Removal Van Clapham Health and Safety Policy
This Health and Safety policy sets out the commitments and arrangements of Removal Van Clapham to provide a safe and healthy working environment for our employees, contractors, customers and members of the public. Our services involve lifting, loading, transporting and unloading goods, and we recognise the importance of managing risks associated with removal activities in homes, offices and other locations across our service area.
Our Health and Safety Objectives
Removal Van Clapham aims to prevent injury, ill health and damage to property arising from our operations. We will identify and control hazards related to manual handling, driving, vehicle loading, use of equipment, and working in and around client premises. Our objectives are to comply with relevant health and safety legislation, promote safe working practices and continually improve our performance.
Management Responsibilities
Senior management at Removal Van Clapham holds overall responsibility for health and safety. Management will provide leadership, resources and systems to implement this policy and will ensure that health and safety is integrated into planning, supervision and delivery of all removal services. Managers will regularly review procedures, investigate accidents and near misses, and take corrective action where necessary.
Management will ensure that all vehicles, lifting aids, trolleys and associated equipment are properly maintained, inspected and suitable for their intended purpose. Risk assessments and method statements will be prepared and reviewed periodically to address key tasks such as packing, lifting, loading, transporting, parking, and working at different customer locations.
Employee Responsibilities
All employees of Removal Van Clapham are required to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their work. Employees must follow the training and instructions provided, use equipment correctly, and cooperate with managers and supervisors on all health and safety matters.
Every team member is responsible for reporting hazards, defects, accidents and near misses promptly so that appropriate remedial action can be taken. Employees must not misuse or tamper with any safety equipment or vehicles and must immediately notify management of any health conditions that may affect their ability to perform removal duties safely.
Safe Working Practices for Removals
Removal Van Clapham will plan each move to minimise risk. This includes assessing access routes, stairways, lifts, parking arrangements and any site-specific hazards before work begins. Where necessary, we will agree safe loading and unloading areas with customers to reduce the risk of collision, obstruction or harm to the public.
Manual handling is a core part of removal work. Our movers are trained in correct lifting techniques, use of handling equipment such as dollies and sack trucks, and safe team lifting practices. Heavy or awkward items will be moved using appropriate equipment or additional personnel to prevent strains, sprains and other musculoskeletal injuries.
When working in homes or business premises, staff must keep walkways clear, use safe stacking methods, and ensure that doors, stairways and access routes remain unobstructed. Any fragile, sharp or hazardous items identified will be handled in accordance with specific procedures, and staff will take care to avoid damage to the customer’s property and furnishings while maintaining safe working conditions.
Vehicle and Driving Safety
Our vehicles are central to our operations. Removal Van Clapham will ensure that vehicles are roadworthy, regularly inspected and maintained in accordance with manufacturer and legal requirements. Drivers are required to complete basic checks before use and report any defects without delay.
Driving duties will be planned to avoid excessive working hours and to reduce the risk of fatigue. Drivers must comply with traffic laws, speed limits and parking regulations throughout our operating area. Loads will be secured within vehicles using suitable restraints, and weight limits will not be exceeded. Doors, ramps and tail lifts, where fitted, must be used following training and must never be operated by untrained personnel.
Training, Information and Supervision
Removal Van Clapham provides appropriate health and safety training to all employees, including induction training and job-specific instruction covering manual handling, use of equipment, vehicle safety and emergency procedures. Refresher training will be carried out as necessary, and additional training will be given when new equipment or processes are introduced.
Supervisors are responsible for monitoring safe working practices on jobs, especially where new staff or higher-risk activities are involved. Information on hazards, control measures and procedures is communicated clearly to employees to ensure that everyone understands their responsibilities.
Risk Assessment and Accident Reporting
Formal risk assessments will be conducted for key activities undertaken by Removal Van Clapham. Findings will be used to implement control measures and safe systems of work. Assessments will be reviewed periodically and after any significant change to work processes, equipment or locations.
All accidents, injuries, property damage and near misses must be reported promptly. Incidents will be investigated to identify causes and implement preventive measures. Where required, incidents will be reported to the relevant authorities in line with legal requirements.
Consultation and Continuous Improvement
Removal Van Clapham values the input of employees in improving health and safety. Staff are encouraged to raise concerns, suggest improvements and participate in discussions about safe working practices. Feedback from customers on safety-related matters is also welcomed and will be considered when reviewing our procedures.
This Health and Safety policy will be reviewed regularly to ensure it remains effective, relevant and aligned with legal obligations and best practice for the removals industry. Updated versions will be communicated to all employees and made available to customers on request.
