Removal Van Wandsworth Health and Safety Policy
Removal Van Wandsworth is committed to maintaining the highest standards of health and safety for our employees, customers, contractors and members of the public. This policy sets out our approach to managing health and safety risks associated with our removal and transport activities, including packing, loading, unloading, driving and short-term storage.
We recognise our legal and moral duties to prevent injury and ill health, and to provide a safe and healthy working environment wherever our teams are operating. Health and safety considerations form an integral part of our planning, day-to-day operations and continuous improvement processes.
Policy Aims and Objectives
The aims of this Health and Safety Policy are to:
Promote a positive health and safety culture throughout Removal Van Wandsworth operations. Prevent accidents, injuries and work-related ill health. Identify hazards associated with removal activities and reduce risks to the lowest practicable level. Provide suitable information, instruction, supervision and training to employees. Ensure that vehicles, equipment and work methods are safe and fit for purpose. Review and improve our health and safety performance on a regular basis.
Management Responsibilities
Senior management is responsible for ensuring that adequate resources, systems and competent personnel are in place to manage health and safety effectively. This includes:
Implementing and maintaining this policy and associated procedures. Ensuring that risk assessments are completed, reviewed and communicated. Providing suitable equipment and personal protective equipment where appropriate. Ensuring vehicles are maintained in a safe and roadworthy condition. Investigating accidents, incidents and near misses, and implementing corrective actions. Reviewing health and safety performance and policy content periodically.
Managers and supervisors must lead by example, promote safe working practices, and make sure that staff understand their responsibilities and follow company procedures at all times.
Employee Responsibilities
Every employee of Removal Van Wandsworth has a duty to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions or omissions. Employees are expected to:
Follow all safety instructions, training and company procedures. Use equipment, vehicles and protective gear correctly and report any defects immediately. Co-operate with management in the implementation of this policy. Report hazards, unsafe conditions, near misses and incidents as soon as possible. Avoid horseplay or unsafe behaviour that could put themselves or others at risk.
Failure to follow safe working procedures may result in disciplinary action.
Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices
Removal Van Wandsworth conducts risk assessments for typical and site-specific removal tasks. These assessments consider manual handling, access and egress, traffic management, working at height, use of lifting equipment, and interaction with customers and the public.
From these assessments we develop and implement safe systems of work, which may include:
Planning vehicle access, parking and loading areas in advance where possible. Checking routes and properties for hazards such as narrow staircases, low ceilings and uneven surfaces. Using appropriate lifting techniques, equipment and team lifting methods for heavy or bulky items. Establishing clear communication between team members during loading and unloading. Ensuring that loads are secure inside vehicles and that weight is distributed safely.
Risk assessments are reviewed periodically and following any significant change in work practices, equipment or incidents.
Manual Handling and Use of Equipment
Manual handling is a central part of our work and is managed with particular care. Our employees receive training in safe lifting and carrying techniques, including assessment of object weight, size, shape and stability before moving items.
Where appropriate, staff use trolleys, skates, straps, ramps and other handling aids to reduce the risk of strain and injury. Heavy or awkward items are handled by teams rather than individuals. Employees are instructed to refuse tasks that cannot be carried out safely with the resources available and to contact a supervisor for guidance.
Vehicle Safety and Driving Standards
Removal Van Wandsworth ensures that all vehicles used for removals are appropriately maintained, serviced and inspected. Drivers must hold the correct licence, follow road traffic laws and drive in a manner that prioritises safety over speed.
Loads are checked to ensure they are stable, evenly distributed and properly secured before departure. Drivers are required to conduct pre-use checks, including tyres, lights, mirrors, brakes and securing systems. Any defects or concerns are reported immediately, and vehicles are taken out of service if they are not safe.
Protection of Customers and the Public
We recognise our responsibility to protect customers, visitors and members of the public during removal activities. Our teams aim to:
Maintain clear access routes and avoid obstructing pavements or entrances wherever possible. Use warning signs or verbal instructions where there is an increased risk, such as when carrying large items through shared areas. Minimise noise and disruption, and store equipment safely when not in use. Handle customers possessions with care to avoid damage and prevent hazards caused by broken items or spillages.
Training, Information and Supervision
Removal Van Wandsworth provides appropriate training and information to ensure that employees understand how to work safely. This includes induction training, manual handling, use of equipment, vehicle safety and emergency procedures.
Refresher training is provided when required, and additional instruction is given when new equipment, vehicles or procedures are introduced. Supervisors monitor working practices on site and provide guidance to maintain safe standards.
Accident, Incident and Near Miss Reporting
All accidents, injuries, dangerous occurrences and near misses must be reported promptly to management. We keep records of incidents, investigate causes and take corrective action to reduce the likelihood of recurrence.
Where necessary, incidents will be reported to the relevant authorities in line with legal requirements. Lessons learned from investigations are communicated to employees and used to improve our systems and training.
Emergency Procedures
Our teams are briefed on emergency procedures relevant to the sites they are working at, including fire safety, evacuation routes and assembly points. Drivers are instructed on safe actions to take in the event of a road traffic incident, breakdown or load shift.
First aid provisions are available within our operations, and employees know how to seek assistance in case of injury or sudden illness.
Monitoring and Review
Removal Van Wandsworth monitors compliance with this Health and Safety Policy through inspections, incident reviews, staff feedback and performance indicators. This policy is reviewed regularly, and at least annually, to ensure it remains current, effective and aligned with legal requirements and best practice.
We are committed to continuous improvement in health and safety performance and expect all employees, contractors and partners to share this commitment in every removal we undertake.
