Health and Safety Policy for European Removal Services
This Health and Safety policy applies to all removal services provided for customers relocating to and from destinations across Europe. It sets out how we protect our employees, customers, the public, contractors and third parties during every stage of a removal, from initial planning through to final delivery.
Our aim is to conduct all operations in a way that prevents injury, protects health and minimises risk, while ensuring a reliable and efficient removals service throughout our operating area.
Management Commitment
Senior management has overall responsibility for health and safety within our removals business. We are committed to maintaining safe systems of work, providing appropriate resources, and reviewing our arrangements so they remain suitable for European road conditions, border procedures and varied local environments.
Managers will actively promote a positive safety culture, lead by example, ensure that responsibilities are clearly allocated, and verify that employees understand and follow this policy at all times.
Legal and Regulatory Compliance
We comply with all applicable health and safety, road transport and employment regulations that apply to our operations. This includes safe driving practices, load security standards, safe use of lifting equipment, manual handling requirements and any relevant rules that apply in the countries where we operate across Europe.
Where European or national regulations impose higher standards than our internal procedures, we will adopt the higher standard as our minimum requirement.
Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices
We conduct risk assessments for our typical removal activities, including packing, loading, unloading, driving long distances, moving goods through ports and terminals, and operating in different European locations. Site specific risks are identified where necessary, for example restricted access, stairs, limited parking or shared loading areas.
Based on these assessments, we implement safe systems of work that cover load handling, vehicle access, use of trolleys and lifting aids, working on or near roads, and working at height when required. These systems are regularly reviewed and updated in line with operational experience and any incident findings.
Employee Responsibilities
All employees, including drivers, porters, supervisors and office staff involved in coordinating European removals, share responsibility for maintaining a safe working environment. Employees must:
Take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions or omissions.
Follow company procedures, instructions, training and risk assessments at all times.
Use vehicles, tools, lifting equipment and personal protective equipment correctly and as trained.
Report hazards, near misses, unsafe conditions, defects and incidents without delay so that corrective action can be taken.
Cooperate with management and colleagues to ensure that working practices remain safe and effective.
Training, Information and Supervision
We provide training appropriate to each role involved in removals to Europe. This may include safe manual handling, loading and securing goods, safe driving and rest management, use of equipment, awareness of local site rules and emergency procedures.
New employees receive induction training on our health and safety arrangements before undertaking operational tasks. Refresher training is provided as needed and when new equipment, procedures or risks are introduced. Supervisors and team leaders monitor working practices to ensure that standards are maintained and provide guidance and support on site.
Manual Handling and Use of Equipment
Manual handling is a key part of our removals service. We prioritise techniques and equipment that reduce the need for heavy lifting and awkward movements. Staff are trained to assess loads, plan routes, and request assistance where necessary.
We supply suitable equipment, including trolleys, dollies, ramps, lifting straps and protective coverings. All equipment is maintained in a safe condition, with defective items removed from service. Employees must never misuse equipment or exceed its recommended capacity.
Vehicle, Driving and Road Safety
Our vehicles are maintained and inspected regularly to ensure they are roadworthy and appropriate for long distance European journeys. Checks include brakes, tyres, lights, load security systems and safety equipment.
Drivers must follow road traffic laws, company policies on rest and driving hours, and journey plans designed to minimise fatigue. Loads are secured in line with recognised standards to prevent movement during transit. Drivers are responsible for carrying out pre use checks, reporting defects promptly and driving with consideration for changing weather, traffic and road conditions across different European regions.
Customer, Public and Property Protection
We take all reasonable steps to safeguard customers, neighbours, passers by and third party property during a removal. This includes planning safe access routes, controlling vehicle movements, using warning signs or barriers where necessary, and taking care to prevent damage to buildings, fixtures and contents.
Our crews are instructed to keep working areas as tidy as practicable, avoid blocking fire exits or walkways and minimise noise and disruption, especially in shared residential or commercial environments.
Accident, Incident and Near Miss Reporting
All accidents, incidents, injuries and significant near misses must be reported to management as soon as possible, whether they occur in the customer premises, on the road or at any point in Europe. We investigate these events to identify causes, learn lessons and implement improvements.
Where required by law, incidents will be reported to the relevant authorities. We maintain records of accidents and safety concerns so that trends can be monitored and addressed.
Health, Welfare and Fitness for Work
We recognise the importance of employee health and wellbeing in delivering safe removal services. Employees are expected to present fit for duty, free from the influence of alcohol, drugs or any condition that could impair safe working or safe driving.
Where roles involve extended travel or overnight stays in Europe, we plan work schedules to allow adequate rest and access to basic welfare facilities. Any health concerns that might affect safe working should be discussed confidentially with management so that reasonable adjustments can be considered.
Emergency Procedures
We maintain emergency procedures for incidents such as fire, accidents on the road, personal injury, spills of hazardous substances and security events. Employees receive guidance on how to respond, who to notify and how to protect themselves and others until help arrives.
Drivers and team leaders are responsible for familiarising themselves with relevant local procedures when entering ports, service areas or customer premises and must follow any instructions given by site management or emergency services.
Continuous Improvement and Policy Review
We are committed to continual improvement in health and safety performance. We monitor compliance with this policy, review feedback from employees and customers, and consider changes in regulations, industry practice and our own operating experience across Europe.
This Health and Safety policy is reviewed regularly and updated when necessary. All employees are informed of any significant changes, and updated procedures are incorporated into training and supervision.
By working together and following this policy, we aim to provide a professional, reliable and safe removal service throughout our European service area.
