Health and Safety policy

Pimlico Removal Company Health and Safety Policy

Pimlico Removal Company 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 and relocation services, including packing, loading, transport and delivery.

Our Health and Safety Commitments

We aim to prevent accidents, injuries and work-related ill health by identifying hazards, assessing risks and implementing effective control measures. We will comply with relevant health and safety legislation, industry standards and best practice applicable to the removals sector. Health and safety is an integral part of our planning and decision-making, from initial booking through to completion of each move.

Management will provide the resources, information, instruction, training and supervision necessary to maintain safe working practices and promote a positive safety culture throughout the company.

Responsibilities

Management Responsibilities

The management team is responsible for implementing this Health and Safety Policy and ensuring that safe systems of work are in place for all removal operations. This includes carrying out and reviewing risk assessments, maintaining vehicles and equipment, and ensuring that staff receive role-appropriate training. Management will investigate incidents, near misses and hazards, and take corrective action to prevent recurrence.

Managers and supervisors will lead by example, promote safe behaviours and make sure that health and safety requirements are clearly communicated and consistently applied on every job.

Employee Responsibilities

All employees have 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, use equipment correctly, and cooperate with management in implementing health and safety measures.

Employees must report hazards, defects, incidents and near misses without delay. They are expected to use provided personal protective equipment where required, attend relevant training, and refrain from any behaviour that could compromise safety, such as horseplay or working under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work

Pimlico Removal Company conducts risk assessments for typical removal activities, as well as for specific locations or non-standard tasks where necessary. These assessments consider manual handling, access routes, working at height, vehicle movements, confined or restricted spaces, and interactions with customers and the public.

Control measures may include team lifting, use of handling equipment, route planning, securing loads, and establishing exclusion zones during loading and unloading. Safe systems of work are developed based on these assessments and are communicated to staff prior to and during each job.

Manual Handling and Use of Equipment

Manual handling is a significant part of removal work. We provide training on correct lifting techniques, team coordination and the use of trolleys, dollies, lifting straps and other aids. Staff must not attempt to lift or move items that exceed their capabilities and should always seek assistance where required.

All equipment is to be inspected regularly and taken out of service if damaged or unsafe. Employees are required to use equipment only for its intended purpose and in accordance with training and manufacturer guidance.

Vehicle Safety and Driving Standards

Our vehicles are maintained to a high standard and are subject to regular checks and servicing. Drivers must complete pre-use checks, report any defects and operate vehicles in line with road traffic laws and company procedures.

Loads must be distributed and secured properly to prevent movement during transit. Route planning will take into account local traffic conditions, access restrictions and safe parking locations for loading and unloading. Drivers must not use mobile devices while driving except through approved hands-free systems and must comply with working time and rest break requirements.

Safe Working on Customer Premises

When working in homes, offices or other premises, our teams will respect the property and ensure that work is carried out in a way that reduces risk to occupants and visitors. This includes maintaining clear access routes, using floor protection where appropriate, and controlling trip hazards such as loose packaging materials and equipment.

Staff will communicate with customers about any safety considerations, such as keeping children and pets away from work areas, and will adapt their methods to suit particular site conditions while maintaining safe practice.

Personal Protective Equipment

Where identified by risk assessment, appropriate personal protective equipment such as gloves, safety footwear and high-visibility clothing will be provided. Employees are required to wear PPE as instructed, keep it in good condition and report any loss or damage. PPE is regarded as a last line of defence and does not replace the need for safe systems of work.

Training, Information and Supervision

Pimlico Removal Company will provide induction training for all new staff, covering general health and safety responsibilities, emergency arrangements and safe working procedures. Job-specific training, including manual handling, vehicle operation and equipment use, will be provided and refreshed periodically.

Supervisors will monitor performance on site, provide guidance and intervene where unsafe behaviour or conditions are observed. Information on risks and controls will be communicated through briefings, instructions and updates as needed.

Accidents, Incidents and First Aid

All accidents, injuries, near misses and dangerous occurrences must be reported as soon as possible to the designated person. Accurate records will be maintained and used to identify trends and opportunities for improvement. Where required, incidents will be reported to the relevant authorities.

Appropriate first aid provisions will be maintained, including trained first aiders and stocked first aid kits in vehicles or at the workplace as applicable. Staff must follow emergency procedures and cooperate fully during any investigation.

Consultation and Continuous Improvement

We encourage employees to raise concerns, suggestions and ideas relating to health and safety. Consultation may take place through meetings, briefings or direct communication with management. Constructive feedback helps us to refine our procedures and improve safety for staff and customers.

This Health and Safety Policy will be reviewed regularly and updated when there are significant changes in our operations, legislation or best practice. The aim of each review is to ensure that our arrangements remain effective, practical and proportionate to the risks associated with our removal services.