Strand Removals Health and Safety Policy

Strand Removals is committed to carrying out all removal, packing, loading, transport and delivery activities in a manner that safeguards the health, safety and welfare of our employees, customers, contractors, visitors and the wider public. This policy sets out our approach to managing health and safety across all aspects of our moving services, from residential relocations to commercial removals.

The management of Strand Removals recognises its duty to provide a safe working environment and safe systems of work. Health and safety is an essential part of our operational planning, decision making and day to day management. We expect everyone working with us to share this commitment.

Health and Safety Objectives

Our objectives are to prevent injury, ill health, property damage and disruption associated with our removal operations. We aim to identify and control risks arising from lifting and handling, use of vehicles and equipment, working in clients' premises, and operating in public areas. We continually review our performance and seek to improve our standards.

Strand Removals will ensure that health and safety responsibilities are understood at every level of the company. We will provide appropriate information, instruction, training and supervision so that employees are competent to carry out their duties safely and responsibly.

Legal Compliance and Industry Standards

Strand Removals will comply with all relevant health and safety laws and recognised industry best practice applicable to removal and moving services. Where reasonably practicable, we will adopt standards that exceed minimum legal requirements.

We will monitor developments in health and safety guidance relevant to removal companies, including those relating to manual handling, driving for work, vehicle loading, use of lifting aids, working at height when loading vehicles, and managing risks in clients' homes and workplaces.

Management Responsibilities

The management team at Strand Removals is responsible for implementing this policy and ensuring that effective arrangements are in place. This includes providing adequate resources, ensuring that risk assessments are carried out and reviewed, and that safe working practices are developed, communicated and maintained.

Managers and supervisors must lead by example, promote a positive safety culture and ensure that safety is considered when planning all removal work. They are responsible for checking that control measures are in place and effective, and for responding promptly to any health and safety concerns raised by staff or customers.

Employee Responsibilities

Every employee of Strand Removals has a duty to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions during removal operations. Employees must follow company procedures, use equipment correctly and cooperate with health and safety measures.

All staff must report hazards, near misses, accidents and unsafe conditions immediately so that corrective action can be taken. Employees are expected to attend scheduled training, follow manual handling techniques, wear any required personal protective equipment and drive company vehicles responsibly and in accordance with road safety rules.

Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices

Strand Removals will identify, assess and control risks associated with our activities. Typical hazards in the removal industry include heavy lifting, awkward loads, use of trolleys and lifting equipment, working in confined spaces, uneven access routes, stairways, use of ramps, and moving goods through public areas.

We will carry out risk assessments for our operations and develop safe systems of work covering packing, loading, unloading, storage, transport and disposal of materials. Site specific risks at client premises, such as restricted access, fragile surfaces or shared access with other users, will be assessed and managed before and during the move.

Manual Handling and Use of Equipment

Strand Removals recognises manual handling as a key risk in our sector. We are committed to reducing the need for hazardous manual lifting where reasonably practicable by using appropriate handling equipment and by planning work to minimise strain.

All staff will receive training in safe lifting techniques and correct use of handling aids. Equipment such as sack trucks, dollies, furniture skates, straps and ramps will be selected, maintained and used in accordance with manufacturer guidance. Employees must not use any item of equipment for which they are not trained or authorised.

Vehicle Safety and Driving for Work

The safe operation of company vehicles is critical to our health and safety performance. Strand Removals will ensure that vehicles are suitable for the work, maintained in safe condition and inspected regularly. Loading and securing of goods will be carried out to prevent shifting of loads and to protect both staff and other road users.

Drivers must hold the appropriate licences, follow company driving policies and operate vehicles responsibly. This includes adhering to speed limits, managing fatigue, completing checks before use, and reporting defects or incidents. Journey planning will consider safe routes, access constraints and adequate time for loading and unloading.

Customer and Public Safety

Strand Removals recognises its responsibility to protect customers, visitors, neighbours and the public from risks arising from our activities. When working at client premises or in shared access areas, we will take measures to control traffic, designate safe walkways where practicable, and manage trip hazards from packaging materials and equipment.

We will communicate clearly with customers about any temporary restrictions during loading and unloading and will work to minimise disruption while maintaining safe operations. Our teams will act courteously and respectfully in and around client properties at all times.

Training, Consultation and Communication

We will provide induction and ongoing health and safety training appropriate to each role within Strand Removals. This includes training on manual handling, equipment use, vehicle safety, incident reporting and emergency procedures.

Employees will be consulted on health and safety matters and encouraged to contribute suggestions for improving safety. Information about risks and procedures will be communicated clearly, and updates will be provided when work methods or legal requirements change.

Accident Reporting and Emergency Procedures

All accidents, injuries, near misses and dangerous occurrences must be reported promptly in accordance with internal procedures. Strand Removals will investigate incidents to identify root causes and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence.

Emergency procedures will be in place for fire, serious injury, road traffic collisions and other foreseeable events. Staff will be briefed on these procedures and must follow instructions at all times to protect themselves, colleagues and others in the vicinity.

Monitoring, Review and Continuous Improvement

Strand Removals will monitor health and safety performance through inspections, audits, incident analysis and feedback from employees and customers. Findings will be used to improve our practices, training and risk controls.

This Health and Safety Policy will be reviewed regularly and updated when necessary to reflect changes in legislation, guidance, our services, or the nature of the risks we manage. The policy is supported by detailed procedures and guidance, which all employees are required to follow.

By working together and maintaining high standards of health and safety, Strand Removals aims to deliver reliable, efficient and safe moving services for every customer and every move.