Health & Safety Policy

Health and Safety Policy for Forest Removals

At Forest Removals, we are fully committed to ensuring the health, safety, and well-being of our employees, clients, and the public in all aspects of our work. We aim to provide a safe and secure environment while delivering high-quality removals, house clearance, and packing services. We comply with all relevant UK health and safety legislation, including the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, and continuously strive to maintain the highest standards.

Policy Aims

Our Health and Safety Policy is designed to:

• Prevent accidents, injuries, and cases of work-related ill health.
• Ensure a safe working environment for employees, customers, and anyone affected by our work.
• Minimise risks associated with manual handling, transport, house clearance, and packing.
• Provide clear guidelines to employees, ensuring they understand and follow safe working practices.
• Maintain compliance with health and safety legislation, industry standards, and best practices.

Responsibilities

Management Responsibilities
Forest Removals management is responsible for implementing and maintaining this Health and Safety Policy. This includes:

• Conducting regular risk assessments to identify and mitigate potential hazards.
• Providing ongoing training, guidance, and resources to employees to ensure they perform their duties safely.
• Ensuring that all tools, vehicles, and equipment used during the removal and clearance process are regularly inspected and properly maintained.
• Reviewing and updating the Health and Safety Policy as needed to reflect changes in legislation or operational procedures.

Employee Responsibilities
All employees at Forest Removals are responsible for their own health and safety and that of others affected by their actions. Employees must:

• Follow the health and safety guidelines and training provided.
• Use all equipment, including personal protective equipment (PPE), safely and as instructed.
• Report any hazards, unsafe conditions, or incidents to management immediately.
• Participate in health and safety meetings and training sessions as required.
• Take responsibility for their own physical well-being by using correct techniques during manual handling.

Risk Assessment

At Forest Removals, we conduct thorough risk assessments for every job. These assessments help us to:

• Identify potential hazards, including manual handling risks, vehicle safety risks, and any hazards related to specific sites.
• Implement control measures to reduce the likelihood of accidents or injuries.
• Regularly review and update risk assessments to reflect changing conditions or new information.

Safe Working Practices

1. Manual Handling
   • All staff are trained in safe manual handling techniques to avoid injury when lifting, carrying, or moving heavy or awkward objects.
   • Lifting aids, such as trolleys and straps, are provided to assist with heavier items.
   • Employees are encouraged to work in teams to manage larger, heavier items safely.
2. Vehicle Safety
   • Our drivers are fully licensed, trained, and experienced in the safe operation of large vehicles used for removals.
   • Vehicles are regularly inspected and maintained to ensure they are safe, roadworthy, and compliant with UK regulations.
   • Safe driving practices, including route planning and securing loads, are enforced to prevent accidents during transit.
3. House Clearances
   • Before beginning any house clearance, a risk assessment is carried out to identify potential hazards, including hazardous materials like asbestos, sharp objects, or dangerous waste.
   • Appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) is provided to staff, and hazardous materials are handled and disposed of according to legal requirements.
4. Packing Services
   • Staff involved in packing are trained in safe techniques to prevent damage to goods and reduce the risk of injury.
   • High-quality packing materials are used to ensure that items are securely packed and protected during transit.
   • All employees take care to pack items in a way that ensures they remain safe and intact, minimising the risk of damage during the moving process.
5. Public Safety
   • When working in public spaces or communal areas, we take appropriate measures to ensure the safety of the public.
   • Signage and barriers are used when necessary to keep areas secure and prevent accidents.

Training

We are committed to providing ongoing health and safety training for all our employees. This includes:

• Induction training for new staff, covering health and safety regulations, safe working practices, and the use of equipment.
• Regular refresher training on manual handling, vehicle safety, packing techniques, and other key areas.
• Specific training for employees with additional responsibilities, such as driving or handling hazardous materials.

Accident Reporting and Investigation

All accidents, near misses, and incidents must be reported to management immediately. We maintain a clear and thorough accident reporting process to:

• Record the details of any accidents or incidents.
• Investigate the causes and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence.
• Ensure compliance with RIDDOR (Reporting of Injuries, Diseases, and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 2013) and other legal requirements.

Employee Well-being

We recognise the importance of employee well-being in maintaining a safe and productive working environment. To support our team, we:

• Provide resources and support to help manage stress and promote mental health.
• Encourage employees to speak openly about health and safety concerns.
• Offer regular breaks and ensure that working hours are managed appropriately to prevent fatigue.

Insurance and Liability

Forest Removals is fully insured, providing cover for public liability and goods in transit. This ensures that any accidents or damage are covered, giving both our employees and clients peace of mind.

Continuous Improvement

We are committed to continuously improving our health and safety performance. Our Health and Safety Policy is reviewed annually and updated as necessary to reflect changes in our operations, new regulations, or feedback from employees and clients.

By following this policy, Forest Removals ensures a safe, efficient, and reliable service for all of our clients, while protecting the health and well-being of our employees.

For further information, please contact us with any queries or concerns regarding health and safety during your move or clearance.