Health and Safety policy
Health and Safety Policy for Removals Kennington
Removals Kennington is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for all employees, customers, contractors, 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 removals, packing, loading, transportation, and unloading services carried out in homes, offices, and commercial premises.
Policy Aims and Scope
The aim of this policy is to prevent accidents, injuries, and work-related ill health by identifying hazards, assessing risks, and implementing effective control measures. It applies to all members of staff, including full-time, part-time, temporary, and agency workers, as well as contractors working on behalf of Removals Kennington across our service area.
Every member of staff is expected to co-operate fully with this policy and follow the safe systems of work that are in place. Health and Safety is a shared responsibility and a core part of delivering a reliable and professional removals service.
Management Responsibilities
Senior management at Removals Kennington has overall responsibility for Health and Safety within the business. Management will:
Assess significant risks associated with removals activities, including manual handling, vehicle use, working in and around customers premises, and the handling of heavy or awkward items.
Provide and maintain safe equipment, vehicles, tools, and protective equipment suitable for the tasks carried out.
Ensure that employees are given appropriate information, instruction, training, and supervision to carry out their work safely.
Review this policy regularly and update it when there are significant changes in our operations, working methods, or applicable legal requirements.
Encourage a positive safety culture where staff can raise concerns and report near misses or incidents without fear of blame.
Employee Responsibilities
All employees of Removals Kennington share responsibility for their own safety and the safety of others who may be affected by their work. Employees must:
Take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of colleagues, customers, and the public.
Follow all training, instructions, and safe working procedures provided by the company.
Use equipment, vehicles, and personal protective equipment correctly and report any defects or concerns immediately.
Report all accidents, incidents, and near misses promptly so that appropriate action can be taken to prevent recurrence.
Co-operate fully with any Health and Safety investigations, risk assessments, or training sessions.
Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices
Removals Kennington carries out risk assessments for typical moving activities and for specific jobs where necessary. These assessments identify hazards and outline the control measures required to minimise risk. Key areas include:
Manual handling of furniture, appliances, and boxes.
Safe use of moving equipment such as trolleys, straps, and ramps.
Loading and unloading vehicles to prevent falls, trips, and crushing injuries.
Working safely in confined spaces, stairwells, and shared access areas.
Parking and vehicle movements in residential streets and commercial locations.
Staff are required to follow the safe systems of work derived from these assessments and to stop work if any serious and immediate danger is identified.
Manual Handling and Use of Equipment
Manual handling is a core part of removals work and is managed carefully to reduce the risk of strains, sprains, and other injuries. Removals Kennington ensures that:
All staff receive manual handling training appropriate to their role.
Loads are assessed before lifting to determine whether mechanical aids or additional personnel are required.
Team lifting is used for heavy, bulky, or awkward items such as large furniture or appliances.
Protective equipment such as gloves, safety footwear, and other items are provided where appropriate.
Equipment is inspected regularly and removed from service if any defect is identified.
Vehicles and Driving Safety
Our vehicles are central to our removals operations and are maintained to a high standard to protect drivers, passengers, and other road users. Removals Kennington will:
Ensure that all vehicles are regularly serviced and inspected.
Check that drivers hold the appropriate licence and are competent to operate the vehicles they are assigned.
Promote safe driving practices, including compliance with speed limits, load securing requirements, and working time limits.
Require drivers to report any defects, incidents, or near misses involving company vehicles.
Customer Premises and Public Safety
Our teams often work in and around customers homes, offices, and public spaces. To protect customers and the public, Removals Kennington will:
Plan moves to minimise disruption and reduce risks associated with shared access routes, hallways, and staircases.
Use warning signs or verbal warnings where necessary to keep people away from hazardous areas during loading and unloading.
Maintain clear walkways and exits and keep floors as free as possible from trip hazards.
Handle customers possessions with care, avoiding unsafe stacking, overloading, or blocking of escape routes.
Training, Communication, and Consultation
Effective Health and Safety performance depends on well-informed and engaged employees. Removals Kennington will:
Provide induction training for new staff, covering key safety procedures, emergency arrangements, and reporting lines.
Offer ongoing training, refresher sessions, and job-specific instruction where needed.
Communicate any changes to Health and Safety procedures clearly and promptly.
Encourage employees to raise ideas for improving safety and to discuss any concerns with their line manager.
Accident Reporting and Emergency Procedures
All accidents, incidents, and near misses must be reported as soon as practicable. Removals Kennington keeps appropriate records and investigates significant incidents to identify root causes and implement corrective actions.
Employees must familiarise themselves with emergency procedures relevant to the sites where they are working, including fire evacuation routes and assembly points. When working at customer premises, staff must, so far as is reasonably practicable, follow site-specific emergency instructions and ensure that their activities do not create additional risks.
Monitoring, Review, and Policy Availability
This Health and Safety policy is monitored on an ongoing basis and reviewed periodically to ensure it remains effective and relevant to our removals operations. Any updates will be communicated to all staff and implemented without undue delay.
The policy is available to employees, customers, and other interested parties on request. By following this policy and working together, Removals Kennington aims to deliver professional, safe, and reliable removals services across our operating area.
