Richmond upon Thames Removals is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for our employees, contractors, customers, and members of the public who may be affected by our activities. This Health and Safety policy sets out our approach to managing risks associated with removals, packing, loading, transport, and delivery of goods across our service area.
This policy applies to all employees and contractors engaged in office-based and on-site removal activities, including household moves, commercial relocations, packing services, and storage-related handling. Our aims are to prevent injury and ill health, comply with applicable health and safety legislation, and continually improve our safety performance.
Company management holds overall responsibility for implementing and maintaining this Health and Safety policy. Management will:
Ensure appropriate resources are allocated for health and safety, including equipment, training, and supervision. Regularly review risk assessments and safe working procedures to reflect changes in operations, legislation, or identified risks. Investigate accidents, incidents, and near misses, and implement measures to prevent recurrence. Consult with employees on health and safety matters and encourage open reporting of hazards or concerns. Monitor performance to ensure compliance with this policy and continuous improvement.
All employees, including temporary workers and contractors, share responsibility for maintaining a safe working environment. Employees are required to:
Take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions. Follow all safety instructions, training, and company procedures. Use equipment, tools, and vehicles only as trained and in accordance with manufacturer guidance. Report hazards, defective equipment, near misses, and accidents to their supervisor without delay. Wear any required personal protective equipment and keep it in good condition.
Richmond upon Thames Removals conducts risk assessments for all key activities, including manual handling, driving, loading and unloading vehicles, working at height when required for access, and operations in residential and commercial premises. These assessments identify hazards and set out control measures and safe systems of work.
Site-specific risks such as restricted access, staircases, uneven surfaces, or shared spaces are considered during planning and on arrival at each job. Where necessary, work is paused until risks are adequately controlled, additional equipment is provided, or the method of work is adapted to ensure safety.
Manual handling is a core part of moving services and is managed carefully to reduce the risk of injury. The company provides training on correct lifting techniques, team lifting, and the use of handling aids. Staff are instructed to:
Assess loads before lifting, considering weight, shape, and stability. Use trolleys, dollies, straps, and other aids where appropriate. Request assistance for heavy, bulky, or awkward items and never attempt unsafe solo lifts. Avoid twisting, overreaching, or carrying items that obstruct vision. Plan routes in advance to remove trip hazards and keep pathways clear.
Our vehicles are maintained in safe working order, with regular checks and servicing. Drivers are required to hold the correct licence and are expected to comply with road traffic laws and company procedures. This includes:
Completing pre-use vehicle checks and reporting defects. Ensuring loads are evenly distributed and securely restrained. Driving within speed limits and according to road conditions. Allowing adequate time for journeys to avoid the need for unsafe driving practices. Parking and unloading in a way that minimises risk to pedestrians, customers, and other road users.
Richmond upon Thames Removals provides suitable equipment to support safe operations, such as moving trolleys, ramps, lifting straps, and protective materials. Where necessary, personal protective equipment such as safety footwear and gloves is provided and must be used in line with training and instructions.
All equipment is inspected regularly and removed from service if found to be defective. Employees must not use damaged equipment and must report any issues promptly.
Our teams work in and around homes, offices, and shared spaces. We take care to protect both property and people by:
Maintaining clear access routes and managing cables, packing materials, and equipment to prevent trips and falls. Communicating with customers about any temporary hazards, such as ramps or open vehicle doors. Using protective coverings to reduce the risk of damage to floors, stairs, and fixtures where appropriate. Controlling loading and unloading areas to minimise risk to passers-by.
All staff receive induction training covering company health and safety procedures, safe lifting, vehicle safety, and incident reporting. Additional role-specific training is provided for team leaders, drivers, and specialist tasks such as handling fragile or high-value items.
Supervisors are responsible for monitoring work on-site, ensuring that procedures are followed and that new or less experienced staff are supported. Refresher training is carried out as needed, particularly when new equipment or methods are introduced.
All accidents, injuries, property damage, and near misses must be reported as soon as reasonably practicable. Records are kept and reviewed to identify trends and opportunities for improvement. Where required by law, incidents will be reported to the appropriate authorities.
The physical nature of removal work requires employees to be fit for duty. Staff must not report for work under the influence of alcohol or drugs and must inform management of any medical condition that could affect their ability to work safely. The company is committed to supporting the wellbeing of staff and will consider reasonable adjustments where appropriate.
This Health and Safety policy is reviewed regularly and updated to reflect any changes in operations, legislation, or identified risks. The policy is communicated to all employees and is available to customers and other interested parties on request. Everyone working with or for Richmond upon Thames Removals is expected to support and comply with this policy to maintain a safe environment for all.
