Removals Wales Health and Safety Policy
Removals Wales is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for our employees, clients, contractors, visitors and members of the public who may be affected by our removal and relocation activities. This Health and Safety Policy sets out our objectives, responsibilities and working procedures to manage risk across all domestic and commercial removal services we provide throughout Wales and surrounding areas.
Our Health and Safety Objectives
Our main objectives are to prevent injury, ill health, damage to property, and to promote a culture of safety awareness in all aspects of our work. We aim to identify hazards, assess risks and implement proportionate control measures, ensuring that every removal project is planned and carried out safely, whether it involves residential moves, office relocations, storage transfers or specialist handling.
We are committed to continuous improvement and regularly review our procedures to reflect changes in legislation, industry best practice and the nature of the services we provide.
Management Responsibilities
The management of Removals Wales has overall responsibility for the implementation and monitoring of this Health and Safety Policy. This includes providing adequate resources, information, instruction, training and supervision to ensure that all work is carried out safely and without risk to health.
Management will
Plan removal operations with health and safety as an integral part of each project. Ensure all vehicles, lifting equipment, tools and materials are maintained in a safe and serviceable condition. Carry out and document risk assessments and safe systems of work for tasks such as lifting and carrying, loading and unloading vehicles, working at height, and operating in confined or restricted spaces. Monitor health and safety performance and investigate any incidents, near misses or hazardous occurrences to prevent recurrence. Consult with employees on health and safety matters and encourage suggestions for improvement.
Employee Responsibilities
Every employee of Removals Wales has a duty to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions or omissions. All staff are expected to cooperate fully with this policy and any related procedures.
Employees must
Follow all training, instructions and safety procedures provided. Use equipment, vehicles and personal protective equipment correctly and report any defects immediately. Avoid taking shortcuts or unsafe actions that could compromise safety during packing, lifting, carrying, loading, transport or unloading. Report accidents, near misses, hazards or unsafe conditions at the earliest opportunity. Maintain good housekeeping standards in vehicles, storage facilities and client premises.
Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices
Removals Wales undertakes risk assessments for typical and non-routine tasks carried out as part of our services. These assessments consider the nature of the items being moved, access routes, floor conditions, staircases, lifts, parking and loading areas, and any other factors that could affect safety.
Safe working practices are developed and implemented for
Manual handling of furniture, boxes, appliances and heavy or awkward items. Use of moving equipment such as trolleys, sack trucks, skates and lifting aids. Loading and securing items in vehicles to prevent movement during transit. Working in and around client properties, including shared access areas and public footpaths. Working in adverse weather conditions where these may affect safety.
Where the risk level requires it, additional controls such as team lifting, alternative equipment, or revised access routes will be adopted.
Training and Competence
Removals Wales provides appropriate health and safety training to all employees, relevant to their role and level of responsibility. Training covers general safety awareness as well as specific topics such as manual handling, use of equipment, vehicle safety, and emergency procedures.
New employees receive induction training before undertaking removal work, and further instruction is provided when new equipment, processes or locations present different risks. Competence is monitored, and refresher training is arranged as needed.
Vehicles, Equipment and Personal Protective Equipment
All vehicles operated by Removals Wales are maintained and inspected regularly to ensure they are roadworthy and safe for use in removal operations. Load areas are checked to ensure they are clean, dry and suitable for transporting clients belongings safely.
Removal equipment is selected to reduce manual handling risks wherever reasonably practicable. Regular inspection and maintenance ensures that equipment remains safe and effective.
Personal protective equipment, such as safety footwear, gloves or other items where required, is provided and must be worn as instructed. Employees are responsible for taking care of issued equipment and reporting any loss or damage.
Client Premises and Public Safety
Removals Wales recognises its duty to protect clients, visitors, neighbours and the general public from risks associated with our activities on and around client premises. Our teams take appropriate steps to manage traffic, access routes and loading areas, using warning signs or barriers when necessary and when agreed with the client.
We seek to minimise disruption around homes, offices and commercial premises, and remain alert to potential hazards such as uneven surfaces, restricted access, fragile items and shared public areas.
Accidents, Incidents and Emergency Procedures
All accidents, incidents and near misses that occur during removal work are reported and recorded. Where required, incidents will be investigated to establish causes and identify measures to prevent recurrence. Lessons learned are communicated to relevant staff and reflected in updated procedures.
Employees are instructed on emergency procedures, including what to do in the event of fire, serious injury, vehicle incidents or other emergencies. Cooperation with emergency services and property managers is a fundamental part of our approach to managing unforeseen events.
Monitoring, Review and Policy Availability
This Health and Safety Policy is reviewed regularly, and in any event at least annually, to ensure it remains suitable, adequate and effective for the type and scale of removal services provided by Removals Wales. Changes in legislation, industry guidance or company operations will be reflected promptly in revised versions of the policy and supporting procedures.
This policy is communicated to all employees and is available to clients, contractors and other interested parties on request. By following this policy, Removals Wales aims to maintain high standards of health and safety across all moving, packing, transport and storage activities we undertake.
