Highbury Removals Health & Safety Policy

Highbury Removals is committed to maintaining the highest standards of health and safety across all operations. This policy sets out our approach to preventing injury, protecting staff, customers and the public, and ensuring that the removal service we provide is delivered in a safe, professional manner. Safety is integral to our business and we adopt a proactive stance to risk management, training and monitoring. All employees and subcontractors must follow the procedures described here and report any concerns promptly.

The scope of this document covers every activity carried out by our removal company Highbury teams, including packing, loading, transporting and unloading goods, temporary storage and the use of specialist equipment. Responsibilities are clearly allocated to managers, team leaders and operatives to ensure accountability. The policy applies to permanent staff, temporary staff and contracted partners who operate under the Highbury removal service umbrella.

Our objectives include reducing incidents and near-misses, preventing occupational illness, promoting safe manual handling techniques and maintaining well-serviced vehicles and moving equipment. We will assess and control hazards, provide appropriate personal protective equipment, and ensure that everyone is competent to perform their duties. Regular inspections and audits will help us verify that controls are working effectively.

Hazard identification and risk assessment are central to the way Highbury movers plan each job. Before work begins we carry out a site-specific assessment that considers access, stairways, lifts, narrow corridors, parking, weather conditions and any special handling requirements. Control measures are selected on the basis of reducing risk to the lowest reasonably practicable level. These measures are documented and communicated to the crew, and adjustments are made if conditions change.

Training, Competence and Communication

Staff competence is essential. All personnel involved with the removal and storage Highbury operations receive training in manual handling, use of lifting aids, vehicle loading, chemical awareness where relevant and emergency procedures. Training records are kept up to date and refresher sessions are scheduled. Good communication between drivers, crew and coordinators is required at every stage to avoid misunderstandings and to manage risks effectively.

We maintain clear reporting lines and encourage a culture where safety concerns are raised without fear of reprisal. Managers undertake regular site visits and toolbox talks to reinforce key messages. Safety briefings occur at the start of each job, and all employees are expected to follow written safe working procedures. A concise list of practical precautions includes:

• Use of appropriate lifting equipment and trolleys to avoid manual handling injuries
• Securing loads correctly to prevent shifting in transit
• Ensuring vehicles are roadworthy and loads are within safe weight limits
• Using PPE such as gloves, safety boots and high-visibility clothing
• Dealing safely with fragile or hazardous items with pre-agreed handling plans

Vehicle and equipment safety are key aspects of the Highbury removal company responsibilities. Routine maintenance schedules, pre-shift vehicle checks and correct fitting of restraints and tail lifts reduce the likelihood of mechanical failure or accidents. Drivers are trained to perform daily checks and to report any defects immediately. We also ensure that load distribution and securing methods conform to good practice for safe transport.

Manual Handling and Ergonomics

Manual handling policies emphasise team lifting, use of lifting aids and planning lifts before execution. Where practicable, items are packed and moved in manageable sizes and weight is reduced through disassembly or redistribution. Ergonomic principles are observed to protect staff from musculoskeletal injuries: correct posture, frequent breaks during repetitive tasks and rotation of duties help maintain wellbeing.

Emergency procedures are in place and communicated to all staff. In the event of an incident we prioritise immediate first aid, secure the scene and preserve evidence for investigation. Reporting and investigation of accidents and near-misses enable us to learn and improve. Regular drills and clear emergency contact arrangements ensure an organised response should a serious situation arise.

Monitoring performance is achieved through inspections, incident analysis, customer site reviews and feedback mechanisms internal to the business. Key performance indicators for safety are reviewed periodically by senior management, and findings are used to update procedures and training. Continuous improvement guides our approach to health and safety and we set measurable targets to reduce incidents and improve compliance.

Contractor management is integrated into our safety system. Subcontractors working on behalf of Highbury Removals must demonstrate their own health and safety competence and abide by site-specific rules while working under our direction. A system of induction and verification ensures that third-party teams meet the standards we require.

In summary, our policy reinforces the commitment of Highbury Removals to protect people, property and reputation by embedding safety into everyday practice. Leaders at all levels will make resources available to meet safety objectives, and every employee is expected to take personal responsibility for health and safety. The policy is reviewed regularly to reflect changes in operations, feedback from our teams and advances in safe working methods.