Aberdeen Removals Health and Safety Policy

Aberdeen 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 activities. This Health and Safety Policy sets out our approach to preventing accidents, managing risks, and promoting a culture of safety throughout all aspects of our work.

1. Policy Statement and Objectives

The primary objective of this policy is to prevent injury, ill health, and damage to property arising from our removal operations, storage services, packing, loading, and transportation activities. We aim to continually improve our health and safety performance by identifying hazards, assessing risks, and implementing effective control measures.

We recognise our duty of care and are committed to complying with all applicable health and safety legislation, guidance, and industry best practice relevant to the removals and transportation sector.

2. Responsibilities and Accountability

Overall responsibility for health and safety rests with the senior management of Aberdeen Removals. Management will ensure that adequate resources, information, training, and supervision are provided so that this policy can be implemented effectively.

Managers and supervisors are responsible for implementing health and safety procedures within their areas of control, ensuring that risk assessments are carried out, equipment is properly maintained, and staff follow safe systems of work.

All employees, including temporary and contract staff, share responsibility for their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions. Employees must cooperate with management, follow training and instructions, use equipment correctly, report hazards or incidents promptly, and refrain from any unsafe practices.

3. Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work

Aberdeen Removals will conduct and maintain suitable and sufficient risk assessments for all significant hazards associated with our operations, including manual handling, vehicle movements, working on customer premises, use of lifting equipment, and storage activities.

On the basis of these assessments we will develop safe systems of work, method statements, and job-specific instructions. These will be communicated to employees before work begins, and updated when new processes, locations, or equipment are introduced.

Risk assessments will be reviewed regularly and following any accident, near miss, or significant change in working practice to ensure that control measures remain effective and appropriate.

4. Manual Handling and Use of Equipment

Manual handling is a core part of removal work and carries a significant risk of injury if not managed correctly. We are committed to minimising manual handling risks by planning work carefully, using appropriate lifting aids and equipment, and ensuring items are packed and moved safely.

Employees will receive training on safe lifting techniques, team handling, and correct use of trolleys, dollies, ramps, and other handling equipment. Where possible, heavy or awkward items will be moved using mechanical aids or additional personnel to reduce strain and risk of injury.

All equipment used in our operations will be properly selected, maintained, and inspected at suitable intervals. Defective or damaged equipment must be removed from service immediately and reported to a manager or supervisor.

5. Vehicles, Driving, and Road Safety

Our vehicles are integral to our service and must be operated safely and responsibly at all times. All drivers must hold the appropriate, valid licence for the vehicles they operate and comply with road traffic laws and company procedures.

Vehicles will be inspected regularly, maintained according to manufacturer recommendations, and kept in a roadworthy condition. Drivers must perform basic pre-use checks and report any defects promptly.

Loads must be planned, balanced, and securely restrained to prevent movement during transit. Routes and schedules should take into account road conditions, access restrictions, and sufficient rest breaks to reduce fatigue and improve safety.

6. Working on Customer Premises

When working in customers homes, offices, or other premises, Aberdeen Removals staff must act safely, respectfully, and professionally. Site-specific risks such as limited access, stairs, uneven surfaces, or restricted parking will be assessed and appropriate control measures implemented.

Employees must take care to protect customers property by using suitable protective coverings, handling items with care, and maintaining clear pathways. Any damage or potential hazards observed on site should be reported to the customer and to management.

7. Employee Training, Information, and Supervision

We will provide all employees with appropriate health and safety induction and ongoing training relevant to their role. This includes manual handling, use of equipment, vehicle safety, safe packing and loading, and emergency procedures.

Information about hazards and safe working methods will be communicated through briefings, notices, and instructions. Supervisors are responsible for monitoring work practices, correcting unsafe behaviour, and offering guidance to ensure that safety standards are maintained.

8. Welfare, Health, and Wellbeing

Aberdeen Removals recognises the importance of employee welfare and wellbeing. We will provide suitable welfare arrangements where reasonably practicable, and encourage workers to raise any concerns about their health, workload, or working conditions.

We are committed to preventing impairment due to alcohol, drugs, or fatigue. Employees must not report for duty under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and must comply with any related company procedures.

9. Incident Reporting and Emergency Procedures

All accidents, incidents, near misses, and hazardous conditions must be reported as soon as possible to a manager or supervisor. We will investigate incidents to identify root causes, take corrective action, and share relevant lessons with staff.

Emergency procedures will be established for foreseeable situations, such as fire, vehicle incidents, personal injury, and property damage. Employees will be briefed on these procedures and must follow instructions if an emergency occurs.

10. Consultation, Communication, and Continuous Improvement

We believe that effective health and safety management relies on open communication and cooperation. Aberdeen Removals will consult with employees, and where applicable their representatives, on health and safety matters, including changes to working practices and introduction of new equipment.

This policy will be reviewed regularly to reflect changes in legislation, industry guidance, and our own experience. Improvements will be made wherever necessary to enhance the safety and effectiveness of our operations.

11. Policy Review and Availability

This Health and Safety Policy is approved by senior management and will be reviewed periodically, and sooner if there are significant changes in our business, our work activities, or relevant legal requirements.

The policy is available to all employees and may be provided to customers, contractors, and other interested parties on request. Everyone working with or for Aberdeen Removals is expected to understand and uphold the principles set out in this document to ensure safe, reliable, and responsible removal services.