Removals Hackney Health and Safety Policy

Removals Hackney is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for all employees, contractors, customers, and members of the public who may be affected by our activities. This Health and Safety Policy sets out our approach to managing risks associated with domestic and commercial removals, storage handling, packing, loading, transport, and unloading of goods.

Our Health and Safety Objectives

Our primary objectives are to prevent injury and ill health, comply with applicable health and safety legislation, and promote a culture where safety is integral to every removal service we deliver. We aim to continually improve our health and safety performance through regular review, training, and effective communication.

Management Responsibilities

Senior management at Removals Hackney has overall responsibility for health and safety within the company. Management will:

Ensure that appropriate resources are provided to implement this policy and maintain safe working conditions. Identify, assess, and manage risks associated with moving, lifting, transport, and on-site operations. Establish and maintain safe systems of work for all removal activities, including packing, carrying, loading, and securing items in vehicles. Provide suitable work equipment, vehicles, and protective equipment that are properly maintained and fit for purpose. Ensure employees receive adequate information, instruction, supervision, and training relevant to their roles. Investigate accidents, incidents, and near misses and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence. Regularly review this policy and associated procedures to keep them effective and up to date.

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. Employees of Removals Hackney are required to:

Follow all safety instructions, site rules, and agreed methods of work. Use equipment, tools, and vehicles only as trained and in accordance with company procedures. Wear any personal protective equipment provided, such as gloves, safety footwear, or high-visibility clothing, when required. Report all accidents, incidents, near misses, and unsafe conditions to a supervisor as soon as possible. Avoid horseplay or unsafe behaviour that could put people or property at risk. Co-operate with management in any investigation, training, or safety initiative. Refrain from working under the influence of alcohol, illegal substances, or any medication that could impair safe performance.

Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices

Removals Hackney conducts risk assessments for key activities involved in removals work. These assessments consider tasks such as lifting and carrying items, handling fragile or heavy goods, accessing properties, operating in confined spaces, working at height when required, and driving or operating vehicles.

Based on these assessments, safe working practices are put in place, including:

Planning each job in advance to understand access issues, parking constraints, and any special handling requirements. Using team lifts, trolleys, and other handling aids to minimise manual handling risks. Applying correct lifting techniques and avoiding unsafe loads. Securing loads in vehicles to prevent movement during transit. Ensuring clear communication between team members when moving large or awkward items. Taking extra care around stairways, narrow hallways, and shared entrances.

Manual Handling and Lifting

Manual handling is a significant aspect of our work and is managed with particular care. To reduce the risk of musculoskeletal injury:

Staff are trained in safe lifting and carrying techniques. Heavy or bulky items are assessed before moving and, where necessary, handled by multiple team members or with mechanical aids. Loads are broken down into smaller, manageable components when possible. Employees are instructed not to attempt lifts that exceed their capability or that feel unsafe.

Vehicle and Driving Safety

The safe operation of vehicles is essential to our removals services. Removals Hackney ensures that:

Vehicles are regularly inspected, serviced, and maintained in line with manufacturer and legal requirements. Drivers are competent, hold the appropriate licences, and follow safe driving practices. Loads are distributed evenly and secured properly to prevent shifting during transport. Parking and unloading are planned with consideration for pedestrians, other road users, and local conditions. Drivers take adequate breaks and do not work excessive hours that could lead to fatigue.

Customer and Public Safety

Our teams work at client properties and in public spaces, and we take care to minimise risks to others. This includes:

Maintaining clear walkways and exits during loading and unloading. Using warning signs or verbal warnings where necessary, particularly when moving large items through shared or public areas. Avoiding obstruction of pavements and entrances as far as is reasonably practicable. Handling customers belongings with care to prevent damage that could result in hazards such as broken glass or sharp edges.

Equipment, PPE, and Housekeeping

All equipment and tools used in removals tasks are selected and maintained with safety in mind. Where required, employees are provided with personal protective equipment and are expected to use it properly.

Good housekeeping is essential for safe operations. Work areas, vehicles, and storage spaces should be kept tidy, with packing materials, straps, and tools stored safely to reduce tripping and other hazards.

Training, Communication, and Consultation

Removals Hackney provides appropriate health and safety training to new and existing employees, including induction training, task-specific training for lifting and moving, safe use of equipment and vehicles, and refresher training when needed.

Employees are encouraged to raise any health and safety concerns with their supervisor or management. We value feedback from our teams and customers to help improve our safety standards and procedures.

Emergency Preparedness and Incident Reporting

Employees are briefed on emergency arrangements, including what to do in case of fire, serious injury, or other emergencies at client premises or on the road. All accidents, incidents, and near misses must be reported promptly so that they can be recorded, investigated where appropriate, and used to improve our controls and training.

Policy Review

This Health and Safety Policy is reviewed regularly and updated as necessary to reflect changes in legislation, our operations, or industry best practice. Removals Hackney is committed to continuous improvement in health and safety, so that every removal is carried out as safely and responsibly as possible.