Health and Safety Policy for Putney Removals

Purpose and scope: This policy sets out the commitment of Putney Removals and associated teams to maintain safe working conditions for staff, customers and the public during all removal operations. It applies to every activity carried out by the Putney removal company, whether packing, loading, transporting or unloading household and commercial goods. The objective is to prevent injury, ill health and damage while promoting a culture of safety and compliance.

The policy is supported by clear leadership, competent supervision and effective communication. Managers and supervisors in the Putney removal services network will ensure that risk assessment, training and safe working procedures are integrated into daily routines. All staff are expected to co-operate, follow instructions and make safety improvements where possible.

Responsibilities and leadership

Senior management is accountable for setting standards and allocating resources to implement this policy. Supervisors and team leaders are responsible for translating those standards into operational practice. Each member of staff must take reasonable care for their own safety and that of others. The responsibilities include:

• Carrying out pre-job risk assessments and confirming control measures;
• Using issued personal protective equipment (PPE) and specialist tools;
• Reporting incidents and unsafe conditions promptly to the relevant manager;
• Participating in training and toolbox talks to maintain competence.

Putney movers are expected to act responsibly and to escalate any safety concerns without delay.

Risk assessment and safe systems of work

The organisation will undertake systematic risk assessments for all activities and environments encountered by the removals in Putney workforce. Assessments will identify hazards related to manual handling, vehicle operations, access and egress, lifting equipment, unstable loads and adverse weather. Controls will be proportionate, practical and regularly reviewed.

Where appropriate, safe systems of work will be documented and provided to teams. These systems include clear step-by-step instructions, appropriate use of mechanical aids, and exclusion zones during complex lifts. Supervisors must confirm that controls are in place before work begins and that crews follow the procedures.

Training and competence

Competent performance is a core element of the safety policy. Training programmes will be delivered for new joiners and refreshed periodically for existing staff. Topics include manual handling techniques, correct use of trolleys and restraints, vehicle loading and securing, ladder safety, and emergency procedures. Putney removal services will maintain records of training, qualifications and any licenses required for specialist equipment.

Assessment of competence will combine observation, practical tests and discussion. Apprenticeship and mentoring arrangements will be used to embed safe behaviours and operational knowledge within teams.

Equipment, vehicles and maintenance

All vehicles and equipment used by the Putney removal company shall be maintained in a safe condition and inspected according to a documented schedule. Drivers and crew must carry out pre-use checks and report defects. Loading plans must ensure even weight distribution and secure restraint to prevent movement in transit.

Any tools or mechanical aids provided to support lifting and handling must be suitable for purpose, regularly tested and only used by trained personnel. Faulty equipment shall be removed from service immediately and repaired or replaced.

Incident reporting and investigation

All accidents, near misses and hazardous occurrences must be reported promptly using the company incident process. Investigations will identify root causes and result in corrective actions to prevent recurrence. Lessons learned will be communicated across the workforce and incorporated into training and procedures.

Reporting helps the organisation to monitor performance, target improvements and demonstrate continuous commitment to safety excellence across the Putney movers community.

Monitoring, review and continuous improvement

The policy will be monitored through inspections, audits, performance metrics and staff feedback. Key performance indicators will include incident rates, training completion, audit findings and equipment status. Senior leadership will review the policy and its implementation at planned intervals and after significant changes or incidents.

Continuous improvement requires active participation from every level of the organisation. Suggestions for safer methods, smarter equipment use or improved scheduling will be encouraged, assessed and implemented where beneficial. The aim is to reduce harm and enhance operational efficiency while preserving the trust of customers and teams.

Commitment and concluding statement

This document represents the health and safety commitment of the organisation operating under the Putney Removals name. It is designed to be practical, action-focused and applicable across diverse removal activities. The emphasis is on prevention, competence, and a collaborative approach to safety.

Everyone engaged in removal work has a role to play: managers to lead, supervisors to enforce standards, and employees to follow safe practices. By adhering to this policy, the Putney removal services team will protect people, property and reputation while delivering reliable, responsible relocation services.