Belgium Removal: Health and Safety Policy

This Health and Safety policy outlines the approach taken by our removal organisation operating in Belgium. It sets out core principles that govern safe removals, moving operations and relocation work. Our aim is to protect staff, clients and the public by embedding safe working practices into every stage of a removal job. Safety and wellbeing are central to our service culture, and all staff must understand and apply the controls described here.

All those involved in any removal assignment should follow clear roles and responsibilities. Supervisors will ensure that risk controls are in place before work starts, while operational teams are expected to maintain safe systems of work. We promote a proactive safety culture where staff are encouraged to speak up about hazards and near-misses. Personal responsibility and team cooperation underpin safe removals across urban and rural settings.

Risk assessment is mandatory for every job. Before loading or moving items, a competent person must identify hazards such as stairs, narrow access, unstable loads and traffic exposure. Control measures may include safe lifting plans, physical restraints, improved signage and traffic management. Where specialist handling is required for bulky or fragile goods, trained staff and appropriate equipment will be scheduled to reduce manual handling risks and prevent damage.

Equipment and vehicle safety are fundamental. All removal vehicles and handling equipment undergo routine inspections and maintenance to ensure they are fit for purpose. Drivers and operators receive training in safe vehicle operation, load securing and use of tail lifts. Correct use of equipment prevents incidents and promotes efficient removals. Any defects are reported immediately and removed from service until repaired.

Personal protective equipment (PPE) must be worn where identified as necessary. This includes gloves, high-visibility clothing and footwear with good grip. For specialist tasks, additional protection such as back supports, eyewear or respiratory protection will be provided. We expect staff to use PPE consistently and to keep it clean and serviceable. Poor PPE practice is treated as a safety breach and addressed through supervision and training.

Training and competence form the backbone of our safety approach. All removal personnel undertake induction training that covers safe lifting techniques, customer property protection, hazard recognition and emergency procedures. Refresher training is provided periodically, and competency checks are recorded. Continuous learning ensures that teams remain current with best practices and operational changes.

Manual handling is a high-risk activity in the removals sector. We implement safe systems including mechanical aids, team lifts for heavy or awkward items and pre-planned lifting sequences. Where reasonable, items are disassembled to reduce risk. Staff are trained to evaluate loads and to refuse tasks that are unsafe until proper controls are in place. Pre-planning and communication between crew members are emphasised to avoid last-minute improvisation.

Hazardous materials are handled with caution. Although domestic removals typically avoid dangerous goods, some items such as batteries, aerosols and cleaning chemicals require special handling and segregation. These items are identified during pre-move surveys and managed according to safe handling protocols. If a suspect item is discovered during loading, work will pause and advice sought from a senior manager before continuing.

Emergency preparedness is built into every operation. Crews carry basic first-aid kits and are briefed on emergency contact procedures, evacuation routes and incident reporting. Fire risks are minimised by safe vehicle parking and good housekeeping on sites. In the event of injury or significant property damage, incidents are reported promptly and investigated to prevent recurrence. Learning from incidents informs ongoing improvements.

Communication with clients and third parties is key to safe removals. Clear briefings on access constraints, parking arrangements and timing reduce risks and avoid unexpected hazards. When working on multi-occupancy sites, staff coordinate with property managers to ensure safe entry and movement. Respectful cooperation with occupants preserves safety and minimises disruption.

Monitoring and review ensure that this health and safety policy remains effective. Management conducts regular audits of operational practices, vehicle records and training logs. Feedback from staff observations, reported near-misses and periodic reviews is used to update procedures and to target further training. A cycle of continuous improvement drives safer removals and higher service quality.

Subcontractors and temporary staff are required to comply with this policy and to demonstrate equivalent safety standards before being engaged. They receive a safety briefing specific to the job and are supervised until competence is confirmed. By aligning standards across all parties involved in a move, we reduce variability and support consistent safe outcomes. This policy is reviewed periodically to reflect operational learning and evolving industry practices.