Wandsworth Removals Health and Safety Policy

Wandsworth Removals is fully committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for our employees, contractors, customers, visitors, and members of the public who may be affected by our removal and relocation activities. We recognise that high standards of health and safety are essential to the quality of our services and to the wellbeing of everyone involved in our operations.

Our Health and Safety Commitments

We will take all reasonably practicable steps to prevent accidents, injuries, ill health, and damage to property arising from our work. Health and safety considerations are integrated into the planning and delivery of all removal services, including domestic moves, commercial relocations, packing, loading, transportation, and storage activities.

This policy applies to all employees of Wandsworth Removals and to any contractors or agency workers engaged to work on our behalf. We expect all parties to cooperate in implementing this policy and to ensure their own safety and that of others.

Legal Compliance and Continuous Improvement

Wandsworth Removals will comply with all applicable health and safety legislation, regulations, and approved codes of practice relevant to removal and transport operations. We will monitor changes in legal requirements and industry guidance and update our procedures when necessary.

We are committed to continual improvement in health and safety performance. We will review our systems, investigate incidents, and act on feedback to identify opportunities for safer working practices and improved risk control.

Roles and Responsibilities

The management of Wandsworth Removals has overall responsibility for implementing this policy and for providing adequate resources to manage health and safety effectively. Managers and supervisors are responsible for ensuring that safe systems of work are in place, that staff are trained and supervised, and that any health and safety issues are dealt with promptly.

Employees at all levels are required to:

Take reasonable care for their own health and safety and for the safety of others who may be affected by their acts or omissions; cooperate with the company on all health and safety matters; follow safety instructions, procedures, and training; use equipment and vehicles correctly and report any defects immediately; and report accidents, incidents, near misses, and hazards without delay.

Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work

Before carrying out removal work, Wandsworth Removals will assess the risks associated with the specific job, including the nature of the premises, access routes, parking arrangements, manual handling requirements, and any special items such as pianos, safes, or fragile goods.

Where significant risks are identified, we will develop appropriate control measures and safe systems of work. These may include:

Planning safe access and egress at collection and delivery addresses; agreeing suitable loading and unloading areas; using mechanical aids such as trolleys, dollies, lifting straps, and ramps; ensuring sufficient staff are assigned to handle heavy or bulky items; and taking precautions to protect customers, neighbours, and the general public from moving vehicles and loads.

Manual Handling and Musculoskeletal Safety

Manual handling is a core part of removal operations and can present a risk of injury if not managed properly. Wandsworth Removals will:

Provide manual handling training that covers lifting techniques, team handling, and the use of handling aids; plan tasks to minimise unnecessary lifting, carrying, and awkward postures; require staff to assess each lift before proceeding, considering weight, shape, and route; and encourage employees to stop and seek assistance where a load is too heavy or unsafe to move alone.

Vehicles, Driving, and Traffic Management

Wandsworth Removals will ensure that vehicles used in our operations are suitable, maintained, and inspected regularly. Drivers must be appropriately licensed, competent, and fit to drive.

We will manage driving and traffic risks by:

Planning routes and schedules to allow adequate time and reduce pressure on drivers; ensuring vehicles are loaded securely and within safe weight limits; taking extra care when reversing and manoeuvring in residential streets and busy areas; using banksmen where necessary to guide vehicles safely; and following all applicable road traffic laws and industry best practices.

Equipment, Tools, and Personal Protective Equipment

All equipment and tools used in removal work, including sack trucks, trolleys, ramps, and lifting aids, will be inspected, maintained, and used according to manufacturer guidance and our internal procedures.

Where required, personal protective equipment such as gloves, safety footwear, and high-visibility clothing will be provided and must be worn as instructed. Employees are responsible for taking reasonable care of any equipment issued to them and for reporting defects or damage.

Housekeeping, Slips, Trips, and Falls

Good housekeeping is essential to safe removal operations. Wandsworth Removals will keep work areas, vehicles, and storage spaces as tidy and organised as practicable. Staff must avoid leaving boxes, tools, or packing materials in walkways or on stairs and must ensure that doors, gates, and access routes remain clear.

Special attention will be paid to steps, staircases, ramps, and external paths, especially in wet or icy conditions. Where necessary, additional precautions such as warning signs or temporary barriers will be used.

Health, Welfare, and Fitness for Work

Wandsworth Removals recognises that the physical nature of removal work can be demanding. We will encourage employees to maintain good general health and fitness and to report any medical conditions that may affect their ability to perform certain tasks safely.

We will not tolerate the use of alcohol or illegal substances during working hours or in circumstances where their effects may impact safety. Employees must inform management if they are taking prescribed medication that may affect alertness, coordination, or judgment.

Training, Communication, and Supervision

All staff will receive appropriate health and safety induction when joining Wandsworth Removals, followed by task-specific training relevant to their role. Training will cover topics such as manual handling, vehicle safety, use of equipment, emergency procedures, and customer site safety.

We will maintain clear lines of communication on health and safety matters and encourage employees to raise concerns, suggest improvements, and participate in safety discussions. Supervisors will monitor working practices on site and intervene where unsafe behaviour or conditions are observed.

Accidents, Incidents, and Emergency Procedures

All accidents, injuries, near misses, and dangerous occurrences must be reported as soon as possible to a manager or supervisor. Wandsworth Removals will investigate incidents to identify root causes and implement corrective actions.

Emergency procedures will be established for foreseeable situations, such as fire, evacuation, road traffic collisions, and significant property damage. Staff will receive guidance on how to respond in an emergency and how to seek assistance when needed.

Policy Review

This Health and Safety Policy will be reviewed regularly and whenever there are significant changes in our operations, legal requirements, or identified risks. Updated versions will be communicated to all staff and made available to customers on request.

By implementing this policy and working together, Wandsworth Removals aims to ensure that all removal services are delivered safely, responsibly, and with due care for people and property.