Barbican Removals Health and Safety Policy Statement

Barbican Removals is committed to maintaining a safe and healthy working environment for our employees, customers, contractors and members of the public who may be affected by our removals and related services. This policy sets out our approach to managing health and safety in all areas of our operations, including packing, loading, transportation, unloading and on-site handling of goods.

The management of Barbican Removals recognises its duty to comply with applicable health and safety legislation and to adopt best practice within the removals industry. We will provide the resources, information, training and supervision necessary to prevent injury, ill health and damage to property.

Our Health and Safety Objectives

Our objectives are to prevent accidents and work-related ill health, protect the wellbeing of our teams and customers, and promote a culture where health and safety is an integral part of every decision. We aim to continuously improve our performance by regularly reviewing working practices, equipment, training and risk controls.

We will ensure that our operations within homes, offices, storage facilities and on the road are planned and carried out with due regard to safety, and that lifting, carrying and transportation of items are performed in a safe and controlled manner.

Management Responsibilities

Directors and managers of Barbican Removals are responsible for implementing this policy and maintaining effective arrangements for health and safety. This includes ensuring that risk assessments are carried out, safe systems of work are developed, and that staff are adequately trained and supervised.

Management will regularly review accident and near miss reports, investigate incidents, and take corrective actions to prevent recurrence. They will ensure that vehicles, lifting equipment, trolleys and other tools used in our removals services are properly maintained, inspected and suitable for their intended use.

Employee Responsibilities

All employees have a duty to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions or omissions. This includes colleagues, customers and members of the public at or near work locations.

Employees must follow all safety procedures, use equipment correctly, and cooperate with management in implementing this policy. Any hazards, defects in equipment, unsafe practices or incidents must be reported promptly to a supervisor so that appropriate action can be taken.

Staff are expected to use personal protective equipment provided where necessary, such as gloves or safety footwear, and to practice safe lifting and handling techniques at all times.

Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices

Barbican Removals will carry out risk assessments for key activities, including packing and unpacking, manual handling of heavy or awkward items, use of lifting and moving aids, operation of vehicles, and working in confined or shared spaces such as stairwells, corridors and loading areas.

On each job, staff will consider access routes, parking arrangements, floor surfaces, weather conditions and any specific customer requirements to identify potential hazards. Where risks are identified, appropriate control measures will be put in place, such as using additional staff, employing lifting equipment, protecting floors and walls, and controlling pedestrian access during loading and unloading.

Manual Handling and Use of Equipment

Manual handling is a core part of removals work and will be managed carefully to minimise the risk of injury. Employees will receive training in safe lifting techniques, team lifting, and the use of handling aids such as dollies, trolleys, straps and ramps.

Heavy, bulky or fragile items will be assessed individually to determine the safest method of movement. Where necessary, additional manpower or specialist equipment will be used. No employee should attempt to lift or move any item that they consider to be unsafe, beyond their capability, or for which appropriate assistance is not available.

All handling equipment and vehicle loading systems will be checked regularly and taken out of use immediately if any defect is identified until it is repaired or replaced.

Vehicles and Driving Safety

Our vehicles are essential to our removal services and will be operated with a high standard of safety and care. Drivers are expected to comply with road traffic laws, drive considerately and maintain awareness of vulnerable road users such as pedestrians and cyclists.

Vehicles will be maintained in accordance with manufacturer recommendations and legal requirements. Daily checks will be carried out by drivers to identify any obvious issues with tyres, lights, mirrors, loading areas and securing points. Loads will be secured properly to prevent movement during transit, reducing the risk of injury or damage when doors are opened at the destination.

Customer Premises and Public Safety

When working at customer homes, offices or other premises, our teams will respect the property and ensure that work areas are kept as safe and orderly as practicable. Trip hazards such as packing materials, tools and loose items will be managed carefully.

Where necessary, our staff will control access to work areas to protect customers, visitors and the public from moving items and vehicles. Particular care will be taken in shared entrances, on pavements and near roads during loading and unloading.

Training, Information and Supervision

Barbican Removals will provide employees with appropriate health and safety training relevant to their roles, including induction training for new starters and refresher training when necessary. This may cover manual handling, safe driving, use of equipment, hazard recognition and emergency procedures.

Supervisors will monitor working practices on site to ensure that procedures are followed and to provide guidance and support where needed. Additional instruction will be given if new work methods or equipment are introduced.

Accidents, Incidents and Emergency Procedures

All accidents, injuries, near misses and dangerous occurrences must be reported as soon as practicable to a manager or supervisor. Barbican Removals will investigate incidents to determine root causes and implement measures to prevent recurrence.

Employees will be made aware of emergency procedures relevant to their work, including first aid arrangements, fire safety, and actions to take in the event of a vehicle breakdown or collision. Reasonable first aid provisions will be available during operations.

Consultation and Continuous Improvement

Barbican Removals will consult with employees on matters affecting their health and safety and encourage feedback on how working practices can be improved. Suggestions for safer methods of working, equipment improvements or training needs will be considered seriously.

This policy and its implementation will be reviewed regularly and updated as required to reflect changes in legislation, industry guidance, our services or the scale of our operations. All employees will be informed of any significant changes.

By working together and maintaining a positive approach to health and safety, Barbican Removals aims to provide reliable, high-quality removals services while protecting everyone involved in or affected by our work.