Health and Safety policy
Health and Safety Policy for Removal Van Colliers Wood
Removal Van Colliers Wood is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for our employees, customers, contractors and members of the public who may be affected by our activities. This Health and Safety policy sets out our approach to managing risks associated with removals, transportation and related services within our operating area.
Our Health and Safety Objectives
Our primary objective is to prevent accidents, injuries and work-related ill health. We aim to identify hazards, assess risks and implement effective control measures for every job. We strive to continually improve our health and safety performance and to comply with all applicable health and safety legislation and recognised industry best practice.
Management Responsibilities
Senior management holds overall responsibility for ensuring that this policy is implemented, maintained and reviewed regularly. Management will provide the necessary resources, information, instruction, training and supervision to enable employees to work safely.
Managers and supervisors are responsible for planning work so that it can be carried out safely, ensuring that risk assessments are completed where necessary, and that appropriate equipment is available, inspected and used correctly. They must lead by example, promote safe behaviour and promptly investigate any accidents, near misses or hazardous conditions.
Employee Responsibilities
Every employee has a duty to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions or omissions. Employees must follow all safety procedures, use equipment correctly, and cooperate fully with the measures implemented under this policy.
Employees are required to report hazards, defects, accidents, near misses and concerns to management without delay. They must never misuse or interfere with anything provided in the interests of health, safety and welfare.
Safe Handling, Lifting and Moving
Manual handling is a key element of our work. To reduce the risk of injury, we provide training in safe lifting techniques and the correct use of handling aids. Wherever practicable, we will assess loads and routes before moving items, considering weight, size, shape and any potential obstacles.
Staff must avoid lifting loads that are excessively heavy or awkward for one person. When team lifting is required, tasks should be coordinated and communication maintained throughout the lift. Mechanical aids such as trolleys, dollies, straps and ramps should be used whenever available and appropriate.
Vehicle Safety and Driving Standards
Our vehicles are essential to our services and must be operated safely at all times. Drivers are required to hold the appropriate licence, follow road traffic laws and adhere to company driving standards. Regular vehicle checks are carried out to ensure that brakes, tyres, lights, securing points and other safety-related components are in good condition.
Loads must be evenly distributed and properly secured within the vehicle to prevent movement during transit. Drivers must not begin a journey until they are satisfied that the load is safe and that doors, tailgates and ramps are correctly closed and locked. Fatigue management, safe speeds and compliance with traffic regulations are mandatory requirements for all driving activities.
Working at Customer Premises
Many of our activities take place at customer homes, offices and other premises. Our teams will conduct a visual assessment on arrival to identify hazards such as uneven surfaces, narrow staircases, low ceilings, poor lighting or restricted access. Where risks are identified, the team leader will decide on suitable control measures, which may include adjusting the route, using additional equipment or seeking assistance.
We take care to protect both people and property during our work. This includes maintaining clear walkways, using appropriate coverings where required, and ensuring that doors, lifts and access points are used safely. Our staff will show respect for customers and neighbours and aim to minimise disruption in the surrounding area.
Use of Equipment and Personal Protective Equipment
Removal Van Colliers Wood provides equipment that is suitable for the tasks undertaken, including removal blankets, straps, barrows, ramps and other handling aids. All equipment must be inspected before use and any damage or defect reported immediately. Faulty equipment must be taken out of service until it has been repaired or replaced.
Where necessary, personal protective equipment such as gloves, safety footwear and high visibility clothing will be provided. Employees must use this equipment as instructed and take care of it, reporting any loss or damage so it can be replaced promptly.
Training, Information and Supervision
We provide induction and ongoing training to ensure that all employees understand their health and safety responsibilities and are competent to perform their roles. Training may include manual handling, safe driving, use of equipment, emergency procedures and customer site awareness.
Supervision levels are set according to the nature of the work and the experience of the team. New staff and those in training will work under closer supervision until they have demonstrated sufficient competence.
Accident Reporting and Emergency Procedures
All accidents, incidents and near misses must be reported as soon as possible so that they can be recorded, investigated and, where necessary, lead to improvements in our procedures. We treat near misses as valuable learning opportunities and encourage open reporting without blame.
Our teams are briefed on emergency procedures, including what to do in the event of fire, injury, vehicle breakdown or collision. At customer premises, we will follow local emergency arrangements where they exist and cooperate fully with any building management or emergency services.
Consultation and Communication
We recognise the value of involving employees in health and safety matters. We encourage feedback, suggestions and discussions about safety issues and improvements. Information about changes to procedures, new risks or updated legal requirements is communicated to staff in a timely and clear manner.
Review of this Policy
This Health and Safety policy is reviewed regularly and updated when necessary to reflect changes in our operations, legislation or industry best practice. The latest version of the policy is made available to all employees and can be supplied to customers or other interested parties on request.
By following this policy, Removal Van Colliers Wood seeks to ensure that all removal and transport activities in our service area are carried out as safely as reasonably practicable, protecting our teams, our customers and the wider community.
