Health and Safety policy
Health and Safety Policy for Removals Elephant and Castle
This Health and Safety Policy sets out how Removals Elephant and Castle manages health, safety and welfare for employees, contractors, customers and members of the public. Our removals work involves handling heavy and bulky items, operating vehicles and accessing a variety of homes and business premises. We are committed to conducting all activities in a way that prevents injury, ill health and property damage.
This policy applies to all staff, whether permanent, temporary or agency, and to all removal and relocation services carried out in and around Elephant and Castle and the wider service area.
Health and Safety Responsibilities
Overall responsibility for health and safety rests with the company management, who ensure that appropriate arrangements, resources and supervision are in place. Management will:
Assess health and safety risks associated with our removals operations and implement suitable controls. Provide information, instruction, training and supervision so that employees can work safely and competently. Ensure that vehicles, lifting equipment and tools are maintained in safe working order. Review and update this policy and associated procedures regularly.
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. Follow all safety procedures and safe systems of work provided by the company. Use equipment correctly and report any damage or defects immediately. Report accidents, incidents, near misses and unsafe conditions without delay. Co-operate with management on all matters relating to health and safety.
Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work
Before each removal project, the company undertakes a risk assessment that considers the specific property layout, access routes, parking, lifting requirements, item weight, and any special hazards such as fragile goods, staircases or restricted spaces. Where possible, risks are identified in advance during booking and planning.
Based on each risk assessment, safe systems of work are put in place. These may include the use of additional staff for heavy lifting, use of trolleys or lifting aids, choosing suitable access routes, and scheduling work at times that reduce disruption or congestion. Employees are briefed on the risk assessment findings and required precautions before starting the job.
Manual Handling and Lifting
Manual handling is central to removal work, and improper lifting can result in serious injury. Removals Elephant and Castle promotes safe manual handling practices at all times. Staff receive training in correct lifting techniques, including team lifting, stabilising loads and avoiding twisting while carrying.
Wherever it is reasonably practicable, mechanical aids such as sack trucks, dollies and lifting straps are used to reduce physical strain. Employees must not attempt to lift or carry loads that are beyond their capability, and must request additional assistance or equipment when required.
Use of Vehicles and Road Safety
All company vehicles are operated by competent, licensed drivers. Drivers must obey road traffic laws, drive defensively and plan routes to minimise risk to themselves and other road users. Vehicles are subject to regular inspection and maintenance so that brakes, lights, tyres and load securing systems are kept in safe condition.
Loads must be evenly distributed and properly secured within the vehicle to prevent shifting during transit. Overloading of vehicles is strictly prohibited. Drivers must not operate vehicles under the influence of alcohol, drugs or medication that may impair their ability to drive safely.
Customer Premises and Public Safety
Our teams work in both domestic and commercial premises across the local area. Protecting customers, visitors and the general public is an essential part of our health and safety arrangements. Access routes are kept as clear as reasonably possible, and where there is a risk of trips or collisions, staff will cordon areas or position a team member to guide others safely.
When operating in shared spaces such as communal hallways, car parks or busy streets, crews will take extra care to minimise obstruction and will move items in a way that limits risk to passers-by. Any damage or hazards that arise during work are reported immediately, and remedial actions are taken without delay.
Equipment, Personal Protective Equipment and Housekeeping
All tools, removal equipment and lifting aids are purchased from reputable suppliers and used only for their intended purpose. Regular checks are carried out to identify defects, and faulty equipment is taken out of service until repaired or replaced.
Where necessary, employees are supplied with personal protective equipment such as gloves, safety footwear and high-visibility clothing. Staff are required to use such equipment properly and to keep it in good condition. Good housekeeping is maintained in vehicles and at job sites, with packaging materials, straps and debris cleared regularly to prevent slips, trips and falls.
Training, Information and Supervision
Removals Elephant and Castle provides appropriate training to all employees so they understand their health and safety responsibilities and can carry out their tasks safely. This may include induction training, manual handling training, vehicle safety, use of equipment and emergency procedures.
Supervisors and team leaders monitor working practices, offer guidance and correct unsafe behaviour. Refresher training is provided when necessary, particularly following changes in procedures, equipment or legislation.
Accident Reporting and Emergency Procedures
All accidents, injuries, near misses and incidents must be reported as soon as practicable to a supervisor or manager. The company maintains an accident record and uses this information to identify trends and make improvements to safety arrangements.
Employees receive guidance on emergency procedures, including what to do in the event of fire, serious injury, vehicle collisions or sudden ill health. Where incidents occur at customer premises, our staff will co-operate fully with site-specific emergency arrangements.
Continuous Improvement and Policy Review
Removals Elephant and Castle is committed to continually improving its health and safety performance. We monitor the effectiveness of our procedures, consult with staff on safety matters and take account of feedback from customers and other stakeholders.
This Health and Safety Policy is reviewed regularly and updated when necessary to reflect changes in our operations, industry best practice or applicable legal requirements. All employees are made aware of any significant changes and are expected to work in accordance with the latest version of the policy.
By following this policy and working together, we aim to provide a safe and reliable removals service for customers while protecting our staff and the wider community in which we operate.
