Maidavale Removals Health and Safety Policy

Maidavale Removals is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for our employees, clients, visitors and members of the public who may be affected by our house and office removals, packing, storage handling and transport services. We recognise that effective health and safety management is an integral part of delivering reliable and professional removals.

This Health and Safety Policy sets out our aims, responsibilities and working procedures. It applies to all staff, contractors and agency workers engaged in our operations, whether working on client premises, in our vehicles or at our storage and operational facilities.

Management Responsibilities

Senior management at Maidavale Removals has overall responsibility for ensuring that this policy is implemented, maintained and regularly reviewed. Management will provide the leadership, resources and training necessary to promote a positive health and safety culture throughout the organisation.

We will ensure that:

Health and safety risks associated with our removals, packing, loading, unloading and storage activities are identified, assessed and controlled as far as reasonably practicable.

Safe systems of work are developed, documented where appropriate and communicated clearly to all staff.

All staff receive suitable information, instruction, training and supervision to enable them to carry out their duties safely.

Plant, vehicles, lifting equipment and tools are properly maintained, inspected and suitable for their intended use.

Accidents, near misses and incidents are recorded, reported and investigated, and appropriate corrective and preventive actions are taken.

Employee Responsibilities

All employees and contractors at Maidavale Removals share responsibility for maintaining a safe working environment. Every individual must:

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

Follow all safety instructions, safe working procedures and guidelines provided by the company.

Use equipment, vehicles and personal protective equipment correctly and report any defects or concerns immediately.

Report accidents, incidents, near misses and hazardous conditions without delay so that appropriate action can be taken.

Cooperate with the company in meeting legal and organisational health and safety requirements.

Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices

We carry out ongoing risk assessments for our removal services, including domestic and commercial moves, packing services, storage handling and transport. Where particular risks are identified, specific control measures and safe systems of work are established.

These may include, but are not limited to:

Planning access routes in and out of properties to avoid slips, trips, falls and collisions.

Assessing manual handling risks for heavy or awkward items such as furniture, appliances, pianos and office equipment.

Using appropriate lifting aids, trolleys and team lifting techniques to reduce strain and injury.

Managing the safe loading, securing and unloading of vehicles to prevent shifting loads and injuries.

Implementing safe procedures for working on stairs, in confined spaces, and around members of the public.

Risk assessments are reviewed periodically and whenever there are changes in our operations, equipment, vehicles or premises, or following an incident or near miss.

Manual Handling and Lifting

Given the nature of removal work, manual handling and lifting present significant potential risks. Maidavale Removals is committed to minimising these risks through careful planning and training.

We will:

Avoid hazardous manual handling where reasonably practicable, for example by using mechanical aids or adjusting the task.

Assess manual handling tasks that cannot be avoided and reduce the risk of injury through appropriate controls.

Train staff in correct lifting techniques, posture, team handling procedures and the recognition of limitations.

Ensure that staff do not attempt to lift or move items beyond their capability and that help is requested where required.

Vehicles, Driving and Road Safety

Our vehicles are essential to our removal operations, and we give high priority to road safety and vehicle standards. Maidavale Removals will ensure that all vehicles are maintained in a roadworthy condition, appropriately insured and inspected at suitable intervals.

Drivers must hold the correct valid licence for the vehicles they operate and comply with all road traffic laws and company driving policies. This includes observing speed limits, avoiding the use of handheld devices while driving, and not driving under the influence of drugs, alcohol or fatigue.

Loads will be planned and secured to prevent movement in transit, reduce the risk of injury and protect our clients’ belongings. Drivers and crews are responsible for checking that loads are secure before departure and for conducting basic vehicle safety checks.

Work on Client Premises

When working in clients’ homes, offices or other premises, our staff must act with care to protect themselves, our clients and the public. This includes:

Keeping access routes clear and free from obstructions.

Using appropriate floor protection where necessary to prevent slips and damage.

Being alert to specific site hazards and following any reasonable safety rules or instructions given by the client or building management.

Ensuring that tools and equipment are not left unattended in a way that could cause harm.

Training, Information and Supervision

Maidavale Removals will provide appropriate health and safety training to all employees at induction and periodically thereafter. Training covers topics such as manual handling, safe use of equipment, vehicle safety, emergency procedures and incident reporting.

Supervisors and team leaders are responsible for monitoring working practices on site, providing guidance and intervening where unsafe behaviour or conditions are observed. Ongoing communication ensures that health and safety expectations are clear and understood.

Accident Reporting and Emergency Procedures

All accidents, injuries, near misses and dangerous occurrences must be reported promptly in line with company procedures. Records will be maintained and reviewed to identify trends and areas for improvement.

Emergency procedures, including fire safety, first aid arrangements and response to serious incidents, are communicated to staff. Where appropriate, our teams will familiarise themselves with local emergency arrangements at client premises.

Monitoring, Review and Continuous Improvement

This Health and Safety Policy is reviewed regularly and updated as necessary to reflect changes in legislation, industry best practice and our own operational experience. We are committed to continual improvement of our health and safety performance through regular monitoring, staff feedback, audits and the investigation of incidents.

By working together and following the principles set out in this policy, Maidavale Removals aims to provide safe, efficient and professional removal services for all clients while protecting the wellbeing of our staff and the wider community.