Health and Safety Policy for Removals and Storage Services

This Health and Safety policy sets out how our removals and storage company manages health, safety and welfare for employees, customers, contractors and visitors. We are committed to providing a safe working environment and to continuously improving our safety performance across all moving, packing, loading, transport and storage operations.

Our Commitment to Health and Safety

We recognise that removals and storage work involves physical handling, vehicle operations, working in customers homes and premises, and managing secure storage facilities. We will take all reasonably practicable steps to prevent accidents, injuries and work-related ill health by planning tasks carefully, providing appropriate equipment, and ensuring staff are trained and supervised.

Management will allocate sufficient resources to health and safety, set clear objectives, and review performance regularly. Employees at all levels are expected to cooperate with this policy and to take responsibility for their own safety and that of those who may be affected by their actions.

Legal Compliance and Responsibilities

Our company complies with relevant health and safety laws, regulations and industry guidance relating to removals, transport and storage activities. We maintain appropriate insurance and keep records of risk assessments, incidents and training.

Overall responsibility for health and safety lies with the company management, who ensure that:

Suitable and sufficient risk assessments are carried out for removal and storage tasks.
Safe systems of work are developed, implemented and monitored.
Employees receive adequate information, instruction, supervision and training.
Accidents and near misses are investigated and actions taken to prevent recurrence.

Employees must:

Follow all safety procedures and safe working practices.
Use equipment correctly and report any defects immediately.
Wear any required personal protective equipment provided.
Report hazards, incidents and near misses without delay.

Risk Assessments and Safe Working Practices

We conduct risk assessments for our core activities, including home and office moves, packing and unpacking, loading and unloading vehicles, operating within storage facilities, and handling large or fragile items. These assessments consider risks such as manual handling injuries, slips and trips, falls from vehicles, vehicle movements, and damage to property.

From these assessments we create safe working procedures that are communicated to all staff. These procedures cover planning access routes, using lifting aids where appropriate, working on stairs and in confined spaces, maintaining secure stacking in vehicles and storage units, and handling items such as pianos, appliances and heavy furniture.

Manual Handling and Use of Equipment

Given the physical nature of removals work, manual handling is a key focus. Staff receive training in safe lifting techniques and team lifting. We aim to minimise heavy manual handling by using appropriate equipment such as sack trucks, dollies, furniture sliders, lifting straps and ramps. Loads are assessed before lifting, and staff are instructed not to exceed their capability or to proceed if they feel the task is unsafe.

All equipment is inspected regularly and maintained in good condition. Faulty or damaged equipment is removed from use immediately. Only trained personnel may operate specialist equipment used within removals and storage operations.

Vehicle Safety and Driving Standards

Our vehicles are maintained, serviced and inspected in line with manufacturer guidance and legal requirements. Drivers must hold the appropriate licence and are expected to comply with road safety laws at all times.

Drivers and crews are briefed on safe loading and securing of goods to prevent movement during transport. Vehicle access to properties is planned in advance where possible, taking into account parking, road conditions, restricted access and the safety of pedestrians and other road users.

Customer, Public and Property Protection

We take care to protect customers, members of the public and property during all removals and storage work. Access routes are kept as clear as reasonably practicable, and where work may present a temporary hazard, staff use warning signs, verbal communication and safe cordons where necessary.

Protective materials such as floor coverings, door protectors, corner guards and furniture blankets are used where appropriate to limit damage and reduce slipping hazards. Crews are instructed to exercise care in all customer premises and shared areas.

Storage Facility Safety and Security

Within storage facilities, we maintain clear, unobstructed walkways and emergency exits. Goods are stacked safely and securely to prevent collapse. Access is controlled to authorised personnel and customers, and fire safety measures are in place and tested in line with regulatory requirements.

Training, Information and Supervision

All employees receive induction training covering our health and safety policy, safe working practices, emergency procedures, and reporting of accidents and hazards. Further task-specific training is provided for activities such as manual handling, use of removal equipment, vehicle loading and working within storage facilities.

Supervisors and team leaders are responsible for ensuring that procedures are followed on site and that new or less experienced staff are adequately supported. We maintain training records and review needs regularly.

Accident Reporting and Emergency Procedures

All accidents, incidents, near misses and cases of work-related ill health must be reported promptly to management. We keep an accident record and investigate incidents to identify root causes and implement corrective actions.

Emergency procedures are in place for fire, injury, vehicle incidents and other foreseeable events. Staff are briefed on what to do in an emergency, including how to raise the alarm, evacuate premises, and contact emergency services where required.

Review and Continuous Improvement

This Health and Safety policy is reviewed regularly and following any significant change in our operations, relevant legislation or after serious incidents. We seek feedback from staff and customers to improve our practices and to ensure that our removals and storage services remain safe, professional and reliable.

All employees and contractors are required to familiarise themselves with this policy and to work cooperatively to uphold our high standards of health and safety.