Redbridge Removals Health and Safety Policy

Redbridge Removals is committed to providing a professional, safe and healthy working environment for all employees, contractors, customers and members of the public who may be affected by our activities. This Health and Safety policy sets out the principles and standards we follow when carrying out removals, packing, loading, transport and delivery services.

Our Health and Safety Objectives

The primary objectives of this policy are to prevent injury and ill health, to comply with all relevant health and safety legislation and to promote a positive safety culture across our business. We aim to continually improve our safety performance and to integrate health and safety considerations into all planning and operational decisions.

Management Responsibilities

The management team at Redbridge Removals holds overall responsibility for health and safety. Management will ensure that adequate resources, information, training and supervision are provided so that work can be carried out safely and without unacceptable risk. Managers are responsible for implementing this policy, monitoring compliance and taking prompt action where improvements are required.

Management will periodically review this policy to ensure it remains current, effective and appropriate to the nature and scale of our removal services and the areas in which we operate.

Employee Responsibilities

All employees, including temporary and agency workers, share responsibility for maintaining a safe working environment. Every team member must take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions or omissions.

Employees are required to follow all safety procedures, use equipment correctly, wear appropriate personal protective equipment where issued, and report any hazards, near misses, accidents, injuries or unsafe practices to their line manager or supervisor without delay.

Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices

Redbridge Removals conducts risk assessments for typical removal activities, including manual handling, packing, loading, unloading, driving and working at customers premises. These assessments identify potential hazards and specify suitable control measures to reduce risks to an acceptable level.

Safe systems of work are developed and communicated to all relevant staff. These systems cover planning the move, vehicle loading limits, stair and lift use, handling of large or awkward items, and the protection of customers premises and belongings. Risk assessments and safe systems are reviewed regularly and updated as necessary.

Manual Handling and Use of Equipment

Manual handling is a core part of removal work and presents a significant risk if not managed correctly. Redbridge Removals provides manual handling training for staff so they understand correct lifting techniques, the importance of team lifts, and how to use handling aids such as trolleys and straps.

Employees must assess each lift before starting work, considering the weight, shape, stability and route. Where an item is too heavy or awkward to move safely, staff must request assistance or use appropriate equipment rather than attempting to move it alone.

All vehicles, tools and handling equipment are maintained in good condition. Faulty or damaged equipment must be taken out of service and reported immediately.

Driving and Road Safety

Our drivers are expected to operate vehicles safely, courteously and in compliance with road traffic laws. Vehicles are checked regularly, and any defects are reported and addressed as a priority. Drivers must not operate a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs or when fatigued to a level that could compromise safety.

Journey planning takes account of realistic travel times, secure parking, loading and unloading locations and the safety of staff and the public in the vicinity of our vehicles.

Customer and Public Safety

Redbridge Removals recognises its duty to protect customers and members of the public during our work. Our teams will take reasonable steps to minimise disruption and prevent accidents, such as securing doors, managing cables and equipment, and keeping access routes clear where possible.

Where there are particular risks at a property, such as restricted access, uneven surfaces or shared communal areas, our staff will assess these conditions and agree safe working arrangements before proceeding.

Training, Information and Supervision

We provide appropriate health and safety training to employees at induction and on an ongoing basis. This includes training on manual handling, vehicle and equipment use, accident reporting, safe loading, and working safely at customers premises.

Supervisors and team leaders are responsible for monitoring day-to-day work, ensuring that safe practices are followed and providing guidance and support where required. Additional training will be provided whenever new equipment is introduced, new tasks are undertaken or when risk assessments identify a need for further instruction.

Accident and Incident Reporting

All accidents, injuries, near misses and dangerous occurrences must be reported as soon as possible. Redbridge Removals keeps records of such events and investigates them to identify root causes and implement corrective actions. Lessons learned are shared with staff to help prevent recurrence and to support continuous improvement.

Health, Welfare and Fitness for Work

We recognise that the health and wellbeing of our staff directly affects the safety and quality of our removal services. Employees are encouraged to report any health issues that may impact their ability to carry out work safely. Where appropriate, adjustments to duties or additional support may be provided.

We aim to promote a culture in which concerns about safety or health can be raised openly without fear of criticism. Everyone is encouraged to contribute ideas for improving safety standards.

Policy Communication and Review

This Health and Safety policy is communicated to all employees and made available to customers and other interested parties upon request. It is reviewed at least annually and whenever there are significant changes in legislation, our operations or identified risks. Redbridge Removals is committed to continual improvement and to upholding the highest reasonable standards of health and safety across all our removal activities.