Health and Safety policy
Removals Highbury Health and Safety Policy
Removals Highbury is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for our employees, customers, contractors, and members of the public who may be affected by our removal and relocation activities. This Health and Safety policy sets out our approach to managing risks associated with domestic and commercial moves, transport, handling of furniture and equipment, and work carried out in homes, offices, and other premises within our service area.
Our objective is to prevent injury, ill health, property damage, and environmental harm by planning all work carefully, training our staff thoroughly, and maintaining a culture where safety is everyone’s responsibility.
Legal Responsibilities and Management Commitment
Removals Highbury will comply with all applicable health and safety legislation and associated regulations relevant to the removals and transport industry. Senior management accepts overall responsibility for health and safety and will ensure that adequate resources, information, and supervision are provided to implement this policy effectively.
Managers and supervisors are responsible for promoting safe working practices, enforcing company procedures, and leading by example on every move. All employees are required to cooperate with these arrangements, follow instructions, and take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others.
Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work
Before each removal project, Removals Highbury will assess the risks associated with the work. This includes considering access points, stairways, lifts, parking arrangements, traffic routes, manual handling requirements, and any special items such as pianos, safes, or fragile goods.
Where significant risks are identified, we will develop safe systems of work and communicate them clearly to the removal team. Staff must follow these arrangements at all times, adjusting where necessary if conditions change on site while ensuring that safety standards are not compromised.
Manual Handling and Use of Equipment
Manual handling of furniture, boxes, and equipment is a core part of our business. To minimise the risk of musculoskeletal injury, Removals Highbury provides training in safe lifting techniques, team lifting, and the correct use of handling aids.
We will supply suitable equipment such as trolleys, sack trucks, straps, blankets, and ramps where required. All equipment will be maintained in good working order and inspected regularly. Employees must use the equipment provided, avoid attempting to lift loads that are too heavy or awkward, and seek assistance when required.
Vehicle Safety and Driving Standards
Removals Highbury ensures that all vehicles used for removal services are properly maintained, inspected, and roadworthy. Drivers must hold the appropriate licence for the vehicle they operate and follow road traffic laws at all times.
Safe driving practices, appropriate loading and securing of goods, and careful manoeuvring in residential streets and commercial areas are essential to protect our staff, customers, and other road users. Drivers are responsible for checking loads, reporting defects or concerns, and never operating vehicles when unfit to drive.
Training, Information, and Supervision
All staff receive induction training covering company health and safety rules, accident reporting, manual handling, use of equipment, and safe working at customers’ premises. Additional role-specific training is provided where required.
Supervisors and team leaders monitor working practices on site, providing guidance and corrective action where necessary. Refresher training is arranged periodically to ensure that skills and knowledge remain up to date and that new safe practices are understood and applied.
Working at Customer Premises
Removals Highbury recognises that many removal activities take place in homes, offices, or shared buildings. Our staff will show respect for each property and work to keep all areas safe and tidy while on site.
Trip hazards such as trailing straps or packing materials will be minimised and managed. Where heavy or bulky items are being moved, our team may request that customers, visitors, and non-essential personnel stay clear of the immediate work area to reduce the risk of accidental injury.
Customer Cooperation and Information
We ask customers to inform us in advance of any known hazards at their premises, such as limited access, unstable flooring, low lighting, or items requiring special handling. This helps us plan the move safely and provide the right equipment and personnel.
Customers are requested to keep children, pets, and visitors away from active work areas during loading and unloading, and to follow any safety guidance provided by our team on the day of the move.
Accident, Incident, and Near Miss Reporting
Removals Highbury encourages the reporting of all accidents, incidents, and near misses, regardless of severity. This allows us to investigate what happened, take corrective action, and prevent recurrence.
All employees must report injuries, unsafe conditions, or damaged equipment to their supervisor as soon as possible. Records of incidents will be maintained and reviewed regularly as part of our commitment to continual improvement.
Health, Welfare, and Fitness for Work
We recognise the physical nature of removal work and the importance of our employees’ health and welfare. Staff are expected to present themselves fit for duty, free from the influence of alcohol or drugs, and capable of safely carrying out their tasks.
Removals Highbury will consider individual health needs where they affect work and, where possible, adjust duties to ensure that employees can work safely without placing themselves or others at risk.
Review and Continuous Improvement
This Health and Safety policy will be reviewed regularly and whenever there are significant changes in our operations, legislation, or best practice within the removals industry. We will consult with employees on health and safety matters and welcome feedback from customers regarding any safety concerns they may observe.
By following this policy and working cooperatively, Removals Highbury aims to carry out every move efficiently, professionally, and with the highest regard for the safety of everyone involved.
