HEALTH AND SAFETY

Last Updated: 6 May 2026

Gentlevan Removals considers the health, safety and welfare of its employees, customers, contractors and members of the public to be of fundamental importance. This policy sets out our commitment to maintaining the highest reasonably practicable standards of health and safety across all our domestic and European removals, packing, loading, transport, unloading and storage operations.

This policy is issued in line with our duties under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, the Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992 (as amended by the Health and Safety (Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations 2002), the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992, the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER), the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER), the Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992 (as amended), the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 2013 (RIDDOR), the Road Traffic Act 1988, drivers' hours rules (EU/AETR and UK domestic), and our accreditation standards under Move Assured and the Association of Independent Movers (AIM).

1. Statement of intent

Gentlevan Removals will, so far as is reasonably practicable:

• provide and maintain safe systems of work, vehicles, equipment and premises;
• ensure safe handling, storage and transport of customers' goods and our own materials;
• provide the information, instruction, training and supervision needed to keep employees and others safe;
• ensure work environments are safe and that adequate welfare facilities are available;
• ensure employees are fit for the work they are required to do and competent for the vehicles they drive;
• prevent injury and ill-health, and minimise lost time due to accidents or work-related illness;
• consult with employees on health and safety matters and encourage active participation in improvements;
• review this policy regularly and update it to reflect changes in legislation, guidance or our operations.

2. Responsibilities

The owner and management of Gentlevan Removals accept overall responsibility for health and safety, including ensuring sufficient resources are made available to maintain and improve standards. Management will ensure that risk assessments are completed and reviewed, that staff are properly trained, and that this policy is implemented consistently.

Office and operations staff are responsible for following safe procedures in the office and for ensuring jobs are planned, surveyed and resourced so they can be carried out safely.

Drivers and crew are responsible for following safe working practices on every job, using the equipment provided, and reporting any concerns. Every employee has a legal duty under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 to take reasonable care for the health and safety of themselves and others who may be affected by their acts or omissions.

Subcontractors and partners are required to comply with this policy and with all applicable health and safety legislation when working with us or on our behalf.

3. Risk assessment

We carry out and regularly review risk assessments for all key activities, including surveying, packing, lifting and carrying, loading and unloading, driving, working at height (e.g. lofts, balconies), storage, fuel handling, and working in customers' premises. Risk assessments are reviewed when circumstances change, after any incident or near-miss, and at least annually. Findings and control measures are communicated to all relevant staff.

4. Manual handling

Manual handling is a core part of removal work and is one of the highest sources of risk in our industry. We follow the three-step hierarchy required by the Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992:

• Avoid hazardous manual handling where reasonably practicable, by using mechanical aids;
• Assess any handling that cannot be avoided, using the TILE framework (Task, Individual, Load, Environment);
• Reduce the risk of injury to the lowest level reasonably practicable.

We provide manual handling training to all crew members covering safe lifting techniques, team lifting, load assessment, route planning, and the correct use of trolleys, sack barrows, dollies, lifting straps, piano skates, stair climbers and other aids. Staff are instructed to:

• assess the weight, size and stability of items before lifting;
• ask for assistance or use mechanical aids for heavy, bulky or awkward loads (such as pianos, safes, large appliances and stone furniture);
• maintain stable footing, bend at the knees and avoid twisting under load;
• plan the route in advance and clear trip hazards before moving items.

There is no legal maximum lifting weight in the UK; risk depends on the task, the individual, the load and the environment. No employee is required or permitted to lift or carry a load that presents an unacceptable risk to their health.

5. Vehicles, driving and drivers' hours

Our fleet is maintained in a roadworthy condition through regular inspections, daily walk-around checks, scheduled servicing, and pre-departure checklists for long-distance and HGV runs. Defects must be reported and recorded immediately and, where safety-critical, the vehicle must not be used until repaired.

Drivers must:

• hold the correct, valid licence and (for HGV operations) a current Driver CPC and a valid digital tachograph card;
• comply with EU/AETR or UK domestic drivers' hours and tachograph rules, as applicable to the journey;
• not drive while fatigued, ill, or under the influence of alcohol, drugs or medication that impairs driving;
• complete vehicle checks before each shift and at the start of each leg on multi-day runs;
• secure all loads correctly and use straps, blankets and corner protectors as needed;
• follow the Highway Code and the road traffic laws of every country travelled through on European runs.

6. Working at customers' premises

When working at a customer's home or business, our crews will:

• conduct a brief on-site safety check before starting work, including access routes, stairs, lifts, parking and any obvious hazards;
• protect floors, banisters, doorways and corners using floor runners, blankets and corner guards;
• identify and isolate trip hazards (cables, rugs, pets, children's toys);
• communicate with the customer about any access issues, fragile or high-value items, and special instructions;
• respect the customer's property and privacy at all times.

7. Equipment, PPE and lifting equipment

Equipment provided to crews includes safety footwear, gloves, hi-vis clothing where appropriate, lifting straps, trolleys, sack barrows, piano skates, stair climbers, blankets and tie-down straps. Lifting equipment is inspected in line with LOLER requirements and other work equipment is maintained in line with PUWER. Staff must use equipment as instructed and report any defects immediately.

8. Storage

At our storage site (Parsons Barn Farm, Sibford Gower) we maintain safe stacking practices, clear walkways, fire precautions, and controlled access. Containers and crates are inspected before use and replaced when damaged. Customers do not access the storage area unaccompanied.

9. Fire safety, first aid and welfare

Fire risk assessments are in place at our office and storage site, with appropriate extinguishers, signage and clear escape routes. First aid kits are kept at our premises and in every vehicle. Trained first aiders are nominated and listed on site. Welfare facilities including drinking water, toilets and rest areas are provided in line with the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992.

10. Accident, incident and near-miss reporting

All accidents, incidents and near-misses must be reported to the office on the day they occur and recorded in the Accident Book. Damage to property, vehicles or equipment must also be reported. We investigate incidents to identify root causes and prevent recurrence. Reportable injuries, diseases and dangerous occurrences are notified to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) under RIDDOR 2013.

11. Training and competence

We ensure that every employee receives adequate health and safety training when they are first recruited, when they are exposed to new risks, and when their work changes. Training covers manual handling, safe driving, packing techniques, customer-premises etiquette, fire safety, first aid awareness and emergency procedures. Refresher training is provided periodically.

12. Employee duties

Every employee has a legal duty to:

• take reasonable care for the health and safety of themselves and others affected by their work;
• cooperate with management in meeting health and safety obligations;
• follow the safe systems of work, training and instructions provided;
• use the equipment, PPE and safety devices supplied;
• report hazards, defects, incidents and near-misses promptly to their direct manager;
• not interfere with or misuse anything provided in the interest of health and safety.

Failure to follow this policy may result in disciplinary action.

13. Consultation and review

We consult with employees on health and safety matters and welcome feedback and suggestions for improvement. This policy is reviewed regularly and revised whenever there is a significant change in legislation, our operations, or our risk profile, and at least annually.

14. Contact

For any health and safety concerns, please contact:

Gentlevan Removals
Parsons Barn Farm, Unit 2, Sibford Gower, Banbury, Oxfordshire OX15 5AD
Email: info@gentlevanremovals.co.uk