Health and Safety Policy for Removals Sutton

Removals Sutton is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for our employees, customers, visitors, contractors, and members of the public who may be affected by our removal and relocation activities. This Health and Safety policy sets out our approach to managing risks and promoting safe working practices across all services and locations where we operate.

Our Health and Safety Commitment

We recognise our duty to prevent injury, ill health, and damage to property arising from our work. Health and Safety is a core part of how we plan and deliver removals, from initial survey and packing through to transport and unloading. Management at every level is responsible for leading by example and ensuring that safe systems of work are followed.

We will regularly review this policy to ensure it remains suitable and effective as our services, vehicles, equipment, and methods develop.

Roles and Responsibilities

Overall responsibility for Health and Safety rests with the company management, who ensure that sufficient resources, training, and supervision are provided. Supervisors are responsible for implementing safe working procedures on each job, carrying out checks, and ensuring team members understand their tasks and associated risks.

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. Staff must follow instructions, use equipment correctly, wear appropriate personal protective equipment, report hazards or incidents promptly, and cooperate fully with Health and Safety measures.

Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work

Before carrying out removal work, we consider the specific risks associated with the property, access routes, parking, handling of items, and any special customer requirements. Where necessary, a pre-move assessment is conducted to identify potential hazards and agree the safest methods of working.

Safe systems of work are developed for the full range of our activities, including packing, dismantling and reassembly of furniture, manual handling, loading and unloading vehicles, and operating equipment such as trolleys, lifts, and ramps. These systems are communicated to staff and reviewed in light of any incidents, changes in working practice, or new legislation.

Manual Handling and Use of Equipment

Manual handling is a core part of removal operations and is managed carefully to reduce the risk of injury. Staff are trained in safe lifting techniques, team lifting, use of handling aids, and the importance of assessing the weight, shape, and stability of items before moving them.

We provide suitable equipment such as sack trucks, dollies, lifting straps, and protective coverings. Our vehicles and loading ramps are maintained in good condition so they can be used safely. Staff must not misuse equipment, attempt to lift loads beyond their capability, or improvise with unsafe methods. Any defects or concerns with equipment must be reported immediately.

Vehicle Safety and Transport

Our vehicles are maintained, inspected, and cleaned regularly to ensure they are safe and fit for purpose. Drivers must hold the appropriate licence, follow driving regulations, and operate vehicles responsibly at all times. Journey planning takes account of safe routes, realistic timings, and appropriate breaks.

Loads are secured to prevent movement during transit, and weight is distributed safely across the vehicle. Access to vehicles during loading and unloading must be controlled to prevent falls, trips, and collisions. Reversing and manoeuvring are carried out carefully, using guides or spotters where necessary.

Customer Premises and Public Safety

We take reasonable steps to protect customers, neighbours, and members of the public during our work. This includes careful parking and positioning of vehicles, safe use of access routes, and maintaining clear walkways free from trip hazards such as loose packaging or trailing straps.

Where work could affect shared areas or public spaces, our teams are instructed to act with extra caution, use warning signs or barriers where appropriate, and minimise obstruction and noise. We respect customers’ property and take care to prevent damage to floors, walls, and fixtures while maintaining safe working conditions.

Training, Information, and Supervision

All staff receive appropriate Health and Safety induction and ongoing training relevant to their roles. This includes manual handling, safe use of equipment, vehicle safety, working at height where applicable, and emergency procedures. Additional training is provided when new equipment, techniques, or risks are identified.

Supervision is proportionate to the level of risk and experience of team members. Less experienced staff work under closer supervision until they demonstrate competence. Information about site-specific risks is briefed to the team before work starts, and any changes are communicated promptly.

Accidents, Incidents, and Near Misses

All accidents, incidents, near misses, and hazardous conditions must be reported to management as soon as possible. We maintain records and investigate to identify root causes, implement corrective actions, and prevent recurrence.

Where necessary, we cooperate fully with relevant authorities and share information that can improve safety. Lessons learned from investigations are communicated to staff and reflected in revised procedures, training, or equipment changes.

Health, Welfare, and Fitness for Work

We recognise that removal work can be physically demanding and requires good health and fitness. Employees are encouraged to report any medical conditions, injuries, or concerns that may affect their ability to work safely. We will consider reasonable adjustments where appropriate.

We do not tolerate the use of drugs or alcohol during work or before reporting for duty. Anyone suspected of being unfit for work will be removed from duty immediately. Adequate rest breaks are provided to reduce fatigue, and drinking water is made available to help staff stay hydrated, especially during physically demanding tasks or in warm conditions.

Continuous Improvement

Health and Safety performance is monitored through regular reviews, inspections, and feedback from staff and customers. We seek to continually improve our standards by updating risk assessments, investing in better equipment, providing enhanced training, and encouraging a culture where safety is everyone’s responsibility.

This Health and Safety policy is communicated to all employees and is available to customers and other interested parties on request. By working together, we aim to ensure that every removal is carried out as safely and efficiently as possible across our service area.