Health and Safety policy

Hammersmith Removals Health and Safety Policy

Hammersmith 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 removals and relocation activities. This policy sets out our approach to managing health and safety risks across all moves, including residential, commercial, and specialist removals.

Our Health and Safety Commitments

We aim to prevent accidents, injuries, and work-related ill health by identifying hazards, assessing risks, and putting effective control measures in place. Health and safety is a core part of how we plan and deliver every removal project, from initial survey through to the final placement of items at the destination.

Management and staff at Hammersmith Removals are expected to promote a positive health and safety culture and to integrate safe working practices into daily operations. We will comply with all applicable health and safety legislation and recognised industry best practice relevant to the removals sector.

Responsibilities and Roles

Overall responsibility for health and safety lies with the company management, who ensure that adequate resources, training, and supervision are provided. Managers are responsible for implementing this policy, monitoring performance, and taking corrective action where required.

Supervisors and team leaders are responsible for day-to-day enforcement of safe systems of work on removal jobs. They must ensure that staff follow procedures, use equipment correctly, and report hazards or incidents immediately.

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. This includes cooperating with instructions, attending training, wearing appropriate personal protective equipment, and reporting any concerns.

Risk Assessment and Planning

Every removal project is planned with health and safety in mind. We conduct risk assessments to identify potential hazards such as manual handling risks, trips and falls, traffic movement, working at height when loading vehicles, and property-specific risks such as narrow staircases or restricted access.

Control measures may include using lifting aids, planning safe vehicle access routes, allocating appropriate staff numbers, scheduling work to avoid congestion, and agreeing clear communication methods between team members. Where necessary, site-specific instructions will be given to staff before work begins.

Safe Manual Handling and Use of Equipment

Manual handling is a key part of removals work. Hammersmith Removals provides training on safe lifting techniques, team lifts, and correct posture to reduce the risk of musculoskeletal injuries. Heavy, large, or awkward items are handled only by trained staff and, where feasible, with suitable equipment.

We maintain and use appropriate handling equipment such as sack trucks, dollies, furniture sliders, and straps. Vehicles, ramps, and tail lifts are inspected regularly, and any defects are reported and dealt with promptly. Staff are instructed never to exceed safe loading limits or operate equipment for which they are not trained.

Vehicle and Driving Safety

Our removals vehicles are maintained in a roadworthy condition and are suitable for the type of loads they carry. Drivers must hold the correct licence, follow all road traffic regulations, and drive courteously and safely at all times.

Loads are secured to prevent movement during transit, and vehicles are loaded to maintain stability and visibility. Drivers are instructed to plan routes sensibly, allow enough time for journeys, and avoid unnecessary risks when parking or manoeuvring in residential streets or commercial areas.

Customer and Public Safety

We take care to protect customers and members of the public during all stages of the removals process. Where possible, work areas are kept clear of unnecessary obstacles, and access routes are agreed with customers in advance.

Where there is a risk of contact with the public, our crews will take reasonable steps to segregate work areas, use clear verbal communication, and temporarily restrict access to unsafe areas while loading or unloading. We aim to minimise noise, obstruction, and disruption while still working safely and efficiently.

Workplace Conditions and Welfare

Hammersmith Removals is committed to providing safe working conditions and adequate welfare arrangements. Staff must keep work areas, vehicles, and storage spaces tidy to reduce the risk of slips, trips, and falls. Any spillages, damaged flooring, or other hazards must be reported and addressed promptly.

We encourage regular breaks and the sensible management of workload, especially during demanding or long removal days. Staff are reminded of the importance of hydration, correct clothing for weather conditions, and appropriate footwear to support safe working.

Training, Information, and Supervision

All staff receive appropriate induction and ongoing training relevant to their roles, including manual handling, safe use of equipment, and awareness of common hazards in the removals environment. Refresher training is provided as required, and additional guidance is given when new equipment or methods are introduced.

Supervisors ensure that less experienced staff are properly supported and monitored. Clear communication is encouraged within teams so that potential issues can be identified and managed at an early stage.

Incident Reporting and Continuous Improvement

All accidents, near misses, and hazardous occurrences must be reported promptly to management. These events are investigated, and where needed we review and amend procedures to prevent recurrence. Lessons learned are shared with relevant staff, and additional training or controls may be introduced.

Hammersmith Removals reviews this Health and Safety Policy regularly to reflect changes in legislation, industry guidance, and our own operating experience. We are committed to continual improvement and to maintaining high standards of safety for everyone involved in or affected by our removals services.