Hammersmith Removals Health and Safety Policy

Hammersmith Removals is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for all employees, contractors, customers and members of the public who may be affected by our removals and relocation activities. This policy sets out our approach to managing health and safety risks in all aspects of our operations, including domestic and commercial removals, packing, transportation, loading, unloading and storage services.

Policy Statement and Objectives

The management of Hammersmith Removals recognises its duty to comply with applicable health and safety law and to follow industry best practice. Our objective is to prevent injury, ill health, damage to property and harm to the environment arising from our work. We will actively promote a culture where safety is an integral part of planning and delivering every removal project, regardless of size or complexity.

This policy will be reviewed regularly, updated as necessary and communicated to all employees so they understand their responsibilities and the standards expected of them.

Management Responsibilities

Senior management at Hammersmith Removals is responsible for implementing and maintaining this policy. This includes providing leadership on health and safety matters, allocating suitable resources, and ensuring effective arrangements are in place for planning, organising, controlling, monitoring and reviewing health and safety performance.

Managers and supervisors must ensure that risk assessments are carried out for all relevant tasks, that safe systems of work are followed, and that staff are adequately trained and supervised. They must also ensure that equipment and vehicles are suitable, properly maintained and operated in line with manufacturer guidance and legal requirements.

Employee Responsibilities

All employees of Hammersmith Removals have a legal and moral responsibility to take reasonable care of their own health and safety, and that of colleagues, customers and others who may be affected by their actions. Each employee must:

Follow all safety instructions, training and procedures provided by the company.

Use equipment, vehicles, tools and protective equipment correctly and report any defects immediately.

Cooperate with management in implementing this policy and any related procedures.

Report accidents, incidents, near misses and hazards without delay so that appropriate action can be taken to prevent recurrence.

Refrain from engaging in horseplay or unsafe behaviour and never work under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices

Hammersmith Removals will identify, assess and control significant risks associated with our removal and storage services. Risk assessments will cover, as appropriate, manual handling, working at height, vehicle movements, loading and unloading, use of lifting equipment, slips and trips, and work in and around customers premises.

Safe systems of work and method statements will be developed where necessary and communicated to all relevant staff. These will be tailored to particular moves, taking into account access constraints, parking arrangements, fragile or heavy items, and any vulnerable persons who may be present. Staff are expected to follow these procedures in full and raise any concerns before starting work.

Manual Handling and Use of Equipment

Much of our work involves lifting, carrying and moving furniture, appliances and other items. To minimise the risk of injury, Hammersmith Removals will:

Provide manual handling training, including correct lifting techniques, team lifting and use of lifting aids.

Supply suitable equipment such as trolleys, skates, ramps, straps and protective covers to support safe handling.

Plan removals to avoid unnecessary carrying distances and awkward routes wherever possible.

Ensure that heavy or bulky items are moved by sufficient personnel and, where required, by specialist equipment.

Any employee who believes that an item cannot be moved safely must stop and seek further guidance from a supervisor.

Vehicles, Driving and Road Safety

Our vehicles are central to our services and must be operated safely at all times. Hammersmith Removals will maintain vehicles in a roadworthy condition through regular inspections and servicing. Only authorised, competent and licensed drivers may operate company vehicles.

Drivers are expected to comply with traffic laws, speed limits and parking restrictions, and to plan journeys with safety as a priority. Loads must be packed and secured to prevent movement during transit, taking account of weight distribution and the protection of goods. Drivers must not operate vehicles when fatigued and must report any incidents, defects or concerns immediately.

Customer Premises and Public Safety

We recognise our responsibility to protect customers and the public while carrying out removals in homes, offices and other premises. Our teams will work tidily, keep walkways as clear as reasonably practicable and use warning signs or barriers where appropriate. Particular care will be taken on stairs, in shared corridors and on public footpaths or roads when loading and unloading vehicles.

Team leaders will liaise with customers to agree safe access routes, identify any hazards such as loose flooring or restricted spaces, and put in place suitable control measures. Where conditions are unsafe, work may be delayed until a safer arrangement is agreed.

Training, Information and Supervision

Hammersmith Removals will provide appropriate health and safety training to all employees, including induction training for new starters and job-specific training for removal operatives, drivers and supervisors. Refresher training will be arranged when necessary, and staff will be informed about changes to procedures, equipment or legal requirements.

Supervisors will monitor work on site to confirm that safe practices are being followed and to provide guidance where needed. Any identified shortcomings in knowledge or behaviour will be addressed promptly through additional training or corrective action.

Accident Reporting and Emergency Procedures

All accidents, injuries, near misses and dangerous occurrences must be reported promptly to management. Hammersmith Removals will investigate incidents to identify underlying causes and implement measures to prevent recurrence. Records of incidents and corrective actions will be maintained and reviewed regularly.

Emergency procedures will be established for foreseeable situations such as fire, serious injury, vehicle collisions and spills. Staff will be made aware of these procedures and must follow them in the event of an emergency, prioritising the safety of people above property.

Continuous Improvement and Policy Review

Hammersmith Removals is committed to continuously improving health and safety performance. We will review this policy periodically, or following significant changes to our operations or legal requirements, to ensure it remains effective and relevant. Feedback from employees, customers and other stakeholders will be considered as part of this process.

By working together and maintaining a proactive approach to managing risk, Hammersmith Removals aims to deliver professional removal services while protecting the health, safety and welfare of everyone involved.