Cardiff Removals Health and Safety Policy

Cardiff 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 storage activities. This policy sets out our approach to managing health and safety across all moves, including domestic and commercial removals, packing, loading, transport and unloading.

Our Health and Safety Objectives

Our core objectives are to prevent injury, protect health and promote a culture of safety awareness throughout the company. We aim to identify and control risks associated with lifting and carrying, vehicle operations, use of equipment, working on customer premises and storage environments. Health and safety is integral to how we plan and deliver every removal service.

Legal Responsibilities and Management Commitment

The management of Cardiff Removals accepts overall responsibility for ensuring that our activities comply with relevant health and safety legislation and recognised industry best practice. We will provide clear leadership, adequate resources and competent supervision so that safe systems of work are implemented and maintained.

Managers and supervisors are responsible for ensuring that this policy is communicated, understood and applied in day-to-day operations. They must also ensure that risk assessments are carried out, control measures are in place and employees follow company procedures at all times.

Employee Responsibilities

Every employee of Cardiff Removals has a duty to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of colleagues, customers and members of the public. All staff are required to:

Work in accordance with the training and instructions provided, use equipment properly, follow safe lifting techniques and wear appropriate personal protective equipment as required by the task.

Report accidents, incidents, near misses, unsafe conditions or defective equipment to their supervisor without delay, so that corrective action can be taken.

Cooperate fully with management in the implementation and improvement of health and safety arrangements, including attending training and toolbox talks.

Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work

Risk assessments are carried out for key aspects of our removal services, including manual handling of furniture and boxes, use of mechanical aids such as trolleys, vehicle loading and unloading, working on stairs and in confined spaces, and moving items in varied property types. Where specific risks are identified, appropriate control measures and safe systems of work are introduced.

Before each move, our team assesses the access routes, parking arrangements, potential trip and slip hazards, and any particular risks associated with large or fragile items. The crew leader is responsible for coordinating the work so that lifting operations are properly planned, loads are shared safely and the working area remains as clear and organised as possible.

Manual Handling and Use of Equipment

Manual handling is a significant part of removal work. Cardiff Removals provides training in correct lifting and carrying techniques to reduce the risk of injury. Where practical, mechanical aids such as dollies, sack trucks and furniture skates are used to minimise strain. Items are broken down into smaller parts where possible, and the weight and size of loads are considered before they are moved.

All equipment used, including moving equipment, straps and protective materials, is inspected regularly and maintained in good condition. Defective equipment must not be used and is removed from service until repaired or replaced.

Vehicles and Driving Safety

Our vehicles are maintained in a roadworthy condition and are subject to regular safety checks and servicing. Drivers are expected to comply with road traffic laws, drive responsibly and plan routes to minimise risk. Loads are secured properly to prevent movement during transit and to protect both the crew and other road users.

Only authorised and competent staff are permitted to drive company vehicles. Where necessary, additional training is provided to ensure that drivers understand safe loading, reversing procedures and parking arrangements at customer premises.

Customer, Public and Property Protection

Cardiff Removals is committed to protecting customers, visitors and members of the public from risks arising from our activities. We take care to keep access routes clear, use warning signs where appropriate and avoid leaving equipment or packaging where it may cause trips or falls.

We treat customer property with respect, using protective coverings where necessary and moving items carefully to avoid damage to structures, fixtures and fittings. Any property damage or safety concern identified on site is reported immediately to the customer and to management so that appropriate action can be taken.

Training, Information and Supervision

We provide our staff with the training, information and supervision needed to work safely and responsibly. This includes induction training for new employees, task-specific instruction on manual handling, vehicle loading, use of equipment and awareness of hazards typically encountered during moves.

Refresher training and toolbox talks are delivered periodically to reinforce safe work practices and share lessons learned from incidents and near misses. Supervisors monitor work on site to ensure that procedures are followed and to provide guidance where required.

Accident Reporting and Incident Investigation

All accidents, injuries, incidents and near misses occurring during our operations must be reported promptly. Cardiff Removals maintains records of such events and investigates them to identify causes and implement corrective measures. This approach helps prevent recurrence and supports continual improvement of our health and safety performance.

Consultation and Continuous Improvement

We encourage two-way communication on health and safety matters. Employees are invited to raise concerns, suggest improvements and participate in discussions about safer working methods. Feedback from staff and customers is actively considered in the review and development of our procedures.

This policy and our supporting procedures are reviewed regularly, and whenever changes in legislation, operations or risk assessments make it necessary. Our goal is continual improvement in health and safety standards across all aspects of our removal services.

Policy Review and Availability

This health and safety policy is approved by the management of Cardiff Removals and is reviewed at least annually, or sooner if required by significant changes in our work activities or applicable regulations. The policy is made available to all employees and can be provided to customers and contractors on request.

By working together and maintaining a strong safety culture, Cardiff Removals aims to ensure that every move is carried out as safely and efficiently as possible.