Battersea Removals Health and Safety Policy

Battersea 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 moves, packing, loading and unloading, transportation, and short-term handling or storage of items.

Our objective is to prevent injury, ill health, and damage to property by identifying hazards, assessing risks, and implementing effective control measures across all aspects of our removals operations.

Management Responsibilities and Commitment

The management of Battersea Removals accepts overall responsibility for health and safety within the company. We will provide clear leadership, allocate adequate resources, and ensure that health and safety considerations are integrated into our everyday decision-making and planning for removal services.

Management will review this policy periodically, and whenever there are significant changes to legislation, our operations, or the nature of the services we provide. We are committed to continuous improvement in our health and safety performance and to maintaining high standards throughout our service area.

Employee Responsibilities

Every employee, from office staff to drivers and porters, has a responsibility to work safely and to cooperate fully with this policy. All staff must:

Take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions or omissions.

Follow all safety instructions, safe systems of work, and training provided.

Use correctly any equipment, personal protective equipment, and tools supplied by the company.

Report any hazards, near misses, accidents, or incidents immediately to their supervisor or manager.

Refrain from any horseplay, unsafe behaviour, or misuse of equipment that may put themselves or others at risk.

Risk Assessment and Planning for Removals

For all moves, whether domestic or commercial, Battersea Removals will carry out suitable and sufficient risk assessments. These assessments will consider factors such as property access, stairs and lifts, parking and loading restrictions, manual handling requirements, size and weight of items, and any specialist equipment needed.

Risk assessments will be used to plan the move, determine staffing levels, select appropriate vehicles and equipment, and implement control measures to minimise risks to both staff and customers. Site-specific assessments may be completed on arrival at premises where required.

Manual Handling and Lifting Safety

Manual handling is a key element of removal work. To reduce the risk of injury, Battersea Removals will:

Provide training in safe lifting and handling techniques to all relevant staff.

Encourage the use of team lifting for heavy or awkward items.

Use mechanical aids such as sack trucks, trolleys, and lifting straps where appropriate.

Assess the weight, size, and shape of items and plan lifting routes to avoid obstructions and hazards.

No employee should attempt to lift or carry any item that they believe may pose a risk to their health or safety. Employees are required to request assistance or additional equipment when necessary.

Vehicle Safety and Driving Standards

Our drivers and crew members must operate vehicles safely and in accordance with road traffic laws and company procedures. Battersea Removals will:

Ensure vehicles are maintained, serviced, and inspected regularly.

Require drivers to conduct daily vehicle checks and report defects immediately.

Secure loads correctly to prevent movement during transit and reduce the risk of damage or injury.

Plan routes to minimise risks, taking into account local conditions, access limitations, and any restrictions affecting our service area.

Drivers must not operate vehicles under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or when unfit due to fatigue or illness.

Use of Equipment and Personal Protective Equipment

Battersea Removals will provide suitable equipment such as moving blankets, trolleys, harnesses, and protective materials to support safe working practices. Where necessary, personal protective equipment may be supplied, such as gloves or safety footwear, and employees are required to use this equipment as instructed.

All equipment will be regularly checked and maintained in a safe condition. Defective equipment must be reported immediately and taken out of use until repaired or replaced.

Customer and Public Safety

We recognise our duty to protect customers, visitors, and members of the public from risks that may arise from our activities. Our crews are instructed to:

Maintain clear walkways and access routes during removals.

Use warning signs or verbal warnings where there is a risk from moving items or vehicles.

Park and load vehicles in a way that minimises obstruction and danger to pedestrians and other road users.

Handle customers possessions with care to avoid damage and prevent hazards such as trip risks from packing materials.

Training, Information, and Supervision

Battersea Removals will provide appropriate health and safety training to all employees, including induction training for new starters and refresher training where necessary. Training will cover relevant topics such as manual handling, vehicle safety, equipment use, and incident reporting.

Supervisors and team leaders are responsible for monitoring working practices on site, ensuring that procedures are followed, and providing guidance or corrective action when required.

Accident Reporting and Emergency Procedures

All accidents, incidents, and near misses must be reported to management as soon as possible so that they can be recorded, investigated, and appropriate corrective measures implemented. We will keep records of incidents to help identify trends and areas for improvement.

Emergency procedures, including fire safety, first aid, and dealing with injuries or sudden illness, will be communicated to staff. Vehicles and teams will have access to basic first aid provision appropriate to the nature of their work.

Monitoring, Review, and Continuous Improvement

The effectiveness of this Health and Safety Policy will be monitored through regular inspections, incident reviews, feedback from staff and customers, and periodic management reviews. Where improvements are identified, we will update our procedures and provide additional training or resources as required.

Battersea Removals is committed to working safely and responsibly across all areas in which we operate. By following this policy and working together, we aim to ensure that every removal is carried out with the highest regard for health, safety, and the wellbeing of everyone involved.