Health and Safety Policy for Putney Removals

Purpose: This policy sets out the commitment of Putney Removals, the Putney removal service and associated moving teams, to provide a safe working environment for employees, clients and the public. It explains responsibilities, safe systems of work, and the standards expected of everyone involved in removals in Putney and beyond. The policy is intended to be practical, proportionate and easy to follow by the Putney movers and support staff who carry out relocations every day.

Scope and Objectives

This policy applies to all staff, contractors and temporary personnel engaged by the Putney moving company in the course of packing, loading, transporting, storing and unloading household and commercial goods. The principal objectives are to:

• prevent accidents and ill health;
• ensure safe vehicle operation and equipment use;
• manage manual handling and lifting safely;
• provide clear reporting and investigation of incidents.

The policy supports continuous improvement through training, monitoring and review.

Responsibilities

Management will ensure that suitable resources are available so that health and safety arrangements are implemented across the Putney relocation team. Supervisors and team leaders are responsible for ensuring safe working practices on site and in transit. All employees have a duty to take reasonable care of their own safety and that of others, to follow safe systems and to report hazards, near-misses and injuries promptly.

Risk Assessment and Safe Systems

Risk assessments will be carried out for all routine and non-routine removal activities, including unusual premises, confined spaces, narrow streets, stairs and fragile contents. These assessments will identify hazards and set out control measures such as load restraint, use of trolleys and slings, and restrictions on lone working where risks are elevated. The Putney movers will use written checks and job-specific briefings to ensure every task is planned and understood.

Training, Competence and Supervision

Training is mandatory and tailored to roles: manual handling, vehicle loading, securement, use of lifting equipment and safe driving for crews from the Putney removal service. Competence is assessed on induction and periodically thereafter. Supervision ensures standards are maintained on the day and that inexperienced staff receive the support they need. Refresher training and toolbox talks reinforce key messages and encourage active participation in safety.

Personal Protective Equipment and Clothing

Appropriate PPE will be provided where risk assessments indicate it is necessary, including gloves, hi‑vis clothing and safety footwear. Personnel must use PPE as instructed and ensure it is kept in serviceable condition. Clothing should be suitable for the weather and the nature of the work, avoiding loose items that could become entangled during handling.

Vehicle and Equipment Safety

Vehicles, tail lifts, trolleys and lifting aids must be maintained and inspected according to schedules. Drivers and handlers are required to carry out pre‑use checks and report defects immediately. Loading plans must consider weight distribution, restraint and access. The Putney moving company enforces safe loading limits and securement to reduce the risk of shifting loads or injuries during transit.

Manual Handling and Ergonomics

Manual handling is a primary hazard in removals. Safe techniques, team lifts, mechanical aids and regular rotation reduce strain. Job planning will avoid unnecessary lifting where possible. Supervisors will review challenging tasks and provide additional resources or alternative methods when required. Employees are encouraged to speak up if a lift feels unsafe or beyond their capabilities.

Incident Reporting, Investigation and Continuous Improvement

All incidents, near‑misses and injuries must be reported promptly so that immediate risks can be controlled and underlying causes identified. Investigations focus on root causes and practical remedies rather than blame. Findings will inform training, procedural updates and equipment changes. Regular audits and performance monitoring ensure the policy remains effective, and reviews will be undertaken periodically to capture lessons learned and evolving best practice.

Emergency Procedures and Wellbeing

Emergency arrangements include evacuation, first aid provision and procedures for medical emergencies. Appointed first aiders, accessible kits and clear communication channels are maintained for all operations. The Putney movers recognise that wellbeing, fatigue management and safe working hours are integral to safety; therefore, schedules will consider rest periods and job demands to reduce human factors that contribute to accidents.

Communication and Engagement

Clear communication is essential: pre‑job briefings, written checklists and handovers on multi‑stage jobs help maintain continuity. Staff are encouraged to contribute observations and improvement suggestions. Regular safety meetings and briefings create an environment where health and safety is a shared responsibility and an everyday priority for the removals in Putney and visiting teams.

Policy Review and Commitment This document will be reviewed at planned intervals and updated following significant changes in operations, equipment or after serious incidents. The senior management team of Putney Removals declares a strong commitment to implementing and resourcing this policy. Everyone engaged in our moving operations must understand and apply its principles to protect themselves, their colleagues and the people whose homes and businesses we serve.