Tom and Jerry Health and Safety Policy

Tom and Jerry is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for our employees, customers, contractors and members of the public who may be affected by our removal and related services. This Health and Safety Policy sets out the principles and arrangements we follow to manage risks and promote safe working practices in all aspects of our operations.

Our Commitment to Health and Safety

We believe that all incidents can be reduced and many can be prevented through effective planning, training and supervision. Health and safety is an integral part of how we deliver our services, from initial planning and survey through to loading, transportation and unloading at the new location.

Management at Tom and Jerry is responsible for leading by example, providing appropriate resources and ensuring that this policy is communicated, understood and applied throughout the business.

Responsibilities and Roles

The overall responsibility for health and safety rests with the company management, who will ensure that suitable arrangements are in place for the effective planning, organisation, control, monitoring and review of safety measures.

Supervisors and team leaders are responsible for day to day implementation of this policy, including briefing teams on site specific risks, checking that equipment is in good condition, and intervening where unsafe practices are observed.

Every employee has a duty to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions. This includes following all safe systems of work, using equipment correctly, reporting hazards and cooperating with management on all health and safety matters.

Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work

Tom and Jerry will assess foreseeable risks associated with our removal activities, including manual handling, use of vehicles, working in and around customers premises, and the handling of fragile, heavy or awkward items. Where necessary, we will carry out site specific assessments before work begins.

On the basis of these assessments we will develop and implement safe systems of work, which may include route planning to reduce vehicle risks, the use of lifting aids, safe lifting techniques, and procedures for moving items up and down stairs or through confined spaces.

Risk assessments will be reviewed periodically and whenever there are significant changes to our operations, equipment or working environments.

Manual Handling and Use of Equipment

Manual handling is a key part of removal work, and we place strong emphasis on reducing the risk of injury from lifting, carrying and moving loads. Employees will be trained in correct lifting techniques, team handling, and the appropriate use of trolleys, dollies, straps and other handling aids.

We will provide suitable equipment for the safe movement of goods and ensure that all equipment is maintained in a safe condition. Employees must visually check equipment before use and report any defects immediately so that defective equipment can be removed from service.

Vehicles, Driving and Transport Safety

Our vehicles will be maintained in safe working order, inspected regularly and loaded within safe limits. Loads will be secured to prevent movement during transit, and particular care will be taken with fragile, hazardous or unusually shaped items.

Drivers must hold the appropriate licence, follow road traffic rules and company driving standards, and report any incidents, collisions or near misses as soon as possible. Fatigue management will be considered when planning journeys and schedules.

Customer Premises and Public Safety

Work at customer premises is carried out with consideration for the safety of occupants, visitors and the general public. We will take reasonable steps to control access to work areas, avoid trip hazards caused by packaging or equipment, and minimise disruption to normal use of the premises.

Where there are specific risks at a property, such as restricted access, poor lighting or uneven surfaces, our teams will adapt their methods of work and use additional control measures as required.

Training, Information and Supervision

Tom and Jerry will provide employees with adequate health and safety training relevant to their roles, including induction training, task specific training and refresher training where needed. Subjects include safe lifting, equipment use, vehicle safety, incident reporting and emergency arrangements.

Information on risks and control measures will be communicated through briefings, instructions and signage where necessary. Supervisors will monitor working practices to ensure that training is applied in practice and that unsafe behaviour is challenged and corrected.

Incident Reporting and Emergency Procedures

All accidents, injuries, near misses and dangerous occurrences must be reported promptly so that they can be investigated and, where necessary, corrective actions can be taken. We maintain records of such incidents to help identify trends and areas for improvement.

Emergency procedures, such as what to do in the event of fire, serious injury, vehicle breakdown or spillage, will be communicated to staff. Employees are expected to follow these procedures and to cooperate with emergency services if they are called to an incident involving our work.

Wellbeing and Fitness for Work

We recognise the importance of physical and mental wellbeing in carrying out removal work safely. Employees are expected to present for work fit to perform their duties and to inform management of any condition that may affect their ability to work safely.

We do not tolerate substance misuse in the workplace. Working under the influence of alcohol or drugs is prohibited, as it presents a serious risk to the safety of the individual and others.

Continuous Improvement and Policy Review

Tom and Jerry is committed to continually improving our health and safety performance. We will monitor compliance with this policy, review our procedures and learn from incidents, feedback and changes in best practice.

This Health and Safety Policy will be reviewed regularly and updated as necessary to ensure that it remains relevant and effective in protecting our employees, customers and the public while we provide our removal services.

All staff and contractors are required to familiarise themselves with this policy and apply its principles at all times while representing Tom and Jerry.