Hammersmith Removals Health and Safety Policy

Hammersmith Removals is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for our employees, contractors, customers, and members of the public who may be affected by our activities. This Health and Safety policy sets out the principles, responsibilities, and procedures that guide our operations during every removal, packing, loading, transport, and delivery service.

Our Commitment to Health and Safety

We recognise our duty to manage health and safety risks arising from our work and to comply with all applicable health and safety legislation and recognised industry standards. We will continually review and improve our practices so that our removal services are carried out responsibly, with safety as a priority at every stage.

We aim to prevent injury, ill health, and damage to property by identifying hazards, assessing risks, and implementing proportionate control measures across all areas of our removals operations.

Responsibilities and Accountability

The management of Hammersmith Removals has overall responsibility for ensuring that this Health and Safety policy is implemented and maintained. Managers and supervisors are responsible for promoting safe working practices, conducting and reviewing risk assessments, and making sure that staff have the information, instruction, and training they need to work safely.

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 following company procedures, using equipment correctly, reporting hazards or incidents promptly, and cooperating with management in all matters relating to health and safety.

Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices

Before any removal work begins, we assess risks associated with the property, access routes, parking, lifting, manual handling, and any other relevant site conditions. Where necessary, a site-specific risk assessment will be carried out, with findings communicated to the team involved.

Control measures may include planning safe loading and unloading areas, using appropriate lifting equipment, determining safe routes for carrying items, and identifying any special handling requirements for heavy, fragile, or hazardous items. We seek to minimise risks of slips, trips, and falls, crush injuries, and musculoskeletal strains by planning work carefully and applying recognised best practice in removal operations.

Manual Handling and Use of Equipment

Lifting and carrying furniture, appliances, and boxes is central to our work. Hammersmith Removals provides manual handling training and instruction to reduce the risk of injury. Our staff are trained to assess the weight and shape of items, use correct lifting techniques, ask for assistance when needed, and make use of lifting aids where appropriate.

We supply suitable equipment such as trolleys, dollies, lifting straps, ramps, and protective materials. All equipment is maintained in a safe condition and inspected regularly. Employees must only use equipment they are trained and authorised to use, and must report any defects so that items can be repaired or taken out of service.

Vehicles, Driving and Road Safety

Our vehicles are maintained in a roadworthy condition and inspected at appropriate intervals. Drivers hold the appropriate licences and are expected to follow all road traffic laws and company procedures relating to loading, securing loads, parking, and driving behaviour.

Loads are secured to prevent movement during transit. Drivers must not operate vehicles under the influence of alcohol or drugs and must report any concerns about vehicle safety. Journey planning takes into account realistic timescales, safe routes, and access restrictions to reduce risks associated with fatigue, congestion, and unsuitable roads.

Client and Public Safety

We take reasonable steps to protect clients, visitors, neighbours, and members of the public from risks arising from our activities. This may include managing access to areas where work is taking place, using warning signs where appropriate, and keeping walkways, staircases, and entrances as clear as practicable during removals.

Customers are asked to keep children and pets away from work areas and to inform us of any particular hazards or concerns at the property, such as loose flooring, restricted staircases, or difficult vehicle access. We will work with clients to manage these risks in a practical way.

Training, Information and Supervision

Hammersmith Removals provides employees with training relevant to their roles, including induction training, manual handling, safe use of equipment, and awareness of company health and safety procedures. Training needs are reviewed periodically and when new equipment, vehicles, or working methods are introduced.

Supervision is provided to ensure that safe systems of work are followed, especially for new or inexperienced staff. Health and safety information is communicated clearly, and employees are encouraged to raise any concerns so that they can be addressed promptly.

Accident Reporting and Emergency Procedures

All accidents, incidents, and near misses must be reported as soon as reasonably practicable. This enables us to investigate the causes, take corrective action, and prevent recurrences. Where required by law, certain incidents will be reported to the relevant authorities.

We maintain basic emergency procedures for incidents such as fire, personal injury, and vehicle accidents. Staff are briefed on how to respond in an emergency, including how to obtain medical assistance, evacuate premises safely, and secure the work area to prevent further harm.

Wellbeing, Occupational Health and Fitness for Work

We recognise the physical demands of removal work and the importance of employee wellbeing. Staff are encouraged to report any health issues that may affect their ability to carry out tasks safely. Where possible, adjustments to duties or additional support will be considered to protect the health of our team.

We do not tolerate violence, harassment, or abuse towards our staff. Any threatening behaviour from members of the public or others will be treated seriously and managed in line with company procedures.

Monitoring, Review and Continuous Improvement

This Health and Safety policy is monitored and reviewed regularly to ensure it remains relevant and effective. We take into account changes in legislation, industry guidance, technology, and the nature of our removal services. Feedback from employees and customers, as well as findings from incident investigations and audits, is used to improve our systems and procedures.

Hammersmith Removals expects all employees, contractors, and partners to support and uphold this policy so that we can deliver removal services in a safe, responsible, and professional manner.