Highgate Removals Health and Safety Policy
Highgate Removals 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 activities. This Health and Safety Policy sets out our approach to managing risks associated with removals, packing, loading, transport and delivery of goods across our service areas.
Our Health and Safety Commitment
We recognise that removal work can involve manual handling, driving, use of equipment, and work at clients premises, all of which must be managed safely. We are committed to:
Identifying hazards and assessing risks arising from our activities. Implementing and maintaining controls to prevent injury, ill health and damage to property. Complying with all relevant health and safety legislation and recognised industry best practice. Providing information, instruction, training and supervision so that staff can work safely and competently. Continuously improving our health and safety performance and reviewing this policy on a regular basis.
Responsibilities
Overall responsibility for health and safety within Highgate Removals rests with senior management. They are responsible for ensuring that adequate resources, systems and procedures are in place to meet our legal duties and policy commitments.
Managers and supervisors are responsible for day-to-day implementation of this policy, including planning work safely, carrying out risk assessments, communicating safety requirements and monitoring working practices during removal projects.
All employees have a duty to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions. Staff must cooperate with company procedures, use equipment correctly, follow training and report hazards, near misses, incidents and concerns without delay.
Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices
Before starting a removal project, we will consider the nature of the premises, access routes, parking, lifting requirements, environmental conditions and any specific client needs. Where required, formal risk assessments and method statements will be prepared.
Safe systems of work will be used for all core activities, including packing, dismantling and reassembly of furniture, loading and unloading vehicles, handling fragile or high-value items, and working in multi-storey buildings or confined spaces. Where conditions change, assessments and methods will be reviewed and updated on site.
Manual Handling and Use of Equipment
Manual handling is a key part of removal work and a major focus of our safety arrangements. Highgate Removals seeks to avoid hazardous manual handling where reasonably practicable by using lifting aids, trolleys, dollies and other equipment appropriate to the items being moved.
When lifting or carrying is necessary, tasks will be planned and team lifting used where suitable. Staff receive training on safe lifting techniques, load assessment, posture, and limits of individual capability. No employee is expected to lift or carry loads that are beyond their safe capacity.
All handling equipment, including straps, blankets, trolleys and ramps, will be maintained in good condition, inspected regularly and taken out of service if damaged or defective.
Vehicle Safety and Driving
Our vehicles are essential to the removals service we provide and must be operated safely at all times. Vehicles will be maintained according to manufacturer recommendations and relevant regulations, with regular checks on tyres, brakes, lights, securing points and loading areas.
Only authorised and competent drivers may operate company vehicles. Drivers are expected to follow all road traffic laws, drive defensively, and plan routes to minimise risk and delay. Loads must be properly distributed, secured and checked before departure and at appropriate intervals during journeys.
We will manage driving hours and rest breaks to minimise fatigue, particularly on longer-distance moves within our wider service area.
Customer Premises and Public Safety
Our teams work at private homes, offices and other locations. We will take reasonable steps to protect customers, visitors and the public from hazards that may arise from our work, including the movement of large items, use of equipment and temporary obstruction of access routes.
Access paths, stairways and doorways will be kept as clear as reasonably practicable, and trip hazards such as loose coverings or packing materials will be minimised. Where necessary, signage or verbal warnings will be used to alert people to temporary risks.
Training, Information and Supervision
Highgate Removals will provide appropriate health and safety training to all employees, tailored to their roles and experience. This may include induction training, manual handling, vehicle safety, use of equipment, working in clients premises and emergency procedures.
Refresher training will be provided periodically and when new equipment, processes or legal requirements are introduced. Supervisors will monitor working practices, provide guidance on site and intervene where unsafe behaviour or conditions are identified.
Accidents, Incidents and Near Misses
All accidents, injuries, incidents and near misses must be reported promptly to a manager or supervisor. We will investigate these events to identify root causes and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence.
Where required by law, incidents will be reported to the appropriate authorities. Records of accidents and investigations will be maintained and reviewed to identify trends and opportunities for improvement.
Health, Welfare and Fitness for Work
Highgate Removals recognises the physical nature of removal work and the importance of employee wellbeing. Staff are expected to present themselves fit for work, free from the influence of alcohol, illegal drugs or misuse of medication.
We will encourage employees to report any health conditions or concerns that may affect their ability to work safely, including musculoskeletal issues, fatigue or stress. Where appropriate, adjustments or alternative duties may be considered.
Consultation and Policy Review
We encourage open communication on health and safety matters. Employees are invited to raise suggestions for improvement and to participate in reviews of procedures that affect their work. Feedback from staff and customers is used to refine our safety practices.
This Health and Safety Policy will be reviewed regularly and updated when necessary to reflect changes in legislation, industry standards, our services and operational experience. The latest version will be made available to employees and customers on request.
By following this policy and working together, Highgate Removals aims to deliver reliable, efficient and safe removal services across our operating areas, protecting people, property and the reputation of our company.
