Slough Removals Health and Safety Policy

Slough Removals is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for our employees, contractors, visitors and customers. This Health and Safety Policy outlines the principles and procedures we follow to manage risks associated with domestic and commercial removals, storage handling and related activities across our service areas.

Policy Statement

Our aim is to conduct all removal and logistics operations in a way that minimises the risk of injury, ill health, property damage and environmental harm. Health and safety is an integral part of our business planning, decision making and day-to-day operations. All managers, supervisors and employees are required to take responsibility for their own safety and the safety of others who may be affected by their actions.

Legal Compliance and Industry Standards

Slough Removals complies with relevant health and safety legislation and recognised best practice within the removals and transport industry. We monitor changes in applicable regulations and update our procedures, training and documentation accordingly. Our objective is not only to meet legal requirements, but to continually improve our health and safety performance.

Roles and Responsibilities

Ultimate responsibility for health and safety within Slough Removals rests with senior management. They ensure that adequate resources, including time, training and equipment, are provided to implement this policy. Supervisors are responsible for day-to-day implementation, including monitoring safe working practices on jobs, vehicles and premises.

All employees have a duty to work safely, follow company procedures, use equipment correctly and report hazards, accidents and near misses without delay. Contractors and agency workers engaged by Slough Removals are expected to comply with this policy and our site-specific rules while working on our behalf.

Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work

We carry out risk assessments for our key activities, including packing, lifting, loading, unloading, driving, storage handling and work at customer premises. These assessments identify hazards and set out control measures to reduce risks to an acceptable level.

Safe systems of work are developed from these assessments and communicated to staff through training, written instructions and on-site briefings. These systems cover areas such as manual handling techniques, use of lifting equipment, working on stairs and in confined spaces, and safe vehicle movements in residential streets, commercial yards and customer car parks.

Manual Handling and Use of Equipment

Manual handling is central to removals work and is a significant source of risk. Slough Removals provides specific manual handling training tailored to lifting and carrying furniture, appliances, boxes and specialist items. Employees are instructed to assess each lift before proceeding and to refuse tasks that they consider unsafe.

We provide suitable handling aids such as trolleys, dollies, lifting straps and protective covers, and we ensure they are properly maintained. Vehicles and storage areas are laid out to reduce unnecessary lifting, carrying distances and awkward movements. Heavier and bulky items are tackled by teams rather than individuals and, where appropriate, by mechanical aids.

Vehicle Safety and Driving Standards

Our vehicles are maintained in a safe and roadworthy condition through regular inspections and scheduled servicing. Drivers must hold the appropriate licences, be medically fit to drive and follow company rules on driving hours, rest breaks and mobile phone use.

Journey planning takes account of local traffic patterns, access constraints, loading restrictions and customer time slots, helping to reduce stress and driving risks. Drivers are expected to obey speed limits, park considerately and operate tail-lifts, ramps and securing systems in accordance with manufacturer instructions and company training.

Customer and Public Safety

During removals work at homes, offices and other premises, we take care to protect customers, their visitors and members of the public. This includes maintaining clear walkways, using warning signs where appropriate, managing vehicle movements safely and controlling access to work areas.

Protective materials are used to reduce the risk of slips, trips and damage to property, particularly on stairs, in corridors and at building entrances. Where operations may temporarily obstruct pavements or shared access routes, staff are instructed to minimise disruption and maintain safe passage for others.

Workplace Conditions and Welfare

We aim to provide safe, clean and tidy working environments, whether at our own premises, in vehicles or on customer sites. Staff are encouraged to maintain good housekeeping standards, keep routes clear and store equipment safely. Suitable welfare arrangements are provided, including access to drinking water, rest areas and sanitary facilities, either on our premises or via agreed arrangements on customer sites.

Personal Protective Equipment

Where risks cannot be eliminated by other means, Slough Removals provides appropriate personal protective equipment such as safety footwear, gloves and high visibility clothing. Employees are required to use the equipment provided, take care of it and report any loss or damage so that replacements can be issued promptly.

Training, Information and Supervision

We provide induction training for all new starters, including an overview of company health and safety rules, emergency procedures and safe working methods relevant to removals work. Ongoing training covers manual handling, vehicle safety, use of equipment and any new processes introduced as our services develop.

Supervisors monitor working practices on-site and provide additional guidance or coaching where needed. Health and safety information is communicated through briefings, toolbox talks and written instructions, ensuring that all staff understand current expectations.

Accident Reporting and Investigation

All accidents, incidents, near misses and cases of work-related ill health must be reported promptly to management. We keep records of these events, investigate their causes and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence. Lessons learned are shared with relevant staff and used to improve our risk assessments and procedures.

Consultation and Continuous Improvement

Slough Removals encourages open communication on health and safety matters. Employees are invited to raise concerns, suggest improvements and participate in discussions about practical safety measures on jobs and at our premises. Feedback from customers is also considered where it highlights potential risks or opportunities to improve how we work.

This Health and Safety Policy is reviewed regularly and updated as necessary to reflect changes in our operations, the wider removals industry and applicable regulations. Our commitment is to maintain high standards of safety for our staff, customers and all others who may be affected by our activities.