Kentishtown Removals Health and Safety Policy

Kentishtown Removals is committed to providing a professional removals service that protects the health, safety and welfare of our employees, customers, contractors and members of the public. This Health and Safety Policy sets out our approach to managing risks associated with domestic and commercial removals, packing, loading, unloading, transport and storage of goods.

Policy Statement and Objectives

Our objective is to prevent accidents, injuries and work-related ill health arising from our activities. We will provide and maintain safe working conditions, safe systems of work and any necessary information, instruction, training and supervision for all employees. Health and safety performance is a core part of our business and we expect all staff to contribute to a positive safety culture.

Senior management at Kentishtown Removals accepts overall responsibility for health and safety and will ensure that adequate resources are made available to implement this policy and to continually improve our standards.

Legal Duties and Responsibilities

Kentishtown Removals will comply with relevant health and safety legislation and industry guidance relating to removal, transport and storage activities. All employees must take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their acts or omissions. They must cooperate with the company on all health and safety matters and follow the procedures, training and instructions provided.

Supervisors and team leaders are responsible for promoting safe working practices on each job, ensuring that risk assessments are followed, and that any concerns or incidents are reported promptly to management.

Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work

We will identify, assess and control risks associated with our operations, including but not limited to manual handling, working in and around customer premises, use of vehicles, loading and unloading, the use of trolleys and lifting equipment, and handling fragile or high-value items.

Before each removal or delivery, staff must assess the work area, access routes, stairs, parking and any other significant hazards. Where necessary, additional control measures will be put in place, such as using extra staff, equipment, or altering the sequence of work. Risk assessments will be reviewed regularly and whenever work methods, equipment or locations change.

Manual Handling and Use of Equipment

Manual handling is a key risk in the removals sector. Kentishtown Removals provides training in safe lifting techniques and the use of mechanical aids and handling equipment. Employees must plan each lift, test the weight where possible and ask for assistance or use lifting aids when necessary. No employee is expected to lift or carry any load that they consider to be unsafe.

All equipment such as sack trucks, dollies, lifting straps, ramps and protective materials must be inspected regularly and used only for their intended purpose. Faulty or damaged equipment must be reported immediately and taken out of service until repaired or replaced.

Vehicle Safety and Driving Standards

Our vehicles are maintained in a roadworthy condition and are subject to regular checks, servicing and inspections. Drivers must hold the appropriate licence and operate vehicles in accordance with road traffic laws and company procedures. This includes obeying speed limits, securing loads correctly, parking safely at collection and delivery addresses and avoiding unnecessary reversing where practicable.

Drivers must carry out daily vehicle checks and report any defects to management. No vehicle shall be used if it is considered unsafe. The safe loading and securing of goods is essential to prevent shifting loads, damage to property and risk to the driver and other road users.

Protection of Customers, Public and Property

Our teams work in homes, offices and public spaces, and we recognise our duty to protect customers, visitors and the wider public. We will take reasonable steps to minimise disruption and hazards, such as securing doors where possible, keeping walkways clear of obstructions, and using warning signs or cones where appropriate.

Floors, stairs and entrances will be protected as needed to reduce the risk of slips, trips and falls and to prevent damage to property. Staff must act with courtesy and consideration at all times and immediately address any unsafe condition they observe.

Information, Instruction, Training and Supervision

Kentishtown Removals will ensure that employees receive suitable and sufficient information and training relevant to their roles. This includes induction training, manual handling, safe use of equipment, vehicle safety, incident reporting and emergency procedures. Refresher training will be provided when necessary, and new procedures will be communicated clearly.

Supervision will be provided, particularly for new or inexperienced staff, to ensure that safe working practices are followed consistently on each job.

Incident Reporting and Emergency Procedures

All accidents, near misses, injuries, cases of ill health and dangerous occurrences must be reported to management as soon as possible. This enables us to investigate causes, take corrective action and prevent recurrence. Where required, incidents will be recorded and reported in accordance with applicable legal requirements.

Our teams are briefed on emergency arrangements, including fire safety, evacuation procedures at customer premises where known, and how to respond to vehicle breakdowns, collisions or injuries during work. First aid provisions are maintained and staff are instructed on how to access assistance when required.

Consultation and Continuous Improvement

We encourage all employees to raise health and safety concerns and to suggest improvements to our policies and procedures. Consultation may take place informally on site, during briefings or through management discussions. Constructive feedback is welcomed and will be considered in our reviews.

This Health and Safety Policy will be reviewed at least annually and whenever there are significant changes to our operations, legal requirements or industry best practice. Updated versions will be communicated to staff and made available to customers on request.

By following this policy, Kentishtown Removals aims to deliver a safe, reliable and responsible removals service, protecting everyone who may be affected by our work.