Health and Safety policy
Health and Safety Policy for Removal Van Bermondsey
Removal Van Bermondsey is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for all employees, contractors, customers, and members of the public who may be affected by our removal and transportation activities. This Health and Safety policy sets out our approach to managing risks, preventing injury and ill health, and complying with relevant health and safety legislation and guidance.
Our Health and Safety Objectives
We aim to prevent accidents, injuries, and work-related ill health by identifying hazards, assessing risks, and putting in place effective control measures. We will provide and maintain safe vehicles, equipment, and working systems, and ensure that our staff are trained and competent to carry out their duties safely in homes, offices, and other premises within our service area.
We are committed to the continuous improvement of our health and safety performance and to reviewing this policy regularly so that it remains suitable and effective for our operations.
Roles, Responsibilities, and Communication
Overall responsibility for health and safety within Removal Van Bermondsey rests with the company management, who ensure that appropriate resources are provided and that safe working procedures are implemented and monitored. Supervisors and team leaders are responsible for overseeing day-to-day safety, briefing crews before jobs, and checking that staff follow safe methods and use equipment correctly.
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 follow training and instructions, use equipment properly, report hazards and incidents, and cooperate fully with health and safety measures. We encourage open communication, and employees are invited to raise any concerns or suggestions about safety practices.
Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work
Before starting any removal or delivery task, we assess the risks associated with manual handling, access routes, vehicle movements, and the condition of the items being moved. Where necessary, we conduct site-specific assessments, considering factors such as stairways, narrow corridors, parking restrictions, and shared entrances used by the public.
Safe systems of work are developed and implemented for loading and unloading vehicles, securing loads for transport, handling fragile or heavy items, and working in busy residential and commercial areas. Staff are required to follow these systems and report any situation where they believe the risk is not adequately controlled.
Manual Handling and Use of Equipment
Manual handling is a core part of our activities, and we recognise the potential risks of back injury, strains, and other musculoskeletal problems. We minimise these risks by planning lifts, using team lifting where appropriate, and employing suitable handling aids such as trolleys, dollies, and lifting straps.
Employees receive training in correct lifting techniques, posture, and the importance of assessing each load before moving it. Faulty or damaged equipment must not be used and must be reported immediately so it can be removed from service and repaired or replaced.
Vehicle Safety and Driving Standards
Safe operation of our vehicles is essential for protecting our staff, customers, and other road users. Only authorised and appropriately licensed drivers may operate company vehicles. Drivers must carry out basic pre-use checks, including tyres, lights, mirrors, and load security, and must not drive if a vehicle is unsafe or overloaded.
Loads are to be distributed evenly and secured properly to prevent movement during transport. Drivers are expected to follow the Highway Code, comply with speed limits and parking rules, and take particular care when manoeuvring in residential streets and congested areas. Any collisions, near misses, or damage to vehicles or property must be reported promptly.
Working at Client Premises
When working in customers homes, offices, or other premises, our staff must act with care to protect both people and property. This includes keeping access routes clear, using floor protection where appropriate, and storing tools and equipment safely to avoid trip hazards. Particular attention is paid to children, pets, and vulnerable persons who may be present.
Where access involves stairs, lifts, or shared corridors, our crews plan their work to minimise obstruction and avoid risks from carrying large or awkward items. Staff must follow any site-specific safety rules provided by building managers or customers, provided these do not compromise our own safety standards.
Personal Protective Equipment
We provide suitable personal protective equipment where required by risk assessment. This may include safety footwear, work gloves, and high-visibility clothing for working near traffic or in low-light conditions. Employees are responsible for using PPE correctly, reporting defects, and ensuring that it is kept clean and in good condition.
Incident Reporting and Emergency Procedures
All accidents, injuries, near misses, and cases of damage to property or vehicles must be reported as soon as practicable to a supervisor or manager. We record and investigate incidents to identify root causes and implement corrective actions that can prevent recurrence.
Staff are briefed on emergency procedures, including what to do in the event of fire, serious injury, road traffic collision, or a medical emergency while on a job. Where appropriate, first aid materials are available in vehicles or at our base, and employees are encouraged to familiarise themselves with their location and use.
Training, Supervision, and Monitoring
Removal Van Bermondsey provides initial and ongoing training to ensure staff understand their health and safety responsibilities and are competent in their roles. Training may include manual handling, vehicle safety, use of equipment, dealing with customers, and recognising hazards at different types of premises.
Supervisors monitor working practices on site, and periodic checks are carried out on vehicles, tools, and protective equipment. We review our risk assessments and procedures regularly and whenever there are significant changes to our services or working environment.
Review and Policy Availability
This Health and Safety policy is reviewed regularly to ensure it remains current, effective, and appropriate for our removal operations. Revisions may be made in response to changes in legislation, guidance, or the nature of the work we undertake. The policy is available to all employees and can be made available to customers and other interested parties on request.
By following this policy, Removal Van Bermondsey aims to carry out all removal and transport services in a manner that safeguards the wellbeing of our staff, our customers, and the wider community we serve.
