Health and Safety Policy for Removals and Storage

Removals and storage work involves moving heavy items, handling fragile belongings, and managing goods in transit and in secure premises. This health and safety policy sets out the principles that support a safe working environment for staff, contractors, and anyone affected by our operations. It applies across collection, loading, transport, unloading, warehousing, and short- or long-term storage activities.

We are committed to preventing injury, protecting property, and reducing risk through practical controls, training, and consistent supervision. Safety is built into our daily procedures rather than treated as an afterthought. All employees are expected to follow this policy, report concerns promptly, and work in a way that protects themselves and others. In every part of removals and storage services, safe practice is essential.

The company will assess work activities to identify hazards and apply appropriate control measures. This includes risks linked to manual handling, slips and trips, vehicle movement, loading equipment, packing materials, storage conditions, fatigue, and security. Where reasonably practicable, we will remove hazards at source, reduce exposure, and use safer methods of work. Risk awareness is part of every task, from a small domestic move to a large commercial relocation.

All staff must receive suitable instruction and training for their role. Training may cover safe lifting techniques, correct use of trolleys and straps, handling of awkward or high-value items, emergency procedures, and reporting arrangements. Supervisors are responsible for ensuring that employees are competent and that new or changing tasks are properly explained. No person should carry out work they have not been trained or authorised to perform.

Personal protective equipment will be provided where needed and must be used correctly. Depending on the task, this may include gloves, safety footwear, high-visibility clothing, or other protective items. PPE is not a replacement for safe systems of work, but it supports them when risks cannot be fully eliminated. In removals operations, protective equipment helps reduce injuries from sharp edges, heavy loads, and handling during busy loading periods.

Vehicle safety is a key part of this policy. Drivers must complete checks before use and report any defects that could affect roadworthiness or safe operation. Loads must be secured properly to prevent shifting during transit, and vehicles should never be overloaded. Parking, reversing, and manoeuvring must be carried out carefully, with banksmen used where needed. Good transport planning reduces stress, delays, and avoidable incidents.

Manual handling is one of the greatest risks in the removals sector, so we expect staff to plan each lift before starting. Consider the size, shape, weight, stability, and route of the item, then decide whether one person, two people, or mechanical assistance is required. Employees should use team lifts for bulky or heavy items and avoid twisting, rushing, or lifting beyond their capability. Safe handling is central to moving and storage work.

Storage areas must be maintained in an orderly, clean, and secure condition. Aisles, exits, and access routes should remain clear at all times. Items must be stacked safely, with heavier goods placed in suitable positions and fragile goods protected from pressure or impact. Temperature, dampness, and pest control should be monitored where relevant. Secure storage depends on both physical protection and good housekeeping.

Fire safety measures will be maintained throughout workplaces and storage facilities. Escape routes must remain unobstructed, fire-fighting equipment should be inspected in line with internal schedules, and employees must know how to respond to alarms. Flammable materials, packaging waste, and damaged electrical equipment should be controlled carefully. Staff must not block detectors, extinguishers, or access to emergency exits. A calm and prepared response supports safety for all occupants.

We expect all personnel to cooperate in reporting accidents, near misses, hazards, and unsafe behaviour. Prompt reporting allows action to be taken before a minor issue becomes a serious incident. Records will be reviewed to identify trends and improve working practices. This approach supports continuous improvement in removals and warehouse safety and helps prevent repeat problems.

First aid arrangements will be appropriate to the size and nature of the operation. Trained first aiders should be available where required, and first aid kits must be stocked and accessible. In the event of injury, work should stop if necessary so that the situation can be assessed and managed safely. If an incident is serious, emergency services will be contacted without delay and the area preserved for investigation.

Visitors, clients, and other non-employees must be supervised or directed so they are not exposed to unnecessary risks. Clear instructions should be given about restricted areas, safe routes, and any behaviours required while items are being moved or stored. Contractors must follow site rules and provide evidence of competence where relevant. Safety is a shared responsibility across every part of the service chain.

Equipment used in removals and storage, including dollies, sack trucks, lifting aids, ladders, straps, and wrapping tools, must be suitable for purpose and inspected regularly. Damaged or faulty equipment should be removed from use immediately. Maintenance and inspection records should be kept up to date so that equipment remains safe and efficient. Reliable equipment supports safer outcomes and reduces strain on workers.

Any employee who feels unwell, fatigued, or unable to work safely must tell a supervisor before continuing. Fatigue, stress, and distraction can all increase the likelihood of mistakes, especially during physically demanding work. Reasonable scheduling, breaks, and workload planning help maintain alertness and performance. We value a workplace culture where speaking up about safety is expected and supported.

This policy will be reviewed periodically and updated when work methods, equipment, or risk levels change. Management will monitor compliance and take action where standards are not met. The aim is to create a practical, consistent, and safe working environment in which removals and storage services can be delivered responsibly, efficiently, and with care for people, property, and premises.