Health and Safety Policy for Reading Removals
Reading Removals is committed to maintaining the highest standards of health and safety in all removal and relocation activities. Our aim is to provide a safe working environment for our employees, contractors, clients and members of the public who may be affected by our work. This policy sets out our approach to identifying, controlling and reducing risks associated with domestic and commercial removals, packing, loading, transport and storage services.
Our Health and Safety Objectives
Our core objectives are to prevent injury, ill health, property damage and environmental harm arising from our operations. We will work to continuously improve our health and safety performance by regularly reviewing our practices, learning from experience and adopting industry best practice wherever reasonably practicable.
Management Responsibilities
Senior management at Reading Removals holds overall responsibility for implementing this health and safety policy and ensuring that adequate resources are provided to meet our commitments. Management will:
Plan work so that health and safety risks are properly assessed and controlled. Ensure that safe systems of work are in place for lifting, carrying, loading and driving. Provide employees with the information, instruction, training and supervision they need to work safely. Maintain equipment, vehicles and tools in a safe, roadworthy and serviceable condition. Monitor health and safety performance and investigate accidents and near misses to prevent recurrence.
Employee Responsibilities
All employees of Reading Removals share responsibility for maintaining a safe working environment. Every team member must:
Take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions or omissions. Follow all safe working procedures, risk assessments and method statements provided. Use vehicles, equipment and protective equipment correctly and report any defects immediately. Cooperate with management to enable compliance with legal and company health and safety requirements. Report all accidents, incidents, near misses and hazards promptly so that appropriate action can be taken.
Risk Assessment and Safe Working Procedures
Reading Removals will identify, assess and control risks associated with our removal and relocation services. We will:
Conduct risk assessments for typical removal activities, including manual handling of furniture and boxes, dismantling and reassembly, use of lifting aids, loading and unloading vehicles, and work in and around client premises. Carry out site-specific assessments where jobs present unusual or higher risks, such as restricted access, heavy or fragile items, stair work, or shared public spaces. Develop and communicate safe systems of work that reflect these assessments and ensure they are applied in practice by all staff.
Manual Handling and Use of Equipment
Manual handling is a significant part of removal work and presents a risk of strain and injury if not managed properly. To reduce these risks, Reading Removals will:
Provide training in safe lifting techniques, team handling and load assessment. Encourage the use of mechanical aids such as sack trucks, dollies and lifting straps where appropriate. Plan the handling of heavy, bulky or awkward items in advance, including team sizes and routes. Ensure that all handling and lifting equipment is properly maintained and suitable for the task.
Vehicle and Road Safety
Our vehicles are central to our operations and we recognise the importance of safe driving and transport practices. Reading Removals will:
Ensure that all drivers hold the appropriate licences and receive suitable training. Maintain vehicles in safe, roadworthy condition with regular inspections and servicing. Require drivers to comply with road traffic laws and company rules on speed, loading, parking and rest breaks. Secure loads properly to prevent movement, damage or hazards to others while in transit.
Client Premises and Public Safety
Our teams work in homes, offices and shared spaces where clients, visitors and the public may be present. To protect others, we will:
Plan access routes to minimise risk and disruption. Use appropriate warning signs or verbal communication when moving items through shared areas. Keep walkways as clear as reasonably possible and manage trip hazards such as packing materials, tools and loose items. Show respect for client property and ensure that work areas are left safe and tidy at the end of each job.
Training, Information and Supervision
Reading Removals will provide appropriate training, instruction and supervision to ensure staff can carry out their roles safely. This includes:
Induction training for new employees covering general health and safety arrangements, safe driving practices where applicable, and the specific hazards of removal work. Ongoing refresher training and toolbox talks to reinforce safe working methods, highlight lessons from incidents and introduce any changes in procedures. Supervision and monitoring, particularly for new or inexperienced staff, to ensure that safe practices are followed consistently.
Accident Reporting and Emergency Procedures
All accidents, injuries, near misses and dangerous occurrences must be reported so that they can be investigated and future risks reduced. Reading Removals will:
Maintain procedures for reporting incidents and recording them accurately. Investigate significant incidents to identify underlying causes and implement corrective actions. Provide first aid equipment in vehicles and at relevant work locations, and ensure staff know how to obtain assistance in an emergency. Brief staff on emergency procedures for fire, evacuation and other foreseeable situations at client premises and storage locations.
Consultation and Continuous Improvement
We recognise the value of involving employees in health and safety matters. Reading Removals will encourage staff to raise concerns, suggest improvements and participate in discussions about health and safety performance. This policy and our related procedures will be reviewed regularly and updated as necessary to reflect changes in legislation, guidance, operations or lessons learned. Our goal is to continually improve safety standards for our team, our customers and the communities in which we operate.
