders.
Monitoring, Review and Continuous Improvement
This Health and Safety Policy is monitored on an ongoing basis and formally reviewed at regular intervals or following any significant change in our operations, legislation or best practice. Feedback from employees and customers is welcomed and used to improve our safety performance.
By working together and following the principles set out in this policy, Removal Van Greenwich aims to deliver professional removal services while safeguarding the health, safety and wellbeing of everyone involved.
