Hackney Removals Health and Safety Policy
Hackney Removals is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for our employees, contractors, clients, and members of the public who may be affected by our removal and relocation activities. This Health and Safety policy sets out our approach to managing risks associated with domestic and commercial moves, packing, loading, transport, and delivery services.
Our aim is to prevent accidents, work-related ill health, and damage to property by integrating health and safety considerations into all aspects of our planning and operations.
Our Health and Safety Responsibilities
We recognise our responsibility to comply with applicable health and safety legislation and industry best practice. Management at all levels is responsible for implementing this policy, providing resources, and ensuring that safety standards are maintained and continuously improved.
All employees and contractors are required to follow safe systems of work, use equipment correctly, and cooperate with management to achieve a safe working environment during every move and associated service.
Risk Assessment and Safe Planning of Removals
Before carrying out removal work, Hackney Removals undertakes suitable and proportionate risk assessments. We consider the specific conditions of each job, including access to properties, stairways, lifts, outdoor areas, traffic routes, and any special handling requirements for items such as fragile or heavy goods.
Where significant risks are identified, we implement control measures. These may include the allocation of additional staff, use of appropriate lifting equipment, revised vehicle positioning, or specific handling techniques. Our teams are briefed on the findings of risk assessments and the safe methods of work to be followed at each location.
Training, Instruction and Supervision
We provide relevant training and ongoing instruction so that our staff can carry out their tasks safely and competently. This includes, where appropriate, safe lifting and carrying techniques, vehicle loading and unloading, use of trolleys, ramps, and other equipment, as well as awareness of hazards inside homes, offices, and shared spaces.
New staff receive an induction covering company safety rules, emergency procedures, incident reporting, and the use of personal protective equipment. Supervisors and team leaders are responsible for monitoring working practices, correcting unsafe behaviour, and ensuring that this policy is applied consistently.
Safe Handling, Lifting and Carrying
Manual handling is a core part of removal work and presents a significant risk of injury. Hackney Removals minimises this risk by planning loads sensibly, encouraging the use of mechanical aids, and avoiding unnecessary carrying. Items are assessed for weight, size, and stability before being moved.
Our staff are instructed to work within their capabilities, ask for assistance where needed, and follow correct lifting techniques, such as keeping loads close to the body, using leg strength rather than back muscles, and avoiding twisting while carrying. We do not expect any person to lift or carry items that pose an unacceptable risk to their health.
Vehicles, Driving and Road Safety
Our vehicles are maintained in a roadworthy condition in line with legal requirements and manufacturer recommendations. Pre-use checks are carried out so that brakes, tyres, lights, and securing points are safe and functional before every journey.
Drivers are responsible for operating vehicles safely, respecting speed limits, parking considerately at collection and delivery addresses, and taking particular care when manoeuvring in residential streets and busy commercial areas. Loads are secured to prevent movement in transit, and doors are checked to avoid accidental opening while on the road.
Equipment and Personal Protective Equipment
Hackney Removals supplies appropriate tools and equipment, such as sack trucks, dollies, straps, blankets, and ramps, to support safer lifting and transit of goods. This equipment is inspected regularly and is removed from service if found to be defective.
Where risks cannot be fully eliminated by other means, we provide personal protective equipment such as gloves, high-visibility clothing, and safety footwear, depending on the nature of the work. Staff are required to use this equipment correctly and report any defects or losses immediately.
Client Premises and Public Safety
Our teams work in and around client homes, offices, and shared spaces, so we take particular care to control risks to occupants, visitors, neighbours, and passers-by. We manage access points, keep walkways clear of obstructions, and position equipment and vehicles to minimise trip, slip, and collision hazards.
Where practical, warning signs or verbal notices are used to alert people to ongoing removal operations. Items are stacked safely to prevent toppling, and care is taken to avoid damage to fixtures, fittings, and surrounding property.
Housekeeping and Environmental Conditions
Good housekeeping is essential for safe removal work. Our teams keep work areas as tidy as reasonably possible by managing packing materials, waste, tools, and equipment in an orderly manner. Routes used for carrying items are monitored and kept clear.
Environmental conditions, such as wet or icy surfaces, poor lighting, or confined spaces, are assessed and managed. Actions may include adjusting the timing of work, using additional lighting, or modifying the route to avoid higher-risk areas.
Accidents, Incidents and Near Misses
All accidents, incidents, and near misses related to our services must be reported promptly. Hackney Removals investigates such events to identify root causes and implement corrective actions. This may involve changes to procedures, further staff training, or improvements in equipment and planning.
Information about accidents and incidents is reviewed regularly so that we can identify recurring issues and trends, and take steps to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
Health, Wellbeing and Fitness for Work
We recognise that the physical nature of removal work requires staff to be fit for the tasks they perform. Employees are encouraged to inform management of any health conditions that could affect their ability to carry out their duties safely. We will consider adjustments to work where appropriate and feasible.
We do not tolerate working under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or the misuse of substances that could impair judgment or coordination. Any concerns regarding fitness for work are addressed in line with company procedures.
Consultation, Communication and Policy Review
Hackney Removals promotes open communication on health and safety matters. Employees are encouraged to raise concerns, suggest improvements, and report hazards they encounter during moves and related tasks. Reasonable concerns are investigated, and outcomes are communicated where possible.
This Health and Safety policy is reviewed regularly and updated as necessary to reflect changes in our operations, applicable legislation, and industry good practice. The current version is made available to employees and can be provided to clients on request.
By working together and following the principles laid out in this policy, Hackney Removals aims to ensure that all removal projects are carried out as safely and responsibly as possible.
