Acton Removals Health and Safety Policy

Acton Removals is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for our employees, contractors, customers and members of the public who may be affected by our removal and relocation services. This Health and Safety Policy sets out our approach to managing risks associated with domestic and commercial removals, packing, loading, transport and storage activities.

1. Policy Statement and Objectives

Our objective is to prevent injury, ill health and damage to property arising from our operations. We aim to continually improve our health and safety performance by assessing risks, implementing effective controls and promoting a positive safety culture across the business.

Management will provide the leadership, resources and support necessary to maintain safe systems of work. Everyone working for or with Acton Removals is expected to take responsibility for their own safety and the safety of others, and to cooperate fully with all safety procedures and instructions.

2. Legal Compliance and Responsibilities

Acton Removals will comply with all relevant health and safety legislation, approved codes of practice and industry guidance applicable to the removals and transport sector. We will monitor changes in legal requirements and update our arrangements as needed.

The company directors have overall responsibility for health and safety. They will ensure that this policy is implemented, maintained and reviewed. Supervisors and team leaders are responsible for day-to-day management of health and safety on jobs, including briefings, monitoring practices and reporting concerns or incidents. All employees have a duty to work safely, follow instructions, use equipment correctly and report hazards or unsafe conditions without delay.

3. Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work

We identify and assess significant risks relating to our activities, including lifting and carrying, working in customers homes and premises, vehicle movements, access issues, use of equipment and handling of customer property.

Where appropriate, job-specific risk assessments will be carried out before work starts, taking into account the type of property, access routes, parking, stairways, lifts, weather conditions and any special items such as pianos, large furniture or equipment. The findings of risk assessments will be used to develop safe systems of work, which will be communicated to all team members before and during the move.

4. Manual Handling and Use of Equipment

Manual handling is a key risk in the removals industry. Acton Removals will minimise manual handling risks by planning jobs carefully, using mechanical aids where reasonably practicable, and ensuring that loads are shared appropriately.

All staff will receive training in correct lifting techniques, team lifting, use of trolleys, dollies, ramps and other moving equipment. Employees must use provided equipment correctly and must not attempt to lift or move items that are beyond their capability. Where specialist lifting or hoisting equipment is required, only trained and authorised personnel may operate it.

5. Vehicles, Driving and Road Safety

Our vehicles will be maintained in a safe and roadworthy condition in accordance with manufacturer recommendations and legal requirements. Regular checks, inspections and servicing will be carried out, and any defects will be reported and remedied promptly.

Only competent and authorised drivers may drive company vehicles. Drivers must obey road traffic laws, drive courteously, and plan routes to minimise risk, taking account of loading, height restrictions, congestion and weather. Safe loading and securing of goods is essential to prevent movement during transit, protect customer property and reduce risks to other road users.

6. Customer Premises and Public Safety

When working in customers homes, offices or other premises, our teams will take reasonable steps to protect the occupants and any visitors. This includes keeping access routes clear where possible, using warning signs when needed, taking care with doors, lifts and stairwells, and controlling vehicle movements in shared or public areas.

We will treat customer property with care and will take precautions to prevent damage to structures, fixtures, fittings and belongings. Any damage or near miss incidents will be reported and recorded so that lessons can be learned and improvements introduced.

7. Training, Information and Supervision

Acton Removals will provide appropriate health and safety training and information for all employees, including induction training for new starters and refresher training where necessary. Training topics may include manual handling, equipment use, vehicle safety, use of personal protective equipment and emergency procedures.

Supervisors and team leaders will monitor working methods on site, provide guidance, and correct unsafe practices. Employees are encouraged to raise health and safety concerns, suggest improvements and participate actively in maintaining safe working conditions.

8. Personal Protective Equipment

Where risks cannot be fully controlled by other means, suitable personal protective equipment such as safety footwear, gloves, high-visibility clothing or other items will be provided. Employees must use and look after this equipment as instructed, report defects or loss, and request replacements when needed.

9. Incident Reporting and Emergency Procedures

All accidents, injuries, near misses and hazardous situations must be reported to a supervisor or manager as soon as possible. Acton Removals will investigate incidents to identify root causes and will implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence.

Emergency procedures, including fire evacuation, first aid arrangements and response to vehicle incidents, will be communicated to employees. On customer sites, our teams will cooperate with local emergency arrangements and follow any specific instructions provided by the customer or site manager.

10. Health, Welfare and Wellbeing

We recognise the importance of the physical and mental wellbeing of our staff. Work will be planned to reduce excessive fatigue, and rest breaks will be allowed in line with working time and driving regulations. We will encourage employees to report health concerns that may affect their ability to work safely, and reasonable adjustments will be considered where appropriate.

11. Consultation, Monitoring and Review

Acton Removals is committed to consulting with employees on health and safety matters, both formally and informally. Feedback from staff, customers and other stakeholders will be used to improve our arrangements.

We will monitor health and safety performance through inspections, audits and review of incident data. This Health and Safety Policy will be reviewed regularly and updated when necessary to reflect changes in legislation, operations or best practice. The current version of the policy will be made available to employees and customers on request.

By working together and following the principles and procedures set out in this policy, Acton Removals aims to maintain a safe, professional and reliable removals service for all clients.