Putney Removals Health and Safety Policy

Putney Removals is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for all employees, contractors, visitors and customers. We recognise that removal and transportation work carries specific risks, and we actively manage these through planning, training and continuous improvement.

Our Health and Safety Commitment

We aim to prevent accidents, injuries and work-related ill health by identifying hazards, assessing risks and implementing effective control measures. Health and safety is an integral part of how we plan and deliver our moving services, from initial survey to final delivery.

We comply with all relevant health and safety legislation and approved codes of practice applicable to our operations. We review this policy regularly to ensure it remains suitable for the scale and nature of our work.

Responsibilities

Overall responsibility for health and safety within Putney Removals lies with senior management, who ensure adequate resources, equipment and training are provided. Managers and supervisors are responsible for implementing this policy on a day-to-day basis and monitoring performance on site and in transit.

All employees, including drivers, porters, packers and office staff, must take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions. Staff must follow all safety instructions, use equipment correctly, and immediately report hazards, near misses, accidents or unsafe conditions.

Contractors working with or on behalf of Putney Removals are required to follow this policy and any site-specific safety instructions issued to them. Customers also have a role in ensuring safe access and egress to their properties and informing us of any particular hazards at their premises.

Risk Assessment and Planning

Before any removal work starts, we assess the risks associated with the job. This includes access routes, stairways, lifts, parking, loading and unloading areas, and any unusual or heavy items such as pianos, safes or large furniture.

For each job, we plan appropriate staffing levels, vehicle types, equipment requirements and time allowances to complete work safely. Where necessary, we implement additional controls, such as extra staff for heavy lifts, specialist lifting equipment, or temporary protective measures within the property.

Manual Handling and Lifting

Manual handling is a core element of removal work and a key focus of our safety approach. We provide training for all staff in safe lifting techniques, team handling, and the use of mechanical aids. Staff are instructed not to attempt to lift or move items that are beyond their capability or that cannot be moved safely with the resources available.

We aim to minimise manual handling risks by using trolleys, dollies, sliders, carrying straps and other appropriate equipment. Whenever possible, we disassemble large or awkward items to make them easier and safer to move.

Vehicles, Driving and Road Safety

Our vehicles are maintained in a safe and roadworthy condition through regular checks, inspections and servicing. Drivers must carry out daily vehicle checks before use and report any defects immediately so that they can be addressed without delay.

All driving activities are planned to allow sufficient time for safe travel, including rest breaks where required. Drivers must obey all road traffic laws, follow safe loading and unloading procedures, and ensure loads are properly secured before moving off. Mobile devices may only be used in a safe and legal manner.

Equipment and Personal Protective Equipment

Putney Removals provides appropriate work equipment for carrying out removal tasks safely. This includes moving equipment, protective coverings, ramps and any other necessary items. All equipment must be used only for its intended purpose and in accordance with training and instructions.

Where there is a need for personal protective equipment, such as safety footwear or gloves, this will be provided and must be worn as instructed. Employees are responsible for looking after PPE, reporting defects and requesting replacements when necessary.

Slips, Trips, Falls and Site Safety

We take particular care to reduce the risk of slips, trips and falls inside properties and around vehicles. Walkways and access routes must be kept as clear as reasonably practicable, and packaging materials or tools must not obstruct movement.

Where practical, we identify and highlight changes in level, low ceilings or other potential trip or impact hazards. During bad weather, we take additional precautions around entrances, driveways and loading areas, such as clearing surfaces where possible and adjusting working methods to maintain safety.

Customer and Public Safety

Our teams work in and around customers homes, offices and public areas. We take care to protect customers, neighbours and passers-by by controlling access to loading areas, positioning vehicles considerately and maintaining awareness of our surroundings.

Where space is restricted, we may ask customers and other occupants to remain clear of work areas while heavy or bulky items are being moved. We use protective coverings on floors, walls and bannisters where needed to reduce the risk of damage and hazards.

Training, Information and Supervision

All new staff receive induction training that covers health and safety responsibilities, company procedures and safe working practices specific to removal work. Ongoing training and refresher sessions are provided as needed, especially when new equipment or methods are introduced.

Supervisors are responsible for ensuring that crews understand the safety requirements for each job, that tasks are allocated according to capability and experience, and that any concerns raised on site are addressed promptly.

Incident Reporting and Continuous Improvement

All accidents, injuries, near misses and dangerous occurrences must be reported promptly. We investigate these events to understand what happened, identify root causes and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence.

We encourage employees to raise safety concerns and improvement suggestions without hesitation. Feedback from staff and customers is used to refine our procedures and enhance our overall safety performance.

Policy Review

This Health and Safety Policy is reviewed regularly and whenever there are significant changes in legislation, company structure or the nature of our work. Updated versions are communicated to all staff so that everyone is aware of their responsibilities and the standards expected when representing Putney Removals.