Archway Removals Health and Safety Policy
Archway 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 domestic and commercial removals, packing, loading, transport and delivery of goods.
1. Our Health and Safety Objectives
Our primary objective is to prevent injury, ill health, and damage to property arising from our removal services. We aim to identify hazards in advance, reduce risks to the lowest reasonably practicable level, and promote a culture where safe working is an integral part of every task.
We will continually review and improve our procedures to ensure they remain effective, practical and suitable for the type of removal work we undertake.
2. Legal Compliance and Responsibilities
Archway Removals will comply with all relevant health and safety legislation and associated guidance applicable to removal and transport operations. Management is responsible for providing leadership, resources and clear instructions to support safe working practices.
Supervisors and team leaders must ensure that safety procedures are followed on every job, from initial survey through to final delivery. Employees and contractors must take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions, and must cooperate with all safety instructions, training, and risk control measures.
3. Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work
Before carrying out removal work, we will assess the risks associated with the property, access routes, items to be moved and transport requirements. This includes consideration of manual handling, working at height, vehicle movements, confined spaces, trip hazards and public safety around loading and unloading areas.
Where necessary, method statements or safe systems of work will be prepared and communicated to all relevant team members. These will cover the order of work, required equipment, staffing levels and any control measures that must be followed.
4. Manual Handling and Use of Equipment
Manual handling is a key part of our removal activities. We will minimise the risk of musculoskeletal injuries by:
Ensuring that staff receive manual handling training appropriate to their role.
Encouraging the use of team lifting and mechanical aids, such as sack trucks, skates and lifting straps where appropriate.
Planning jobs so that heavy or awkward items are assessed in advance and the right number of trained staff are allocated.
Prohibiting unsafe practices such as rushing, overloading equipment, or attempting to lift items that exceed individual capabilities.
All handling equipment, including trolleys, ramps, harnesses and securing devices, will be used in accordance with manufacturer instructions and inspected regularly for defects.
5. Vehicle and Driving Safety
We will operate our vehicles in a safe and responsible manner to protect our drivers, passengers, other road users and pedestrians. This includes:
Ensuring vehicles are regularly serviced, maintained and inspected so they are roadworthy and suitable for the loads carried.
Requiring drivers to hold the correct licences, follow road traffic laws, and observe speed limits and parking restrictions.
Ensuring loads are correctly distributed, secured and covered where necessary to prevent movement or falling items during transit.
Encouraging drivers to plan routes to minimise risks at loading points, narrow streets, busy access ways and residential areas.
6. Site Safety at Properties and Premises
When working at customer homes, business premises, storage facilities or other locations, we will take care to protect people and property. This includes:
Assessing access routes, stairways, lifts and doorways for hazards and obstructions.
Using floor protection, corner guards and other measures to reduce the risk of damage and slips.
Keeping work areas as tidy as possible, with clear walkways free of trailing cables, packaging and loose materials.
Managing the movement of items so that team members do not block fire exits or emergency routes.
Taking extra care where members of the public, children, pets or customers are present.
7. Training, Information and Supervision
All employees will receive an appropriate induction that covers our Health and Safety Policy, emergency procedures and specific risks associated with removal work. Ongoing training will be provided where needed, including refresher training for manual handling, use of equipment, and vehicle safety.
Team leaders and supervisors are expected to provide clear instructions, monitor working practices and correct unsafe behaviour. Any new or inexperienced staff will be closely supervised until they are competent to work independently.
8. Personal Protective Equipment
Where risks cannot be fully controlled by other means, suitable personal protective equipment will be provided and used. This may include safety footwear, gloves, high-visibility clothing and other protective items appropriate to the task and environment.
Employees are responsible for using the protective equipment provided, keeping it in good condition and reporting any defects or losses without delay.
9. Incident Reporting and Emergency Procedures
All accidents, near misses, injuries and hazardous situations must be reported promptly to management. This enables us to investigate the causes, implement corrective actions and prevent recurrence.
Emergency procedures, including fire evacuation, first aid arrangements and incident response, will be communicated to staff. When working at client sites, our team will cooperate with the site specific emergency plans and follow any safety instructions given by the customer or site management.
10. Consultation and Continuous Improvement
Archway Removals encourages open communication about health and safety matters. Employees are invited to raise concerns, suggest improvements and participate in discussions about how to work more safely and efficiently.
This policy will be reviewed regularly and updated when necessary to reflect changes in legislation, best practice, or the nature of our operations. Any changes will be communicated to employees and, where relevant, to contractors and partners.
11. Policy Availability and Commitment
This Health and Safety Policy is made available to all employees and can be provided to customers, partners and other interested parties on request. Everyone working for or with Archway Removals is expected to support and uphold the standards set out in this document.
By implementing this policy and maintaining a strong safety culture, Archway Removals strives to deliver removal services that protect people, property and the wider community in every area we serve.
