Ham Removals Health and Safety Policy

Ham Removals is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for our employees, contractors, customers and members of the public who may be affected by our removal and relocation activities. This policy sets out our approach to managing health and safety across all aspects of our work, including domestic moves, commercial relocations, packing, loading, transport and storage.

Our Health and Safety Commitment

We recognise that removal work involves manual handling, vehicle operations, use of equipment and work in a variety of premises. We are committed to preventing injury and ill health arising from our activities by applying sensible, proportionate and consistent health and safety standards at all times.

Ham Removals will comply with all relevant health and safety legislation and industry guidance applicable to removal and transport operations. We aim not only to meet legal requirements but to continually improve our performance through effective planning, monitoring and review.

Health and Safety Objectives

To support our commitment, Ham Removals has set the following core objectives:

To minimise accidents, incidents and near misses in all areas of our work. To identify, assess and control risks associated with moving, handling, driving and operating equipment. To provide appropriate information, instruction, training and supervision to enable safe working practices. To ensure that vehicles and equipment are maintained in a safe condition. To promote a positive health and safety culture where all employees take responsibility for their own safety and that of others. To regularly review this policy and supporting procedures to keep them effective and up to date.

Responsibilities for Health and Safety

Overall responsibility for health and safety at Ham Removals rests with the company management, who are responsible for ensuring that adequate resources, systems and controls are in place.

Managers and supervisors are responsible for implementing this policy on a day to day basis, including carrying out risk assessments, briefing staff on site specific hazards and monitoring compliance with safe working procedures.

All employees, drivers, porters and operatives have a duty to:

Work safely and follow the instructions and procedures provided. Use equipment, vehicles and personal protective equipment correctly. Report accidents, incidents, near misses, hazards or unsafe conditions promptly. Co operate with management on all matters relating to health and safety.

Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices

Before new tasks or contracts are undertaken, Ham Removals will identify significant hazards and carry out suitable and sufficient risk assessments. These will take account of factors such as access, parking, stairways, lifts, manual handling requirements, traffic routes, weather conditions and any special client requirements.

Safe systems of work and method statements will be developed and communicated to staff where appropriate. These will cover, for example, safe lifting techniques, team handling, use of moving equipment, loading and securing of goods on vehicles, and safe driving and parking arrangements.

Manual Handling and Use of Equipment

Manual handling is a key part of removal operations and is a particular focus of our health and safety arrangements. Staff will receive training in safe lifting and carrying techniques, assessment of load weight and size, use of teamwork for heavy or awkward items, and recognition of personal limits.

Where reasonably practicable, we will use mechanical aids and handling equipment such as sack barrows, dollies, hoists or ramps to reduce manual handling risks. Such equipment will be maintained in good working order and used only by trained personnel.

Vehicles, Driving and Road Safety

Our vehicles are central to our services and must be operated safely at all times. Ham Removals will ensure that vehicles are regularly inspected, serviced and maintained, and that any defects are reported and rectified promptly.

Drivers are required to hold appropriate licences, follow road traffic laws, drive responsibly and courteously, and adhere to company rules on loading, securing loads and vehicle cleanliness. Drivers must not operate vehicles when tired, unfit or under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Safe parking, reversing and manoeuvring arrangements will be used to protect staff, clients and the public, particularly in busy streets and confined areas commonly encountered during removal work.

Information, Instruction, Training and Supervision

Ham Removals will provide relevant information and instructions to employees regarding the hazards associated with their work and the measures in place to control risks. Training will be provided on induction and refreshed as necessary, and may include topics such as manual handling, use of equipment, vehicle safety, working on customer premises and emergency procedures.

Supervision will be proportionate to the level of risk and the experience and competence of the employees involved. New starters and less experienced staff will be given closer supervision until they are deemed competent.

Welfare, Health and Wellbeing

We recognise the importance of the health and wellbeing of our workforce. Reasonable welfare facilities will be made available, and the physical demands of removal work will be considered when planning jobs and allocating tasks. Employees are encouraged to report any health concerns that may affect their ability to carry out their duties safely.

Accidents, Incidents and Emergency Procedures

All accidents, incidents and near misses, whether on the road, at a customer site or at our premises, must be reported so that they can be investigated and lessons learned. Appropriate first aid arrangements will be maintained, and emergency procedures will be communicated to staff.

Where required, incidents will be reported to the relevant authorities in accordance with legal requirements.

Monitoring, Review and Continuous Improvement

Ham Removals will monitor health and safety performance through inspections, audits, review of accident and incident data and feedback from employees and customers. This Health and Safety Policy will be reviewed regularly and updated when necessary to reflect changes in legislation, best practice, company operations or identified improvements.

By implementing this policy and working together, Ham Removals aims to ensure that all removal and related services are carried out safely and responsibly, protecting our team, our clients and the wider community.