Removal Van Maida Vale Health and Safety Policy
Removal Van Maida Vale is committed to maintaining the highest practical standards of health, safety, and welfare for our employees, customers, contractors, visitors, and members of the public who may be affected by our removals and transport activities. This policy sets out our approach to managing risks associated with domestic and commercial removals, including packing, loading, transport, and unloading.
Our Health and Safety Commitments
We recognise our responsibilities under relevant health and safety legislation and commit to preventing injury and ill health arising from our work. We will provide safe systems of work, suitable information and training, and appropriate supervision to ensure that all removal services are carried out safely and efficiently.
Management will lead by example, ensuring that health and safety is considered in all planning and operational decisions, including route planning, vehicle loading, access at properties, and scheduling of work to minimise fatigue and time pressure.
Roles and Responsibilities
Overall responsibility for health and safety rests with the company management, who will ensure that this policy is implemented, monitored, and reviewed regularly. Managers and supervisors are responsible for day-to-day compliance, including the communication of safe working procedures and the monitoring of staff performance.
All employees, including drivers, porters, and administrative staff, have a duty to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions. Staff must follow all safety instructions, use equipment correctly, report hazards and incidents promptly, and cooperate fully with training and risk control measures.
Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work
We conduct risk assessments for our key activities, including household and office removals, heavy and awkward item handling, use of trolleys and lifting equipment, vehicle movements, and work in and around customer premises. These assessments are reviewed periodically and whenever there is a significant change in our operations.
Safe systems of work will be developed and communicated based on the findings of these assessments. This includes specific guidance on accessing properties, working on stairs, dealing with restricted spaces, protecting floors and fixtures, and coordinating team movements during loading and unloading.
Manual Handling and Use of Equipment
Manual handling is a core part of removal work, and we take steps to minimise the risk of injury. Wherever reasonably practicable, mechanical aids such as sack trucks, dollies, and lifting straps will be used to reduce strain on staff. Loads will be assessed before lifting, and items will be broken down into smaller, more manageable components where possible.
All employees receive manual handling training covering correct lifting techniques, team lifts, push and pull methods, and recognition of personal limits. Staff must not attempt to lift or move items beyond their capability or outside of agreed procedures. Any damage or defect to handling equipment must be reported immediately and the equipment taken out of use until checked and repaired.
Vehicles, Driving, and Road Safety
Our vehicles will be maintained in a safe and roadworthy condition through regular inspections and servicing. Pre-use checks will be completed by drivers at the start of each working day to identify any defects with tyres, lights, brakes, mirrors, securing rails, or other safety features.
Drivers are required to hold the appropriate licence, follow the Highway Code, comply with speed limits, and drive in a manner that prioritises safety over speed. We will plan routes sensibly to reduce unnecessary mileage and stress, and allow suitable time for loading and unloading. Loads will be secured correctly to prevent shifting in transit and to protect both staff and customers property.
Work at Customer Premises
When working at customer homes or business premises, our staff will take care to protect people and property. This includes maintaining clear walkways, using protective coverings where appropriate, and agreeing safe access routes in advance. Customers and visitors will be asked to keep clear of loading areas and vehicle access points to avoid slips, trips, falls, or contact with moving items.
Staff must assess each location for hazards such as uneven surfaces, poor lighting, narrow staircases, or restricted parking. Where a task cannot be completed safely with the resources available, work will be paused and alternative arrangements will be discussed with the customer.
Training, Information, and Supervision
We provide appropriate induction and ongoing training to ensure that all staff are competent to carry out their duties safely. Training may include manual handling, use of handling aids, vehicle safety, customer premises safety, emergency procedures, and incident reporting processes.
Managers and team leaders will supervise operations, particularly for new staff or higher-risk activities, to ensure that safe practices are followed consistently. Information about specific jobs, including any known access issues or special handling needs, will be shared with teams before work begins.
Accident Reporting and Emergency Procedures
All accidents, near misses, and hazardous situations must be reported as soon as possible to management, no matter how minor they appear. This allows us to investigate incidents, identify root causes, and take corrective action to prevent recurrence. Records of incidents and relevant actions will be kept and reviewed as part of our commitment to continual improvement.
Staff will be briefed on emergency procedures, including what to do in the event of injury, fire, road traffic collisions, or damage to property. First aid equipment will be available, and assistance will be sought from emergency services where required.
Consultation and Continuous Improvement
We encourage open communication on health and safety matters. Employees are invited to raise concerns, suggest improvements, and participate in the development of safer ways of working. Management will consider all feedback in good faith and will take appropriate action where necessary.
This Health and Safety policy will be reviewed regularly to ensure it remains effective and relevant to our removal services and operational area. Changes in legislation, best practice, or our working methods will be reflected in updated procedures and further staff training as required.
By working together, we aim to deliver a professional, efficient, and safe removal service that protects our staff, our customers, and the wider community.
