Dundee Removals Health and Safety Policy

Dundee 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 activities. This policy sets out our approach to managing health and safety across all removal, packing, loading, transportation and storage operations.

Policy Statement

Our objective is to prevent injury and ill health arising from our work activities and to continually improve our health and safety performance. We will identify, assess and control risks associated with removals work, and ensure that health and safety considerations form an integral part of all planning and operational decisions.

We will comply with all relevant health and safety legislation, approved codes of practice and industry guidance applicable to the removals and transport sector. Where it is reasonably practicable, we will adopt standards that exceed minimum legal requirements.

Responsibilities and Management

Overall responsibility for health and safety within Dundee Removals rests with the company management, who will ensure that effective arrangements, resources and competent people are in place to implement this policy.

Managers and supervisors are responsible for:

Providing clear instructions, information and training to employees for all tasks, including lifting, carrying, packing, use of vehicles, and use of lifting and moving equipment.

Ensuring that risk assessments and method statements are prepared, communicated and followed for all removal operations.

Monitoring working practices on site, correcting unsafe behaviour and taking action to address hazards.

Employees are responsible for:

Taking reasonable care for their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions or omissions.

Following all safety instructions, training, safe systems of work and using equipment correctly.

Reporting accidents, near misses, hazards, faulty equipment or unsafe conditions without delay.

Cooperating with management to enable all legal and policy obligations to be met.

Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work

Dundee Removals will carry out and maintain suitable and sufficient risk assessments for all significant hazards associated with our work, including but not limited to manual handling, working at height during loading, vehicle movements, access to premises, confined spaces such as lofts or basements, and environmental factors such as weather and poor ground conditions.

Based on these assessments, we will develop safe systems of work and method statements for both domestic and commercial moves. These will be communicated to staff prior to work commencing and reviewed regularly or when work methods, equipment or locations change.

Manual Handling and Use of Equipment

Manual handling is a key element of removals work. To reduce the risk of injury, we will:

Train staff in correct lifting, carrying and team-handling techniques, and in the proper use of trolleys, dollies, lifting straps and similar aids.

Plan moves to minimise the need for hazardous manual handling and to use mechanical aids wherever reasonably practicable.

Ensure that equipment provided for lifting and moving is suitable, well maintained and inspected at appropriate intervals.

Employees must use handling aids where provided, follow training and avoid taking unnecessary risks by attempting to move items that are too heavy, awkward or unstable.

Vehicles, Driving and Road Safety

Dundee Removals will ensure that all vehicles used for removals are fit for purpose, regularly inspected and maintained. We will ensure drivers are competent, appropriately licensed and trained in safe loading, securing of loads, and driving techniques appropriate to local routes and conditions.

Drivers and crew must comply with road traffic laws, follow company procedures on route planning and parking, and take reasonable steps to protect the safety of pedestrians and other road users during loading and unloading operations.

Customer Premises and Public Safety

Our teams often work at customer homes, offices and other premises. We will take steps to protect customers, visitors and the public by:

Planning access routes and exit routes to avoid trip hazards and obstructions.

Using barriers, signs or a visible presence where necessary when moving items through shared areas such as pavements, corridors or stairwells.

Keeping work areas as tidy as reasonably practicable, promptly clearing packing materials, tools and equipment that may present a hazard.

Respecting property and fixtures, and reporting any damage or concerns to the customer and internally.

Training, Information and Supervision

We will provide employees with suitable health and safety training at induction and at intervals appropriate to their role, including training specific to removals operations. This may cover manual handling, use of equipment, vehicle safety, working in different types of premises, and dealing with challenging environments.

Information on risks and control measures will be provided through briefings, toolbox talks and written procedures. Less experienced staff will be supervised and supported by more experienced colleagues or managers until they are deemed competent to work without close supervision.

Accidents, Incidents and First Aid

Dundee Removals will maintain arrangements for first aid appropriate to the size and nature of the business and the work locations. All accidents, incidents and near misses must be reported promptly so they can be recorded, investigated and, where necessary, lead to improvements in working practices or equipment.

We will cooperate with any external investigations or reporting requirements and keep appropriate records in line with relevant regulations.

Consultation and Continuous Improvement

We encourage employees to raise health and safety concerns and suggestions. Consultation with staff will take place informally through regular discussions, as well as through any specific safety meetings or briefings held by management.

This policy and the associated risk assessments and procedures will be reviewed regularly and updated when there are significant changes in legislation, work activities, equipment or learning from incidents. Revised versions will be communicated to all relevant staff.

Policy Review and Availability

This Health and Safety Policy is approved by the management of Dundee Removals and is reviewed at least annually. It is made available to employees, customers and other interested parties on request. All employees are required to familiarise themselves with this policy and follow its requirements as part of their normal duties.