Pimlico Removals Health and Safety Policy

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

Our Health and Safety Objectives

Our primary objectives are to prevent injury and ill health, comply with applicable health and safety legislation, and continually improve our performance. We will identify, assess and control risks arising from our work activities, with particular focus on lifting and handling, vehicle movements, working in and around client premises and use of equipment.

Management Responsibilities

The management team at Pimlico Removals has overall responsibility for implementing this policy and ensuring adequate resources are available to maintain high health and safety standards. Management will:

Provide clear leadership on health and safety matters and set a positive example through safe behaviour at all times.

Ensure risk assessments are carried out for removal activities and that control measures are implemented, monitored and reviewed.

Provide and maintain safe systems of work, suitable equipment and vehicles in good condition.

Ensure employees receive appropriate induction, information, instruction, training and supervision.

Investigate accidents, incidents and near misses to identify root causes and prevent recurrence.

Review this policy regularly and update it in line with changes to legislation, operations and best practice.

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. Employees must:

Follow the company’s safety procedures, safe working methods and instructions.

Use vehicles, tools, lifting aids and personal protective equipment correctly and report any defects immediately.

Cooperate with management on health and safety matters, including attending training and briefings.

Report accidents, near misses, hazards or unsafe practices without delay.

Refrain from horseplay or unsafe behaviour that could put themselves or others at risk.

Risk Assessment and Safe Working Methods

Before commencing work, Pimlico Removals will assess the risks associated with each move, taking into account access routes, parking, stairways, lifts, floor surfaces, weather conditions, traffic and any special items or client requirements. Where necessary, a pre-move survey will be conducted to identify specific hazards and plan safe methods of work.

Safe systems of work will be established for lifting and carrying furniture and boxes, dismantling and assembling items, using trolleys and lifting equipment, loading and unloading vehicles and operating in confined or shared spaces. Staff will be briefed on these methods and required to follow them at all times.

Manual Handling and Use of Equipment

Manual handling is a core part of removal work and a key focus of our health and safety arrangements. Pimlico Removals will minimise the need for hazardous manual handling wherever reasonably practicable by using suitable handling aids, allocating sufficient manpower for heavy or bulky items and planning routes to avoid unnecessary carrying.

All staff will receive training on safe lifting and carrying techniques, team handling, assessing the weight and stability of loads and recognising their own limits. Appropriate handling equipment such as dollies, sack trucks, straps and ramps will be provided and maintained. Equipment must only be used by trained personnel and in accordance with instructions.

Vehicle Safety and Driving Standards

Our vehicles are maintained in a safe and roadworthy condition through regular inspections and servicing. Drivers must carry out daily checks and report any defects immediately. Loads will be packed and secured to prevent movement during transit, with particular care taken over heavy or fragile items.

All driving will be carried out responsibly and in compliance with road traffic laws, taking into account weather, traffic and local conditions. Drivers must not operate vehicles under the influence of alcohol, drugs or fatigue. Journey planning will aim to reduce risks associated with time pressure and congestion.

Working at Client Premises

When working in homes, offices or other premises, Pimlico Removals staff will respect the property, follow any reasonable site rules and take care to protect clients, their families, employees and visitors. This includes maintaining clear walkways, using warning signs or barriers where appropriate, controlling vehicle movements during loading and unloading and avoiding blocking fire exits or escape routes.

Protective coverings may be used to reduce the risk of slips, trips and falls and to safeguard floors, stairs and fixtures. Staff will remain alert to changing conditions on site and report any new hazards immediately.

Training, Information and Supervision

We will provide ongoing health and safety training appropriate to each role, including induction for new employees, refresher training and additional instruction when new procedures, equipment or vehicles are introduced. Topics will include manual handling, vehicle safety, safe use of equipment, personal protective equipment and emergency procedures.

Supervisors and team leaders will monitor working practices on site, correct unsafe behaviour and provide guidance to less experienced staff. Health and safety information will be communicated through briefings, toolbox talks and written instructions.

Accident Reporting and Emergency Procedures

All accidents, incidents and near misses must be reported as soon as possible. Records will be kept and reviewed to identify trends and opportunities for improvement. Where required, incidents will be reported to the relevant authorities in line with legal obligations.

Employees will be briefed on emergency procedures, including fire safety, evacuation, first aid arrangements and responding to injuries or sudden illness while on the road or at client premises.

Consultation and Continuous Improvement

Pimlico Removals values the input of employees and clients in improving health and safety performance. Staff are encouraged to raise concerns and make suggestions for safer ways of working. Feedback from clients about our conduct and safety standards is welcomed and will be reviewed by management.

This Health and Safety Policy is reviewed regularly to ensure it remains suitable, effective and aligned with the needs of our removal services and the communities we serve.