Health and Safety Policy for Removal Company Canary Wharf

Removal Company Canary Wharf is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for our employees, contractors, clients, visitors and members of the public who may be affected by our moving and relocation activities. This Health and Safety Policy sets out our approach to managing risk, preventing injury and protecting property during all removal and transport operations.

Our Health and Safety Objectives

Our primary objectives are to prevent accidents, work-related ill health and damage to property or the environment. We aim to meet or exceed all relevant health and safety legislation and recognised industry standards relating to removals, lifting operations, storage and transportation of goods. We continually review and improve our practices so that our services in Canary Wharf and the wider region are delivered safely and responsibly.

Management Responsibilities

Senior management is responsible for implementing and maintaining this Health and Safety Policy and ensuring adequate resources are available. This includes providing suitable vehicles, moving equipment, protective equipment and training. Management will regularly monitor performance, investigate incidents and update procedures when necessary. Clear lines of responsibility are established so that health and safety is integrated into everyday planning and decision-making for every removal project.

Employee Responsibilities

Every employee has a duty to 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 any hazards, near misses, incidents or unsafe conditions to their supervisor. Employees are required to cooperate with management on all health and safety matters and to participate fully in training and risk assessment processes.

Risk Assessments and Safe Working Practices

Before starting removal work, appropriate risk assessments are carried out to identify potential hazards such as manual handling risks, restricted access, traffic risks, working at height, uneven floors, or fragile items. Control measures are then put in place, including the use of suitable lifting equipment, route planning, protective coverings and safe loading procedures. Method statements and safe systems of work are communicated to all staff involved in the move.

Risk assessments are reviewed regularly and whenever there is a significant change in operations, equipment, premises or legislation. Staff are encouraged to contribute to these assessments, drawing on their practical experience to help refine our safety procedures.

Manual Handling and Use of Equipment

Manual handling is a core part of removal work and is a significant focus of our safety management. Our policy is to avoid hazardous manual handling wherever reasonably practicable by using equipment such as sack trucks, dollies, moving straps, furniture blankets and floor protection. When manual lifting is required, tasks are planned to minimise strain, and items are shared between team members where necessary.

All employees receive instruction on correct lifting techniques, team lifting, and the safe handling of bulky or heavy items such as appliances, cabinets and office equipment. Equipment is inspected regularly to ensure it is safe, fit for purpose and used only by trained personnel.

Vehicle Safety and Driving Standards

Our vehicles are maintained to a high standard to support safe transport of goods and personnel. Routine checks are carried out on brakes, lights, tyres, securing points and loading areas. Drivers must hold the appropriate licence, follow all traffic regulations and adhere to company driving policies, including restrictions on mobile device use.

Loads are distributed and secured correctly to prevent movement during transit. Drivers are instructed to plan routes carefully, taking into account local road layouts, loading bays, time restrictions and safe access to properties. Parking and reversing procedures are followed strictly to protect pedestrians and property.

Client and Public Safety

We recognise our responsibility to protect clients, building occupants, neighbours and members of the public where removal activities take place. Whenever possible, work areas are clearly defined, and safe walkways are maintained. Trip hazards such as packaging materials, tools or loose items are kept to a minimum and cleared promptly.

Where necessary, we coordinate with building management, reception teams and security to manage access, use service entrances and lifts safely and minimise disruption. Protective measures are used to safeguard floors, walls, doors and lifts, reducing the risk of damage or injury.

Training, Supervision and Competence

All employees receive induction training that covers general health and safety requirements, safe lifting, vehicle safety, emergency procedures and the correct use of equipment. Additional task-specific training is provided where required, such as handling specialist items or operating particular tools.

Supervisors monitor work on site to ensure methods are followed and to provide guidance where needed. We encourage staff to raise concerns, suggest improvements and report hazards without fear of blame, supporting a positive safety culture.

Personal Protective Equipment

Appropriate personal protective equipment is provided where required by risk assessment. This may include safety footwear, gloves, high-visibility clothing and other items suitable for the nature of the work. Employees must use the equipment provided, maintain it correctly and report any defects or losses so that replacements can be arranged promptly.

Accident Reporting and Emergency Procedures

All accidents, injuries, near misses and incidents involving damage to property or equipment must be reported as soon as possible. Incidents are recorded, investigated and reviewed so that root causes can be identified and corrective actions implemented. Lessons learned are shared with the team to prevent recurrence.

Emergency procedures are in place for fire, medical emergencies, road traffic incidents and other foreseeable situations. Staff are briefed on evacuation routes, assembly points and first aid arrangements at customer sites and within company premises.

Continuous Improvement and Policy Review

This Health and Safety Policy is reviewed regularly to ensure it remains effective, relevant and aligned with current legislation and industry best practice. Feedback from employees, clients and other stakeholders is welcomed and used to drive ongoing improvements. By working together, we aim to maintain a safe, professional and reliable removal service for all customers we serve.