Health and Safety policy

Health and Safety Policy for Tufnell Park Removals

Tufnell Park Removals is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for all employees, contractors, customers, visitors, and members of the public who may be affected by our removal and transport activities. This Health and Safety Policy sets out our approach to preventing accidents, injuries, ill health, and damage to property during household and commercial moves, packing, loading, unloading, and storage operations.

Our Health and Safety Commitments

We recognise that the nature of removal work, including lifting, carrying, vehicle use, and work at customers premises, presents specific risks that must be carefully managed. Tufnell Park Removals will, so far as is reasonably practicable:

Provide and maintain safe systems of work for all removal and associated services.

Ensure that vehicles, equipment, and tools are safe, regularly inspected, and suitable for their intended use.

Assess risks arising from our operations and implement appropriate control measures.

Provide relevant information, instruction, supervision, and training to our staff to enable them to work safely and competently.

Promote a positive health and safety culture where everyone accepts their responsibilities and actively contributes to safe working practices.

Comply with applicable health and safety legislation and recognised guidance for the removals and transport sector.

Responsibilities for Health and Safety

Overall responsibility for health and safety within Tufnell Park Removals rests with the company management. They are responsible for implementing this policy, allocating resources, and monitoring performance. Management will regularly review working practices and update procedures in line with legislation, guidance, and operational experience.

Supervisors and team leaders are responsible for day to day health and safety management on site and during moves. They must ensure that staff follow safe working practices, use equipment correctly, wear appropriate personal protective equipment, and report any hazards or incidents immediately.

Every employee has 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. Staff must follow company procedures, attend training, use equipment properly, and cooperate with management in all health and safety matters.

Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices

Risk assessments will be carried out for all key aspects of our operations, including manual handling, vehicle movements, working in customers homes and business premises, use of trolleys and lifting equipment, packing materials, and storage facilities. These risk assessments will be reviewed periodically and following any significant change in our activities or after an accident or near miss.

Safe systems of work and method statements will be implemented to control identified risks. This includes planning each move, assessing access routes, considering parking and loading arrangements, and identifying any special risks such as fragile items, restricted access, stairs, or high value goods. Staff must follow these safe systems at all times.

Manual Handling and Use of Equipment

Manual handling is a core part of removal work and presents a significant risk of injury if not managed properly. Tufnell Park Removals provides manual handling training, including techniques for lifting, carrying, and team handling of heavy or awkward items. Staff are expected to use trolleys, lifting aids, and protective materials wherever possible to reduce physical strain.

All equipment, including sack trucks, dollies, ramps, and straps, will be maintained in good condition and inspected regularly. Defective equipment must be reported and taken out of use immediately. Only trained and authorised personnel may operate any mechanical lifting or specialist equipment used during removals.

Vehicles, Driving, and Transport Safety

Our vehicles are central to our service, and their safe operation is essential to protect staff, customers, and other road users. Tufnell Park Removals will ensure that vehicles are regularly serviced, inspected, and fit for purpose. Drivers must carry out daily vehicle checks and report any defects promptly.

Drivers are required to follow all road traffic laws, plan routes sensibly, allow adequate time for journeys, and drive in a manner that reflects our commitment to safety and professionalism. Loads must be secured properly, with items protected and restrained to prevent movement and damage during transit.

Customer Premises and Public Safety

Our teams frequently work in and around customers homes, offices, and shared spaces. We will take all reasonable steps to protect customers, neighbours, visitors, and members of the public from risks arising from our work. This includes managing trip hazards from packaging, ramps, and equipment, and controlling access to loading and unloading areas where practical.

Staff must act with care and respect at all premises, avoiding unnecessary noise, obstruction, or damage. Any incidents, damage, or near misses must be reported immediately so that corrective action can be taken and lessons learned.

Training, Supervision, and Communication

All new employees will receive an induction that covers core health and safety requirements, including manual handling, vehicle safety, use of equipment, emergency procedures, and company rules. Ongoing training and refresher sessions will be provided as needed to maintain competence and awareness.

Supervision levels will be appropriate to the complexity and risk of the work being undertaken. Less experienced staff will be supported and monitored closely until they are assessed as competent to work more independently.

We encourage open communication about health and safety. Staff are expected to raise concerns, suggest improvements, and report hazards without fear of criticism. Management will review all reports and respond promptly.

Accidents, Incidents, and Emergencies

All accidents, injuries, near misses, and dangerous occurrences must be reported and recorded. Where appropriate, investigations will be carried out to identify root causes and implement corrective measures to prevent recurrence.

Emergency procedures will be in place for fire, first aid, vehicle breakdowns, and other foreseeable incidents. Staff will be made aware of these procedures and their responsibilities in an emergency situation, whether working at our premises, on the road, or at a customer location.

Monitoring, Review, and Continuous Improvement

Tufnell Park Removals is committed to the ongoing improvement of our health and safety performance. We will monitor compliance with this policy through inspections, audits, incident reviews, and feedback from staff and customers.

This Health and Safety Policy will be reviewed regularly and updated as necessary to reflect changes in law, industry practices, and the nature of our operations. The most current version of the policy will be communicated to all employees and made available to customers on request.

By working together and following the standards set out in this policy, Tufnell Park Removals aims to ensure that every move is carried out safely, efficiently, and with the highest regard for the wellbeing of everyone involved.