Removal Reviews — Health and Safety Policy Statement
Purpose: This health and safety statement sets out the approach taken by Removal Reviews and related removals review services to protect people, property and the public. It explains the principles and expectations for safe working during all review, audit and review-related activities. The aim of this removal review policy is to reduce risk, prevent injury and ensure that every reviewer, contractor and observer understands their role in maintaining a safe environment. This policy applies to all operational activities described in removal-review records and evaluations.
Scope and Commitment
The scope of this removal reviews safety policy covers on-site assessments, site inspections, collection of evidence about removals, and the handling of documentation and equipment. We are committed to compliance with applicable safety expectations, to continuous improvement and to maintaining standards that protect staff and clients during any removals reviews process. The document defines responsibilities, training expectations and reporting procedures for hazards identified during review work.
Principles: Core principles that guide our removal reviews safety approach include hazard identification, risk reduction, safe systems of work, and active supervision. To make these principles actionable we require that all team members:
- Recognise and report hazards promptly;
- Follow agreed safe working practices when undertaking removals review tasks;
- Use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and tools for the job;
- Participate in training and safety briefings before undertaking site assessments.
Responsibilities and Roles: Every participant in a removal review has duties to protect themselves and others. Review coordinators must ensure that risk assessments are carried out and documented before site visits. Reviewers are expected to follow documented controls and to escalate concerns where controls appear insufficient. Contractors and third-party observers involved in a removals review activity must be advised of site-specific risks and must adhere to the safe working arrangements that have been set out.
Risk Assessment and Control Measures
Risk assessments must consider manual handling, slips, trips and falls, biological or hazardous material exposure, working at height, vehicle movements, and public safety. Control measures may include exclusion zones, signage, supervised access, and the use of mechanical aids. When preparing for a removal-review assignment, teams must document the risk rating and the controls to be implemented; these records form part of the review file and support continuous improvement through future removals reviews.Training, competence and supervision are essential. All personnel attached to removal reviews must receive induction training relevant to review activities, plus periodic refresher training. Competency assessments should be recorded and linked to the tasks assigned. Where specialist skills are required, only trained and certified staff should perform those tasks. Supervisors must monitor compliance to the removal reviews safety policy and take corrective actions when unsafe conditions or behaviours are observed.
Incident Reporting and Investigation: Incidents, near-misses and unsafe acts discovered during a removals review should be reported without delay. Prompt reporting enables investigation, identification of root causes and implementation of preventing measures to improve the removal review process. A proportionate, lessons-focused investigation helps ensure that similar incidents do not recur in subsequent removal reviews.
Equipment and PPE: The safe use and maintenance of equipment is a priority. All tools and devices used in removal reviews must be inspected before use, well maintained, and replaced when necessary. Appropriate PPE — such as gloves, eye protection, high-visibility garments and respiratory protection where identified — must be supplied and worn where controls require. The removal reviews checklist should specify PPE for each task and site.
Monitoring, Audit and Continuous Improvement: Ongoing monitoring through internal audit of removal review activities ensures that the safety policy is effective. Regular audits, sample checks and performance reviews identify trends and opportunities to strengthen processes. Findings from audits and safe system reviews feed into training updates, revised risk assessments and enhanced operational guidance for subsequent removals review work.
Communication and Consultation: Effective communication ensures that removal reviews operate safely. Safety briefings, toolbox talks and clear written instructions for each removals review engagement must be used to share risks and controls. Stakeholder consultation helps to confirm controls are practical and proportionate. Review teams must document the outcomes of consultations within the review record.
Emergency Preparedness: Removal reviews may occur in complex environments. Teams must be briefed on emergency arrangements, evacuation routes and first aid provision relevant to each site. Emergency scenarios should form part of the planning for high-risk review activities so that responders know their roles and so that review staff can protect themselves and the public in unplanned situations.
Policy Review and Governance: This safety policy for removal reviews will be reviewed periodically to reflect changes in practice, legislation or operational learning. Governance arrangements will ensure that responsibility for policy updates and implementation is clear. Strong leadership, consistent enforcement and visible commitment to safety contribute to a robust culture across all removal reviews and related assessment processes.
