Health and Safety policy
Removal Van Hackney Health and Safety Policy
This Health and Safety Policy sets out how Removal Van Hackney manages health, safety, and welfare for our staff, customers, and the public during the provision of our removal and transport services. Our aim is to prevent accidents, injuries, and damage to property by planning work carefully, training our staff, and maintaining safe systems of work at all times.
Policy Statement and Objectives
Removal Van Hackney is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment. We will comply with all relevant health and safety legislation and recognised industry best practice relating to removals, logistics, and transport operations.
Our key objectives are to:
Identify and control risks associated with removal and transport activities.
Promote a positive health and safety culture throughout the company.
Provide appropriate information, instruction, training, and supervision.
Ensure vehicles, equipment, and work methods are safe and suitable for their intended use.
Continually review and improve our health and safety performance.
Management Responsibilities
Management at Removal Van Hackney has overall responsibility for implementing this policy and ensuring effective arrangements are in place to protect the health and safety of employees and others who may be affected by our work.
Management will:
Assess risks arising from removal, loading, unloading, and driving activities, and implement appropriate control measures.
Provide and maintain safe vehicles, lifting aids, and equipment.
Ensure employees receive role-specific training, including manual handling, safe driving, and customer site safety.
Monitor working practices and investigate all accidents, near misses, and reported hazards.
Review this policy regularly and revise it when necessary.
Employee Responsibilities
All employees and contractors working with Removal Van Hackney share responsibility for maintaining a safe working environment and must:
Take reasonable care for their own health and safety and that of others.
Follow all safety procedures, instructions, and training provided.
Use vehicles, tools, and equipment correctly and not misuse or interfere with safety devices.
Report hazards, accidents, and near misses promptly to management.
Wear any personal protective equipment provided when required.
Risk Assessment and Planning
Before work is undertaken, Removal Van Hackney will carry out risk assessments appropriate to the type of removal work planned. This includes assessing risks at collection and delivery addresses, routes to and from properties, and any storage locations used.
Key risk assessment considerations include:
Access and egress, including stairs, narrow corridors, and parking arrangements.
Manual handling of heavy or awkward items such as furniture, appliances, and boxes.
Use of lifting aids, trolleys, ramps, and protective coverings.
Weather conditions and lighting that may affect external working areas.
Interaction with members of the public, customers, and other contractors on site.
Findings from risk assessments will inform job planning, staffing levels, equipment allocation, and any specific instructions to the crew.
Safe Driving and Vehicle Use
Removal Van Hackney recognises that road safety is a critical part of our operations. We will ensure that vehicles are properly maintained, insured, and inspected in line with manufacturers guidelines and legal requirements.
Drivers must:
Hold a valid licence appropriate to the vehicle being driven.
Carry out basic daily vehicle checks and report any defects immediately.
Comply with speed limits, parking rules, and road traffic regulations.
Avoid using handheld devices while driving and minimise distractions.
Take regular breaks and not drive while fatigued or under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Loads will be secured correctly to prevent shifting during transit, and vehicles will not be overloaded. Access routes will be planned in advance where possible to reduce risks from low bridges, weight limits, or restricted streets.
Manual Handling and Use of Equipment
Many injuries in removal work arise from poor manual handling techniques. Removal Van Hackney will provide training on correct lifting, carrying, and team handling methods specific to removal tasks.
Our procedures include:
Planning lifts before moving heavy or bulky items.
Using team lifting for large or awkward objects.
Making use of trolleys, dollies, ramps, and lifting aids wherever practicable.
Keeping walkways clear to avoid trips, slips, and falls.
Encouraging staff to stop and seek assistance if a load is too heavy or unsafe to move alone.
Equipment will be inspected regularly and removed from use if damaged or defective.
Customer Premises and Public Safety
During work at customer premises and in public areas, our crews will take care to protect the property and ensure the safety of those nearby. This includes:
Using floor and wall protection where appropriate to minimise damage.
Placing warning signs or cones when loading and unloading near walkways or roads.
Keeping doors, gates, and access routes as clear as reasonably practicable.
Maintaining courteous communication with customers and neighbours about any temporary access restrictions.
Health, Welfare, and Wellbeing
Removal Van Hackney recognises the importance of employee wellbeing in maintaining a safe working environment. We encourage staff to report any health issues that may affect their ability to work safely, including fatigue, stress, or injuries.
Where necessary, tasks may be adjusted, and additional support or equipment may be provided. Adequate rest breaks and access to drinking water will be ensured during working days, particularly on physically demanding removal jobs.
Accident, Incident, and Near Miss Reporting
All accidents, incidents, and near misses must be reported as soon as possible to a responsible person within Removal Van Hackney. We will record and investigate these events to identify root causes and implement measures to prevent recurrence.
Where required by law, incidents will be reported to the appropriate authorities. Lessons learned from investigations will be communicated to staff and reflected in updated procedures and training.
Training, Communication, and Review
Health and safety training is provided on induction and refreshed periodically or when new equipment or methods of work are introduced. Toolbox talks and briefings are used to reinforce key safety messages and share recent learning from incidents or risk assessments.
This Health and Safety Policy will be reviewed on a regular basis and whenever there are significant changes to our operations, legislation, or best practice. Removal Van Hackney is committed to continuous improvement and expects all staff and contractors to support this objective by working safely and raising any concerns without delay.
