Health and Safety Policy — France Removal and Associated Services

This Health and Safety Policy sets out the commitments of France Removal and related teams to maintain safe working environments for staff, clients and third parties. It applies to all activities carried out by the removal business, including packing, loading, transport and unloading of goods. Our aim is to ensure that every removal job is planned and executed with safety-first principles and that risks are managed consistently across operations.

We recognise that safe removals depend on clear responsibilities and active management. Senior management will provide leadership and resources, while supervisors and operatives carry out daily controls. Every employee has a duty to follow procedures, report hazards and contribute to improvements. This policy forms part of our operational standards and should be read alongside local site briefings and job-specific risk assessments.

The scope of the policy covers manual handling, vehicle safety, ergonomics, secure packaging, site access and client premises precautions. It also includes the safe use of mechanical aids, the correct selection of personal protective equipment (PPE) and guidelines for working at height during packing or storage. France Removal will ensure that risk assessments are conducted before each job and that control measures are implemented and communicated.

Risk assessment is the foundation of our approach. Prior to any removal task we identify hazards, assess who might be harmed and determine proportionate controls. Typical risks include slips/trips, manual handling injuries, vehicle incidents and damage to property. Controls will be documented and may include route inspections, protective floor coverings, lifting equipment and safe loading plans. Risk mitigation must be practical, monitored and reviewed.

Training and competence are essential. All operatives receive induction training covering safe lifting techniques, correct use of equipment, and emergency procedures. Refresher sessions and task-specific instruction are provided where needed. A simple checklist and toolbox talks are used to reinforce safe behaviours. We also maintain records of training, certifications and equipment checks to demonstrate ongoing competence.

Operational controls include clear loading and securing procedures, vehicle maintenance regimes and communication protocols for multi-person lifts. Supervisors ensure that vehicles are loaded to prevent shifting of items in transit and that weight limits are observed. A typical control list includes:

• Pre-job vehicle inspections and maintenance logs
• Use of trolleys, hoists or ramps where appropriate
• Packing materials to protect fragile items and prevent movement
• Clear signage and use of high-visibility clothing when required

Client premises are assessed on arrival for hazards such as narrow stairways, unstable flooring or restricted parking. Where obstacles exist, work is adapted or additional staff and equipment are used to maintain safety. Operatives are instructed to respect client properties and to use protective coverings to prevent damage while also reducing trip and slip risks. Good communication with clients reduces unexpected hazards.

Emergency preparedness and incident management are key components. All teams are trained in basic first aid, fire safety and emergency evacuation. Incidents, near-misses and unsafe conditions must be reported promptly and investigated to prevent recurrence. Reporting supports learning and continuous improvement, and corrective actions are implemented without delay.

Health and wellbeing are part of safety. France Removal encourages staff to report fatigue, stress or injuries early so that duties can be adjusted. Ergonomic practices, adequate rest breaks and fair shift patterns are promoted to reduce the risk of injury and enhance performance. We also support a culture where safety concerns are raised without fear of adverse consequences.