Streatham Removals Health and Safety Policy

Streatham 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 removal and relocation services. This Health and Safety Policy sets out the principles and procedures we follow to manage risks associated with domestic and commercial moves, packing, loading, transport, unloading, and storage activities.

Our objective is to prevent injury and ill health, comply with all relevant health and safety legislation, and continually improve our safety performance across all moving services we provide.

Management Responsibilities and Commitment

Senior management at Streatham Removals accepts overall responsibility for health and safety within the company. Management will provide effective leadership and adequate resources to implement, monitor, and review this policy and associated procedures.

Managers and supervisors are responsible for ensuring that:

All work is properly planned, supervised, and carried out in a safe manner. Suitable equipment, vehicles, and materials are provided and maintained in safe condition. Employees receive appropriate information, instruction, and training for the tasks they undertake. Risk assessments are completed, kept up to date, and communicated to relevant staff. Any accidents, incidents, or near misses are reported, investigated, and corrective actions are implemented.

Employee Responsibilities

Every employee of Streatham Removals 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. All team members must:

Follow company health and safety procedures and safe working practices. Use the equipment, vehicles, and personal protective equipment provided by the company correctly and report any defects immediately. Participate in health and safety training and apply the knowledge in daily work. Cooperate with management on health and safety matters and contribute to continuous improvement. Report hazards, unsafe conditions, accidents, and near misses without delay.

Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices

Streatham Removals conducts regular risk assessments covering typical removal activities including packing, lifting and carrying items, navigating stairs and confined spaces, loading and unloading vehicles, operating removal equipment, and working on customer premises.

Based on these assessments we implement control measures such as:

Planning routes and access points to minimise manual handling risks. Using appropriate lifting techniques and team lifts for heavy or awkward items. Employing trolleys, dollies, and other handling aids where possible. Ensuring floors, paths, and loading areas are kept clear and well organised. Applying safe systems of work for dismantling, wrapping, and securing furniture and goods. Considering specific risks in residential blocks, offices, and commercial premises.

Risk assessments are reviewed whenever there are significant changes to working practices, equipment, or locations, and at regular intervals to ensure they remain current and effective.

Manual Handling and Musculoskeletal Health

Manual handling is a key part of removal operations and is managed with particular care. Streatham Removals provides manual handling training to all operatives, focusing on safe lifting techniques, team coordination, and the correct use of handling equipment.

Where practicable, we minimise manual handling by planning jobs to reduce carrying distances, avoiding unnecessary lifting, and using mechanical aids. Employees are encouraged to report any discomfort or early signs of musculoskeletal problems so that support, adjustments, or alternative duties can be considered.

Vehicles, Driving, and Transport Safety

Our vehicles are maintained in safe and roadworthy condition, and pre-use checks are carried out by drivers in line with company procedures. Only authorised and competent drivers operate our vehicles.

To promote safe driving during local and longer-distance moves, we:

Plan journeys to allow adequate time and rest breaks. Encourage defensive driving and compliance with speed limits and traffic regulations. Secure loads correctly to prevent movement during transit. Ensure that access points for loading and unloading are as safe as reasonably practicable.

Work on Customer Premises

While working in customers homes, offices, or other premises, our staff will act with care and consideration for the safety of occupants, visitors, and the public. This includes:

Assessing access routes, stairways, and entrances before starting work. Using protective coverings where appropriate to reduce slip and trip risks. Maintaining clear pathways and keeping equipment and packed items organised. Communicating with customers about any temporary restrictions or hazards created during the move.

We expect customers and third parties to cooperate in providing safe access and notifying us of any known hazards on their premises.

Equipment, Personal Protective Equipment, and Maintenance

Streatham Removals provides appropriate equipment and personal protective equipment to support safe working. This may include gloves, safety footwear, high-visibility clothing, and other items identified through risk assessment.

All equipment is inspected and maintained at suitable intervals. Defective or damaged equipment is taken out of use immediately until repaired or replaced. Employees must use the equipment provided in accordance with training and instructions.

Training, Information, and Supervision

We ensure that all employees receive induction training covering general health and safety responsibilities, emergency procedures, and company rules. Task-specific training is provided for manual handling, use of equipment, vehicle operation, and any other specialist activities.

Supervisors monitor working practices on site and provide ongoing guidance and coaching. Additional training is arranged when new equipment is introduced or when there are changes to legislation or industry best practice.

Accident Reporting and Emergency Procedures

All accidents, incidents, and near misses must be reported to management as soon as possible. Records are kept and investigated to identify underlying causes and prevent recurrence.

Emergency procedures are in place for fire, serious injury, and other critical incidents. Employees are informed of these procedures and of their roles in an emergency, whether working at our premises or at customer locations.

Consultation and Continuous Improvement

Streatham Removals is committed to consulting with employees on health and safety matters and encouraging feedback on how safety performance can be improved. Suggestions for safer working methods, better equipment, or procedural changes are welcomed and considered by management.

This Health and Safety Policy is reviewed regularly and updated when necessary to reflect changes in legislation, company operations, or best practice within the removals sector. The policy is communicated to all employees and is available to customers and interested parties on request.

By working together and following this policy, Streatham Removals aims to provide reliable moving services while protecting the health, safety, and wellbeing of everyone involved.