Health and Safety policy

Haringey Removals Health and Safety Policy

Haringey Removals is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for our employees, customers, contractors, visitors, and members of the public who may be affected by our removal and relocation services. This Health and Safety Policy sets out our approach to managing risk, preventing injury, and promoting safe working practices across all our operations.

We recognise our duty to comply with applicable health and safety legislation and to continually improve our safety performance. Health and safety considerations are integrated into our planning, decision-making, and day-to-day activities, including domestic moves, commercial relocations, packing, loading, transport, and storage.

Health and Safety Objectives

Our primary health and safety objectives are to prevent accidents, injuries, and work-related ill health, protect property and goods in our care, and minimise disruption or harm to customers and the public. We aim to do this by identifying hazards, assessing risks, implementing control measures, and regularly reviewing our procedures to ensure they remain effective and appropriate for the nature of our removal services.

All managers and supervisors are responsible for promoting a positive safety culture and leading by example. Every member of staff is expected to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their work.

Responsibilities and Management

The management of Haringey Removals retains overall responsibility for health and safety throughout the company. Management will ensure that suitable resources, training, and supervision are provided so that this policy can be effectively implemented and maintained.

Supervisors and team leaders are responsible for ensuring that safe working procedures are followed on every removal project, including during planning, loading, unloading, driving, and delivery activities. They must carry out or support risk assessments, communicate control measures to staff, and take prompt action to address unsafe practices or conditions.

Employees must cooperate fully with all health and safety requirements, follow guidance and instructions, use equipment correctly, report hazards, incidents, and near misses, and refrain from any behaviour that could endanger themselves or others.

Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work

We carry out risk assessments to identify potential hazards associated with removal work, such as manual handling, working in confined spaces or at height, moving heavy or awkward items, operating vehicles, using lifting equipment, and working in customers’ homes, offices, and communal areas.

Based on these assessments, we implement safe systems of work that may include route planning, load securing procedures, lifting techniques, use of trolleys and other aids, clear communication between team members, and controls around access, parking, and traffic management when loading or unloading vehicles.

Risk assessments and procedures are reviewed regularly, particularly when there are changes in legislation, equipment, working methods, or the nature of the moving services we provide.

Manual Handling and Use of Equipment

Manual handling is a core part of our operations. To reduce the risk of strains, sprains, and other injuries, we ensure that all staff receive suitable training in safe lifting and carrying techniques, team lifting, and the use of appropriate handling aids such as sack trucks, dollies, and furniture sliders.

Where reasonably practicable, mechanical aids or additional manpower are used to handle heavy or bulky items. Employees are instructed not to attempt to lift or move items beyond their capability and to seek assistance whenever necessary.

All equipment, including lifting aids, straps, blankets, and ramps, is inspected regularly and maintained in safe working condition. Defective or damaged equipment is removed from service immediately.

Vehicle Safety and Driving Standards

Our vehicles are a critical part of our business and are maintained to a high standard in line with manufacturer guidance and legal requirements. Regular checks are carried out on brakes, tyres, lights, securing points, and other safety-related components.

Drivers are required to hold the appropriate licences and to follow company driving standards, including compliance with speed limits, safe loading practices, and secure stowage of goods to prevent movement during transit. Drivers must also follow regulations relating to driving hours and rest breaks to manage fatigue.

Parking and access at collection and delivery sites are planned carefully to minimise risks to pedestrians, customers, and team members. Where necessary, a team member will act as a banksman to guide vehicles safely.

Personal Protective Equipment and Workplace Hygiene

Where risk assessments indicate a need, suitable personal protective equipment such as safety footwear, gloves, and high-visibility clothing will be provided and must be used as instructed. Employees are responsible for keeping their PPE in good condition and reporting any damage or loss.

We encourage good hygiene practices, particularly when working in varied environments. Staff are instructed to maintain clean vehicles and equipment, minimise dust and debris when handling items, and use appropriate protective measures where there is a risk from dirt, sharp edges, or contaminated materials.

Training, Information, and Communication

Training is essential to our health and safety approach. All new employees receive an induction that includes an overview of this policy, our safe working procedures, emergency arrangements, reporting procedures, and the specific risks associated with removal work.

Ongoing training is provided to ensure that staff remain competent, including refreshers on manual handling, vehicle safety, use of equipment, and customer site safety. Any changes to procedures or introduction of new equipment are supported with additional instruction and supervision.

We maintain clear communication channels so that employees can raise health and safety concerns and receive prompt feedback. Important safety information is shared through briefings, toolbox talks, and written guidance.

Incident Reporting and Emergency Procedures

All accidents, injuries, near misses, and dangerous occurrences must be reported in line with our internal procedures. Incident reports are investigated to identify root causes and to put corrective and preventive measures in place. Lessons learned are shared with relevant staff to avoid recurrence.

Emergency procedures are in place for fire, accidents on site, vehicle incidents, and other urgent situations. Employees are trained to follow these procedures, including safe evacuation routes, emergency contact arrangements, and how to obtain medical assistance when required.

Consultation and Continuous Improvement

We value feedback from employees and customers on safety matters. Where practical, we consult with staff when reviewing or developing health and safety procedures, and we encourage suggestions for improving safety performance and working conditions.

This Health and Safety Policy is reviewed regularly and updated as necessary to reflect changes in legislation, industry best practice, and our operational experience. Senior management is committed to ensuring that the policy is fully implemented, communicated, and understood at all levels of Haringey Removals.

By working together and taking responsibility for our actions, we aim to deliver a professional removal service that protects the wellbeing of everyone involved.