Health and Safety Policy for Removals Colliers Wood
Removals Colliers Wood is committed to providing a safe, healthy and secure environment for our employees, customers, contractors and any other persons who may be affected by our removals and relocation activities. This Health and Safety Policy sets out our responsibilities, the standards we work to, and the procedures we follow to manage risks associated with domestic and commercial moves.
Our Health and Safety Objectives
Our primary objective is to prevent injury, ill health and damage to property during all moving and storage operations. We aim to identify hazards, assess and control risks, and continuously improve our performance in every area of our removals work, from packing and loading to transport, unloading and placement of goods.
Safety is an integral part of our planning for every removal service, whether a small flat move, a large household relocation or an office or commercial premises move.
Management Responsibilities
Company management is responsible for implementing and maintaining this Health and Safety Policy. Responsibilities include:
Ensuring that adequate resources, equipment and information are provided to support safe working practices. Reviewing and updating risk assessments and safe systems of work for all removals operations. Providing appropriate training, supervision and instruction so that employees can carry out their tasks safely and competently. Monitoring health and safety performance and taking corrective action where necessary. Promoting a positive health and safety culture, where safety concerns are raised promptly and addressed effectively.
Employee Responsibilities
Every employee of Removals Colliers Wood 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 are expected to:
Follow all health and safety procedures, instructions and training provided. Use equipment, vehicles and personal protective equipment correctly and report defects immediately. Cooperate with management in the implementation of this policy and related procedures. Report any hazards, incidents, accidents or near misses without delay. Refrain from any behaviour that could compromise safety, including unsafe lifting, running on site, or ignoring traffic and site rules.
Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices
Before any removal or relocation work begins, we assess the risks associated with the specific property, access routes, items to be moved and any special requirements. Typical factors considered include:
Access constraints such as narrow stairways, high floors, or limited parking and loading areas. The weight, size and fragility of items such as furniture, appliances, pianos or office equipment. Manual handling risks and the need for additional staff or specialist lifting equipment. Weather conditions and lighting that may affect external loading areas. Specific customer needs, such as maintaining access for residents, staff or visitors during a move.
From these assessments we establish safe systems of work, including use of appropriate lifting techniques, securing of loads, vehicle positioning, and safe routes for carrying items through buildings and outdoor areas.
Manual Handling and Use of Equipment
Manual handling is a key part of removals activity. To minimise the risk of injury, we:
Provide training in correct lifting and carrying techniques, including team lifts for heavier items. Use trolleys, dollies, sliders, lifting straps and other aids where appropriate. Plan lifts to avoid twisting, over-reaching, and carrying loads over long distances without breaks. Use suitable vehicles with ramps or tail lifts where needed and ensure loads are properly secured for transit.
All equipment used in our moving services is inspected regularly and maintained to ensure it is safe and suitable for use.
Vehicle Safety and Transport
Our drivers and removal teams follow strict procedures to ensure safe transport of goods and the protection of road users and the public. This includes:
Carrying out pre-use vehicle checks and reporting defects. Ensuring loads are evenly distributed, secured and covered where necessary. Observing speed limits, parking rules and safe driving practices at all times. Planning routes to minimise disruption in residential and commercial areas and to avoid unsafe manoeuvres. Using hazard warning systems when loading and unloading at the roadside.
Customer and Public Safety
We recognise our responsibility to protect customers, visitors, neighbours and members of the public while our removal teams are working. Measures include:
Maintaining clear access paths and keeping exits free from obstruction. Using warning signs or verbal guidance where necessary to alert people to moving activities. Taking care to minimise noise, dust and disruption while loading and unloading. Avoiding blocking pavements and shared access routes for longer than is reasonably necessary.
Personal Protective Equipment
Where risks cannot be adequately controlled by other means, we provide and require the use of suitable personal protective equipment. This may include safety footwear, gloves, high visibility garments and any additional items identified by risk assessment. Employees must wear and maintain their protective equipment as instructed.
Training, Information and Supervision
Health and safety training is provided to all new employees and updated when roles, equipment or procedures change. Training includes manual handling, safe use of vehicles and equipment, site awareness and emergency procedures. Supervisors ensure that new staff are appropriately supported and that all team members understand the specific safety requirements of each move.
Accident Reporting and Emergency Procedures
All accidents, incidents, injuries and near misses must be reported to management as soon as possible. We investigate such events to identify root causes and take corrective action to prevent recurrence. Emergency procedures are in place for fire, injury, road traffic incidents and other foreseeable events, and are communicated to staff as part of their training and job instructions.
Health and Welfare
We recognise that removals work can be physically demanding. We encourage sensible workload planning, adequate rest breaks, hydration and the early reporting of any signs of strain or ill health. Fit-for-work requirements are monitored, and no employee is permitted to work under the influence of alcohol or drugs or when unfit to perform their duties safely.
Policy Review and Continuous Improvement
This Health and Safety Policy is reviewed regularly and whenever there are significant changes in our operations, legislation or recognised best practice in the removals sector. We welcome feedback from employees and customers to help us refine our procedures and maintain high safety standards throughout every move we undertake.
By following this policy, Removals Colliers Wood aims to deliver reliable, efficient and safe moving services across our service area, protecting people, property and the environment at all times.
