Health and Safety Policy for Removals Swiss Cottage

Removals Swiss Cottage 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 relocation activities. This Health and Safety Policy sets out our approach to managing risks associated with household and commercial removals, packing, loading, transportation and unloading of goods within our service areas.

Policy Statement and Objectives

Our objective is to prevent injury, ill health, property damage and environmental harm arising from our removal operations. We aim to achieve this by identifying hazards, assessing associated risks and implementing effective controls. Health and safety considerations form an integral part of planning and delivering every move, whether a local domestic relocation or a larger commercial project.

We recognise our legal and moral responsibilities and seek to continually improve our health and safety performance. We expect all employees and contractors working on our behalf to co-operate in implementing this policy and to act responsibly in matters affecting health and safety.

Management Responsibilities

Management at Removals Swiss Cottage is responsible for ensuring that adequate resources, information, training and supervision are provided so that work can be carried out safely. This includes maintaining safe systems of work, safe handling and transport procedures, appropriate equipment, and clear communication about risks and safety standards.

Managers will review risk assessments periodically and following any significant changes in operations, equipment, vehicles or locations. They will investigate accidents, incidents and near misses to identify root causes and implement corrective actions to reduce the likelihood of recurrence.

Employee Responsibilities

Every employee has 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. Employees must follow safety instructions, use equipment properly, report hazards or unsafe conditions and participate in training provided by the company.

Employees are expected to use personal protective equipment where required, such as gloves, safety footwear, high-visibility garments and other items appropriate to the specific task or environment. Any defects in equipment, vehicles or protective gear must be reported immediately.

Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work

Removals Swiss Cottage carries out risk assessments for typical removal activities, including manual handling, lifting and carrying items, working in confined spaces such as stairwells, operating in busy streets or shared access areas, and loading and unloading vehicles. For more complex or high-risk work, site-specific assessments are performed.

From these assessments we develop safe systems of work and method statements. These outline the safest way to conduct tasks such as dismantling and reassembling furniture, moving heavy or fragile items, protecting floors and walls, and managing access in shared buildings. Staff are briefed on these procedures before beginning work and are required to follow them at all times.

Manual Handling and Use of Equipment

Manual handling represents a significant risk within the removals sector. We provide appropriate training to ensure staff understand correct lifting techniques, team lifting, the use of mechanical aids and the importance of planning each move before attempting to lift or carry items.

Where practicable, handling aids such as sack trucks, dollies, lifting straps and ramps are used to reduce the need for manual handling. Equipment is inspected regularly and maintained in good working order. Employees are instructed never to exceed safe weight limits and to ask for assistance when required.

Vehicle Safety and Driving Standards

Our vehicles are maintained in a roadworthy condition in accordance with manufacturer guidance and applicable road safety laws. Regular checks are carried out on brakes, tyres, lights, securing points and loading equipment. Only authorised and competent drivers who hold the appropriate licences may operate company vehicles.

Drivers are responsible for safe loading and securing of goods to prevent movement during transit. They must observe all traffic regulations, drive at safe speeds, and take into account weather, road and traffic conditions across our service area. Fatigue management is taken seriously, and drivers are expected to take appropriate breaks to remain alert and fit to drive.

Customer Premises and Public Safety

When working at customer premises, our teams take care to protect the property and maintain a safe environment. This may include using floor coverings, corner protectors and appropriate lifting routes to minimise risk of damage or injury.

In public areas, such as shared entrances, pavements and car parks, we strive to minimise disruption and risk by clearly identifying work zones, managing access where necessary and remaining alert to pedestrians, neighbours and other users of the space.

Training, Information and Supervision

Training is fundamental to our health and safety approach. Staff at Removals Swiss Cottage receive induction training covering general safety rules, emergency procedures, manual handling basics and company expectations. Ongoing training is provided to address new equipment, changing regulations and lessons learned from incidents.

Supervisors monitor work practices to ensure procedures are followed correctly. They provide guidance on safe techniques, intervene if unsafe behaviour is observed, and support staff in dealing with unusual or challenging situations during moves.

Accident Reporting and Emergency Procedures

All accidents, incidents and near misses must be reported promptly to management. Records are maintained and reviewed to identify trends and opportunities for improvement. Where required, incidents will be reported to relevant authorities in accordance with applicable regulations.

Emergency procedures are in place for fire, medical emergencies, vehicle accidents and other foreseeable events. Staff are briefed on how to respond, including raising the alarm, contacting emergency services and safeguarding customers, colleagues and members of the public.

Health, Welfare and Fitness for Work

We recognise the physical nature of removal work and encourage employees to maintain good general health and fitness. Staff must not report for work under the influence of alcohol, drugs or medication that may impair their ability to carry out tasks safely. Any health conditions that could impact safety must be disclosed so that suitable adjustments can be considered.

Facilities for rest, hydration and welfare are provided where reasonably practicable. We promote respect, dignity and fair treatment among colleagues and towards customers as part of a healthy working environment.

Continuous Improvement and Policy Review

This Health and Safety Policy will be reviewed regularly and updated as necessary to reflect changes in legislation, guidance, company operations and industry best practice. Feedback from employees and customers is welcomed as part of our commitment to continuous improvement.

By working together, Removals Swiss Cottage aims to deliver safe, reliable and professional removal services while protecting the health, safety and welfare of everyone involved.