Lewisham Removals Health and Safety Policy

Lewisham Removals is committed to protecting the health, safety, and welfare of all employees, contractors, clients, and members of the public who may be affected by our removal and relocation activities. This policy sets out our approach to managing risks associated with moving, handling, transport, packing, and storage work so that our services are delivered safely, responsibly, and to a consistently high standard.

Policy Statement and Objectives

The objective of this Health and Safety policy is to prevent injury, ill health, and damage to property arising from our operations. Senior management accepts overall responsibility for health and safety performance and will provide the resources, information, and support required to implement this policy across all areas of the business.

We will, as far as reasonably practicable, ensure that our working practices comply with applicable health and safety laws and recognised industry guidance for the removals and logistics sector. We will regularly review and improve our systems to maintain a safe working environment for all.

Responsibilities

Management at Lewisham Removals is responsible for:

Ensuring that safe systems of work are developed, implemented, and reviewed for all removal activities, including domestic, commercial, and specialist moves. Providing appropriate training, information, tools, and equipment so that employees can carry out their duties safely. Monitoring health and safety performance and taking corrective action where necessary.

Supervisors and team leaders are responsible for day-to-day implementation of this policy. They must ensure that staff follow safety procedures, use protective equipment correctly, and report hazards or incidents without delay.

All employees and contractors have a duty to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions. They must cooperate with Lewisham Removals in meeting health and safety requirements, follow instructions and training, and report any unsafe conditions, near misses, or accidents.

Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work

Lewisham Removals will carry out suitable and proportionate risk assessments for our core activities, including manual handling, vehicle operations, use of lifting equipment, loading and unloading, packing, and working at or near client premises. These assessments will identify hazards and set out appropriate control measures to reduce risks to an acceptable level.

Site-specific risks, such as restricted access, stairs, parking issues, or fragile structures, will be assessed before work begins wherever reasonably practicable. Our teams are instructed to stop work and contact management if they encounter unforeseen hazards that cannot be controlled safely.

Manual Handling and Use of Equipment

Manual handling is a key element of removals work and will be managed carefully to minimise the risk of injury. Staff will receive training in safe lifting techniques, use of mechanical aids, and team handling procedures. Heavy or bulky items will only be moved by suitably trained personnel using appropriate equipment.

We will provide and maintain suitable equipment such as trolleys, sack trucks, lifting straps, ramps, and securing devices. Equipment will be inspected regularly and taken out of service if found to be defective. Employees must use the provided equipment correctly and must not improvise with unsafe methods.

Vehicles, Driving, and Transport Safety

Lewisham Removals will ensure that vehicles used for removal work are maintained in a safe and roadworthy condition and are suitable for the loads they carry. Vehicle checks will be completed regularly, and defects reported and rectified promptly.

Drivers must hold the appropriate licence, follow road safety laws, and drive in a manner that protects themselves, their passengers, other road users, and pedestrians. Loads will be packed, stacked, and secured properly to prevent movement, damage, or instability during transit.

Client Premises and Public Safety

Our staff will take reasonable steps to prevent accidents and damage when working at client homes, offices, and other premises. This includes keeping access routes clear, using warning signs where appropriate, and controlling movement of large items in confined spaces and shared areas.

We will be considerate of neighbours, visitors, and passers-by. Where necessary, work will be planned to minimise obstruction, noise, and disruption around the property and on surrounding streets.

Training, Information, and Supervision

All new employees will receive an induction that covers relevant health and safety procedures and the specific risks associated with removal work. Ongoing training will be provided to ensure skills remain up to date, including refresher training on manual handling, use of equipment, and safe driving.

Supervisors will monitor work practices on site and at client locations to ensure this policy is being followed. Additional guidance will be given where necessary to maintain safe standards of work.

Accident Reporting and Emergency Procedures

All accidents, injuries, near misses, and dangerous occurrences must be reported promptly so that appropriate first aid, follow-up action, and investigations can take place. We will record and review incidents to identify trends and opportunities for improving safety.

Emergency procedures, including responses to fire, serious injury, or vehicle incidents, will be communicated to employees. Where relevant, our teams will coordinate with clients to ensure emergency exits and routes at their premises remain accessible during removal work.

Consultation and Continuous Improvement

Lewisham Removals recognises that effective health and safety management relies on open communication. We encourage employees to raise any concerns or suggestions for improving safety and will consult with staff on changes that may affect their work.

This Health and Safety policy will be reviewed periodically and updated in line with changes in legislation, industry best practice, and our own operational experience. Our aim is to continually enhance our safety performance and provide a reliable, professional removal service carried out with care for people, property, and the wider community.