Health and Safety Policy for Putney Removals

Putney Removals is committed to maintaining a safe, healthy, and well-managed working environment for employees, contractors, clients, and members of the public. This policy sets out the standards, responsibilities, and practical measures that support safe removals, whether the work involves a single item, a full household move, or commercial relocation. We aim to reduce risk through careful planning, clear communication, and consistent safe working practices.

Our approach to health and safety is based on prevention. Every removal task is assessed in advance so that hazards can be identified early and managed appropriately. Risks may include manual handling, slips and trips, unstable loads, poor access, weather conditions, and the use of moving equipment. By addressing these issues before work begins, Putney removal services can be carried out efficiently while protecting people and property.

The company expects all staff to follow safe systems of work at all times. This includes using the correct equipment, wearing suitable protective clothing when required, and reporting any unsafe condition immediately. We recognise that no removal is so urgent that it should override safety. Every member of the team has a role in maintaining standards, and everyone is expected to act responsibly and with care.

Responsibilities are shared across the business. Management is responsible for providing appropriate training, safe equipment, and supervision. Supervisors must ensure that tasks are organised in a way that minimises risk and that team members understand the specific requirements of each job. Employees are expected to take reasonable care of their own safety and that of others, and to cooperate with instructions related to the Putney removals policy.

The handling of heavy or awkward items requires particular attention. Lifting should always be planned, and team members should avoid twisting, overreaching, or carrying loads that are too heavy for one person. Where necessary, items should be moved by two or more people or with the aid of trolleys, straps, sliders, or other suitable equipment. Safe lifting is central to preventing injuries and keeping relocation work under control.

Before any move begins, a basic risk assessment should be completed. This includes checking access routes, stairways, parking arrangements, loading areas, and the condition of floors and surfaces. Special care is taken where items are fragile, valuable, or unusually shaped. If a hazard cannot be adequately controlled, the task must be paused until a safer method is available. The aim is to ensure that removals in Putney are completed with due regard to both speed and safety.

Safe Working Practices

Household and office items must be packed and handled in a way that reduces the likelihood of injury or breakage. Breakable goods should be wrapped and marked appropriately, while sharp or hazardous objects must be identified and isolated. Good packing practices protect both the goods being moved and the people carrying them. Where items require specialist handling, the work should be assigned only to trained staff using approved methods.

Slips, trips, and falls are among the most common risks during relocation work. Floors should be kept as clear as possible, trailing cables and loose materials should be controlled, and spillages must be cleaned promptly. In wet or icy conditions, extra caution is required when moving items between properties or vehicles. Staff should wear appropriate footwear with good grip and remain alert to changing surface conditions.

Training, Communication, and Reporting

Clear communication is essential to safe removals. Team members should confirm job details, identify any unusual risks, and agree the sequence of tasks before work starts. During the move, staff must continue to communicate with one another, especially when carrying large items, navigating tight spaces, or working in shared environments. This helps prevent misunderstandings and allows the team to respond quickly if conditions change.

Any accident, near miss, injury, or damage must be reported without delay. Reporting allows the company to investigate causes, introduce corrective action, and prevent recurrence. It is important that employees feel able to speak up about hazards and that concerns are treated seriously. A strong reporting culture supports continuous improvement and reinforces the importance of safe removals.

Emergency Preparedness and Welfare

Welfare is also an important part of this policy. Employees should be given reasonable opportunities to rest, hydrate, and work at a safe pace, particularly during physically demanding jobs or adverse weather. Fatigue can increase the risk of mistakes and injury, so managers should monitor workloads and rotate tasks when necessary. Maintaining wellbeing supports both safety and service quality.

Review and Improvement This policy will be reviewed regularly to ensure it remains effective, practical, and aligned with the company???s activities. Updates may be made in response to incidents, changes in equipment, feedback from internal audits, or developments in good practice. The overall aim is to build a safety culture in which every removal service in Putney is delivered with professionalism, care, and respect for everyone involved.