Removals Belgium Health and Safety Policy

Removals Belgium is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for all employees, contractors, customers and members of the public who may be affected by our removal and relocation activities. This policy sets out our approach to managing health and safety across our operations, including domestic and commercial removals, packing, loading, transport and storage services.

We recognise that effective health and safety management is essential to delivering reliable, high quality removal services. Senior management accepts overall responsibility for health and safety performance, and all employees are required to cooperate in implementing this policy.

Policy Aims and Objectives

The aims of this Health and Safety Policy are to prevent injury, ill health, property damage and environmental harm arising from our activities. We will do this by:

Identifying and assessing the risks associated with our removal operations and implementing proportionate control measures.
Providing clear instructions, information, training and supervision to ensure that work is carried out safely and competently.
Maintaining vehicles, equipment and tools in a safe and serviceable condition.
Promoting safe systems of work for manual handling, packing, loading, transport and unloading.
Encouraging a positive health and safety culture in which hazards are reported and addressed promptly.
Reviewing and improving our arrangements regularly to reflect operational experience and good practice.

Management Responsibilities

Management at all levels is responsible for ensuring that health and safety is an integral part of planning and delivering removal services. This includes:

Allocating sufficient resources for health and safety measures, equipment and training.
Ensuring that risk assessments are completed, documented, communicated and reviewed.
Providing appropriate personal protective equipment and ensuring it is used correctly.
Ensuring that vehicles and lifting equipment are inspected, serviced and tested as required.
Monitoring compliance with safe working procedures and addressing any non conformances.
Investigating accidents, incidents and near misses and taking action to prevent recurrence.

Employee Responsibilities

All employees have a duty to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their work. Employees must:

Follow all safety instructions, procedures and training provided by the company.
Use equipment, tools and vehicles only as trained and intended.
Wear and maintain any personal protective equipment issued for their tasks.
Report hazards, defective equipment, unsafe conditions and near misses without delay.
Refrain from any behaviour that could compromise safety, including working under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Cooperate fully with any accident investigations and health and safety initiatives.

Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work

Removals Belgium conducts risk assessments for its key activities, including surveying properties, packing and wrapping items, dismantling and assembling furniture, manual handling of goods, loading and unloading vehicles, operating lifting aids and transporting loads. Identified risks are controlled through safe systems of work, appropriate equipment, staff training and ongoing supervision.

Before starting work at any location, the team leader will consider specific on site hazards such as access routes, stairs, floor conditions, parking and loading areas, weather conditions, traffic movement and the presence of other contractors or occupants. Work will only proceed when it can be carried out safely and, if necessary, arrangements will be adapted to reduce risk.

Manual Handling and Use of Equipment

Manual handling is a core part of removal services and is managed carefully to prevent musculoskeletal injuries. We will:

Provide training in safe lifting and carrying techniques and team handling methods.
Assess heavy or awkward items in advance and plan the safest approach.
Use trolleys, dollies, lifting straps and other aids whenever reasonably practicable.
Discourage lone lifting of heavy or bulky items and ensure adequate manpower is available.
Position vehicles and equipment to minimise carrying distances and awkward movements.

All tools, ramps, lifting aids, protective coverings and securing devices must be inspected before use. Any damaged or defective equipment must be taken out of service and reported to management.

Vehicle and Driving Safety

Our vehicles are central to our operations and are maintained to high safety standards. We will:

Ensure that all drivers hold the appropriate licences and receive training relevant to removal work.
Carry out regular checks on vehicles, including tyres, lights, securing points and loading areas.
Load and secure goods in a way that prevents movement or damage in transit.
Plan routes to allow sufficient time for safe driving and rest breaks.
Require drivers to comply with road safety rules, including speed limits and restrictions on mobile phone use while driving.

Customer and Public Safety

We are committed to protecting customers and members of the public from risks arising from our activities. Our crews will:

Maintain clear access routes during packing, loading and unloading.
Use warning signs or barriers where there is potential for slips, trips or falls.
Handle customer property with care to avoid damage and unsafe conditions.
Communicate clearly with customers about timings, access requirements and any specific safety considerations.

Training, Communication and Consultation

Health and safety training will be provided to all employees on induction and refreshed at regular intervals or when work methods change. Training covers topics such as manual handling, vehicle safety, use of equipment, emergency arrangements and incident reporting.

We will communicate policy updates, risk assessments and safety information through briefings, toolbox talks and written instructions. Employees are encouraged to raise health and safety concerns or suggestions for improvement, and management will consult with staff when developing or revising procedures.

Accident Reporting and Emergency Procedures

All accidents, injuries, dangerous occurrences and near misses must be reported as soon as possible to a supervisor or manager. Incidents will be recorded and investigated to identify root causes and corrective actions.

Emergency arrangements will be established for each site or location, taking account of fire safety, evacuation routes, first aid provision and contact with emergency services. Employees must familiarise themselves with local emergency procedures and act promptly if an incident occurs.

Monitoring, Review and Continuous Improvement

Removals Belgium will monitor health and safety performance through inspection, observation, incident analysis and staff feedback. This policy and associated procedures will be reviewed periodically, and whenever there are significant changes to our operations or relevant standards.

By working together and maintaining a strong commitment to health and safety, Removals Belgium aims to protect people, safeguard property and support the long term success of our removal services.