The Hyde Removals Health and Safety Policy

The Hyde Removals is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for all employees, contractors, customers and members of the public who may be affected by our removal and relocation activities. We recognise that effective health and safety management is an integral part of delivering professional removal services and maintaining the confidence of our customers.

This policy sets out our general approach and outlines the arrangements we have in place to manage health and safety risks arising from our work. It applies to all areas of our operations, including residential moves, commercial relocations, packing services, storage handling and transport of goods.

Our Health and Safety Objectives

The Hyde Removals will, so far as is reasonably practicable, aim to:

Prevent injury and ill health arising from our removal activities and related services. Identify, assess and control risks associated with manual handling, driving, lifting operations, use of equipment and working on customer premises. Comply with relevant health and safety legislation, approved codes of practice and industry standards. Provide and maintain safe vehicles, equipment and systems of work. Ensure that all employees are properly trained, competent and supervised to carry out their duties safely. Promote a positive health and safety culture in which all employees take responsibility for their own safety and that of others. Continuously review and improve our health and safety performance.

Responsibilities

Overall responsibility for health and safety rests with the senior management of The Hyde Removals. Management will provide adequate resources, including time, personnel and equipment, to implement and maintain this policy.

Managers and supervisors are responsible for:

Implementing this policy within their areas of control. Ensuring that risk assessments are carried out and control measures are implemented. Providing clear instructions, information and training to employees. Monitoring working practices and taking corrective action where necessary.

Employees have a duty to:

Take reasonable care for their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions or omissions. Follow all safety instructions, procedures and training received. Use vehicles, tools, equipment and personal protective equipment correctly. Report any accidents, incidents, near misses or hazards to their supervisor without delay. Cooperate with management on all matters relating to health and safety.

Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices

The Hyde Removals will identify and assess the risks arising from our removal operations and related services. Risk assessments will be carried out for activities including, but not limited to, loading and unloading vehicles, carrying heavy or awkward items, use of lifting aids, driving and access to properties.

Based on these assessments, we will implement safe systems of work, which may include planning of routes and parking, allocating suitable crew numbers for each job, using lifting equipment and handling aids where appropriate, assessing access routes, stairways and doorways before moving items, and setting clear procedures for working in confined or shared spaces.

Risk assessments and procedures will be reviewed regularly and whenever there are significant changes to our operations, equipment or work locations.

Manual Handling and Use of Equipment

Manual handling is a key part of removal work and a major focus of our safety arrangements. We provide training in correct lifting and carrying techniques, team handling methods, use of trolleys, dollies, straps and other handling aids, and the importance of assessing each load and route before moving items.

Where mechanical or powered equipment is used, such as lifting platforms or specialist vehicles, only trained and authorised personnel may operate them. All equipment will be properly maintained, inspected and taken out of service if defective.

Vehicle Safety and Driving Standards

Our removal vehicles are central to our service, and we ensure they are suitable, well maintained and operated safely. Regular inspections and servicing are carried out in accordance with manufacturer recommendations and legal requirements. Drivers must be appropriately licensed, competent and medically fit to drive.

Driving safety procedures include route planning to minimise risks, compliance with road traffic laws, safe loading and securing of goods to prevent movement during transit, adherence to working time and rest break requirements, and reporting of any vehicle defects, collisions or near misses.

Working on Customer Premises

Our teams regularly work in homes, offices and other customer premises. We recognise our responsibility to protect the safety of customers, visitors and other contractors while we carry out removal activities.

On arrival, the team leader will assess access routes, floors, staircases and any site-specific hazards. Where necessary, we will use floor protection, corner guards and other measures to prevent slips, trips and damage. We will keep work areas as tidy as reasonably practicable, minimise obstruction of walkways and fire exits and coordinate with customers regarding timing and sequencing of work.

Our staff are instructed to behave professionally and safely at all times, respecting customer property and following any reasonable site rules that do not compromise safety.

Training, Information and Supervision

The Hyde Removals provides appropriate health and safety training for all employees, including induction training for new starters, job-specific training for removal operatives, drivers and supervisors, and refresher training where necessary.

Health and safety information is communicated through briefings, toolbox talks and written instructions. Supervisors monitor work practices on site to ensure that procedures and training are followed.

Accidents, Incidents and Near Misses

All accidents, injuries, incidents and near misses must be reported promptly. We will investigate these events to identify causes, learn lessons and prevent recurrence. Where required, we will comply with relevant reporting obligations to the appropriate authorities.

Records of incidents and investigations will be kept and reviewed periodically to identify trends and opportunities for improvement.

Consultation and Continuous Improvement

The Hyde Removals is committed to consulting with employees on health and safety matters. We encourage staff to raise concerns, suggest improvements and participate in developing safer ways of working.

This policy and our wider health and safety arrangements will be reviewed regularly and updated as necessary to reflect changes in legislation, industry practices, our operations and any lessons learned from incidents or feedback.

This Health and Safety Policy expresses the ongoing commitment of The Hyde Removals to safeguarding the wellbeing of our staff, customers and the public while delivering professional removal services.