Health and Safety Policy for Removals to Belgium

This Health and Safety policy explains how we manage risks and protect people during removals to Belgium. It applies to all employees, contractors and agency staff involved in planning, loading, transporting and delivering household or commercial goods between the United Kingdom, Belgium and neighbouring regions.

Our objective is to carry out every removal safely, efficiently and in full consideration of the wellbeing of our teams, customers, the public and any third parties affected by our work.

Health and Safety Responsibilities

Management is responsible for providing safe systems of work, suitable equipment, appropriate training and clear procedures for removals to Belgium. Supervisors must ensure that these standards are followed on every job and that all staff understand their duties.

All employees and contractors must take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions. This includes following all instructions given, using equipment correctly, reporting hazards promptly and cooperating with any safety investigations or reviews.

Risk Assessment and Planning

Before each removal to Belgium, a risk assessment is carried out, considering property layout, access restrictions, parking arrangements, load characteristics, traffic conditions and any special customer requirements. Where necessary, site visits or remote assessments will be used to identify potential risks in advance.

Control measures may include using additional staff, specialist lifting equipment, protective coverings for floors and walls, revised parking plans or adjusted working hours to avoid busy periods. For complex or high-risk moves, the risk assessment is reviewed by senior management prior to work starting.

Vehicle Safety and Load Security

Our vehicles used for removals to Belgium are maintained in a roadworthy condition and inspected regularly. Drivers must complete pre-use checks and report any defects immediately. No vehicle may be used if it is unsafe or not fit for purpose.

Loads are secured to prevent movement during transit. Team members are trained in safe loading techniques, weight distribution and the use of securing devices. Overloading is strictly prohibited and only authorised staff may decide on final load configuration. Dangerous or prohibited items will not be carried.

Manual Handling and Use of Equipment

Manual handling is a key risk in removal operations. All staff receive training in safe lifting techniques, including team lifting, use of mechanical aids and avoidance of unnecessary carrying. Heavy, bulky or awkward items are only moved following a specific manual handling assessment.

Where possible, equipment such as sack trucks, dollies, ramps and lifting straps is used to reduce strain and risk of injury. Only trained personnel may operate mechanical lifting equipment or tail lifts. Staff must not attempt to lift or move items beyond their physical capability and must request assistance when required.

Working at Height and Access

Where access involves stairs, balconies, mezzanines or other elevated areas, additional precautions are taken. Items must not be passed over railings or through windows unless a suitable method has been assessed and approved. Where necessary, appropriate platforms or external lifts will be used.

Trip hazards such as loose carpets, floor coverings and trailing cables are minimised. Routes are kept clear and good housekeeping standards are maintained at all times to reduce the risk of falls.

Customer and Public Safety

We take care to protect customers, neighbours, pedestrians and other road users during removals to Belgium. Work areas are organised to keep members of the public away from loading zones and vehicle movements. Doors, gates and access points are managed to prevent unauthorised entry into active work areas.

Where there is a potential risk to others, staff will provide suitable warnings and, where appropriate, temporary barriers or signs. Customers are asked to keep children and pets away from working areas and vehicle loading points throughout the move.

Driving Standards and Fatigue Management

Driving to and from Belgium involves long distances and varied road conditions. Drivers must comply with all traffic laws and company driving policies, including speed limits, rest breaks and rules on mobile phone use.

Fatigue is managed through journey planning and, where necessary, driver rotation. No driver is permitted to operate a vehicle when tired, under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or while impaired by medication or illness.

Personal Protective Equipment

Where identified by risk assessment, staff are provided with personal protective equipment such as safety footwear, gloves and high-visibility clothing. PPE must be worn as instructed and kept in good condition. Any defects or losses must be reported immediately so that replacements can be provided.

Health, Welfare and Fitness for Work

All staff engaged in removals to Belgium must be medically fit for the tasks they perform. Any existing health conditions that could be affected by manual handling, driving or other duties must be disclosed so that adjustments can be considered.

We encourage reporting of any symptoms or injuries at the earliest opportunity. Staff must not continue working if they feel unwell, in pain, or otherwise unable to perform their duties safely.

Cooperation with Customers and Third Parties

Safe removals rely on good communication and cooperation. Customers are asked to advise us of any known access issues, structural weaknesses, parking restrictions or specific hazards at collection or delivery addresses. We work with building managers, port authorities and other third parties where required to ensure safe operations and compliance with local requirements.

Incident Reporting and Investigation

All accidents, near misses, property damage and dangerous occurrences must be reported as soon as reasonably practicable to a supervisor or manager. Details are recorded and investigated to identify root causes and implement corrective actions.

Lessons learned from incidents are shared with staff and may result in revised procedures, additional training or updated risk assessments for future removals to Belgium.

Training, Communication and Review

Health and Safety training is provided on induction and refreshed regularly. This includes manual handling, vehicle safety, use of equipment, emergency procedures and specific requirements for cross-border removals.

This policy is communicated to all staff and made available to customers on request. It is reviewed periodically, and whenever there are significant changes in legislation, work practices or the nature of our removals to Belgium, to ensure it remains current, effective and appropriate.