Health and Safety Policy for Removal Van Canary Wharf
Removal Van Canary Wharf is committed to protecting the health, safety, and welfare of our employees, contractors, customers, and members of the public who may be affected by our removal and delivery activities. This policy sets out the principles and arrangements we follow to provide a safe and healthy working environment throughout our service area.
Our Health and Safety Objectives
We aim to prevent injury, ill health, and damage to property by identifying and managing the hazards associated with removals, transportation, and related services. Our objectives are to comply with all applicable health and safety legislation, continually improve our safety performance, and promote a positive safety culture across the company.
All employees are required to follow this policy and associated procedures, and to take reasonable care of their own safety and the safety of others who may be affected by their actions.
Responsibilities and Management
The overall responsibility for health and safety rests with the company management, who will provide adequate resources, information, and supervision to implement this policy effectively. Management will ensure that risk assessments are carried out, safe systems of work are developed, and that staff are trained and competent to perform their duties safely.
Supervisors and team leaders are responsible for monitoring day-to-day compliance with health and safety procedures, reporting hazards or incidents, and supporting staff to work safely at all times.
All employees must cooperate with the company on health and safety matters, use equipment correctly, follow training and instructions, report hazards and near misses, and not interfere with or misuse anything provided for their health, safety, or welfare.
Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work
We carry out regular risk assessments for our activities, including collection, loading, unloading, and transport of goods. These assessments consider potential hazards such as manual handling, slips and trips, falls from vehicles, traffic movements, use of lifting equipment, and working in and around client premises.
Where risks cannot be eliminated, they are reduced to as low as reasonably practicable by implementing control measures. These may include planning routes and access, using appropriate equipment, assigning sufficient staff to tasks, and ensuring adequate time is allowed so that work is not rushed.
Safe systems of work are communicated to all relevant employees and reviewed periodically or following significant changes in operations or after any incident.
Training, Instruction, and Supervision
Removal Van Canary Wharf ensures that all staff receive appropriate health and safety training for their roles. This includes induction training, manual handling techniques, safe loading and securing of items, vehicle safety, use of trolleys and lifting aids, and awareness of specific risks associated with domestic and commercial removals.
Refresher training is provided where necessary, and additional training is arranged when new equipment, vehicles, or working methods are introduced. Supervisors provide ongoing guidance and monitoring to verify that procedures are followed on site and during journeys.
Manual Handling and Use of Equipment
Manual handling is a key aspect of our work, and we recognise the risk of musculoskeletal injuries if it is not carried out correctly. We plan jobs to minimise the need for high-risk lifting and carrying, using trolleys, dollies, straps, and other handling aids wherever possible. Loads are assessed for weight and stability before being moved.
Employees are trained in safe lifting techniques, team lifting, and recognising when a task is beyond their physical capabilities. No employee is required to undertake manual handling tasks that they consider unsafe.
All equipment, including trolleys, ramps, and other lifting aids, is inspected regularly and maintained in good condition. Defective equipment must be reported immediately and taken out of service until repaired or replaced.
Vehicle Safety and Driving Standards
Our vehicles are maintained in a safe and roadworthy condition in line with legal requirements and manufacturer recommendations. Regular checks and servicing are carried out, and drivers complete daily walkaround inspections to identify any defects before use.
Only authorised, licensed, and competent drivers are permitted to operate company vehicles. Drivers must follow road traffic laws, observe speed limits, and adapt their driving to weather, traffic, and local conditions. Fatigue management is taken seriously, and drivers must not drive while tired, under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or when their ability is otherwise impaired.
Loads are distributed and secured safely to prevent movement in transit. Overloading of vehicles is strictly prohibited. Care is taken when manoeuvring in residential streets, commercial sites, and loading areas to protect pedestrians, other road users, and property.
Working at Client Premises
When working in or around client homes, offices, and other premises, our staff will act with professionalism and take all reasonable steps to prevent accidents and damage. This includes assessing access routes, stairways, lifts, parking, and loading areas before work begins.
Protective coverings and appropriate handling methods are used to minimise the risk of damage to floors, walls, and fixtures. Particular attention is paid to trip hazards from equipment, packaging, and personal belongings, ensuring that walkways are kept as clear as possible.
Where access conditions present additional risks, such as narrow staircases, poor lighting, or uneven surfaces, staff will adapt methods of work, request assistance, or use specialised equipment as required.
Personal Protective Equipment
Personal protective equipment is provided where necessary to control residual risks that cannot be managed by other means. This may include protective footwear, gloves, high visibility clothing, and other items appropriate to the task and environment.
Employees must use the protective equipment supplied to them and report any loss, damage, or defect so that it can be replaced promptly.
Accident, Incident, and Near Miss Reporting
All accidents, incidents, and near misses that occur during our work must be reported as soon as possible to a supervisor or manager. We keep records of such events, investigate the underlying causes, and take corrective action to prevent recurrence.
Where required by law, incidents will be reported to the relevant enforcing authority. Lessons learned from investigations are shared with staff and may result in updates to procedures, risk assessments, or training.
Consultation and Continuous Improvement
Removal Van Canary Wharf consults with employees on health and safety matters and encourages feedback on working practices and potential improvements. Staff are invited to raise concerns, suggest safer methods of work, and participate in developing our safety culture.
This health and safety policy is reviewed periodically and updated as necessary to reflect changes in legislation, industry best practice, and the nature and scale of our operations. By working together, we aim to provide a safe and reliable removals service for customers while safeguarding everyone involved in our activities.
