removal worker /furniture removal worker

Who are they and what do they do? The removal worker is in charge of moving furniture and various other items of equipment from one place to another.

What are the activities of the job? Dismantles and assembles furniture in houses, offices, etc.; loads and unloads the vans that transport them, taking special care in not damage them when loading or during the journey; wraps the goods with blankets to protect them from being damaged in the removal van; protects crockery and fragile goods by keeping them in properly sealed boxes; distributes the load evenly in the trucks or vans; labels the boxes according to what is in them; stacks them up in the van correctly so as not to damage anything.

Where is it done and under what conditions? The work demands considerable physical effort with some risk of injuries, in a dusty environment, with a lot of movement and sometimes falling objects.

What tools/equipment do they use? A baggage lift, trolley forklift trucks, labelling machines, blankets, different size boxes and materials, scissors, knives, insulating tape.

What do you need to succeed? Only a basic primary level of education is required - no special qualification is needed. Promotion can be to less physically demanding occupations like van/truck driver, removals or warehouse manager. Some of these other occupations may require further training such as obtaining specialised driving licences or computer skills. Awareness of health and safety issues - e.g. safe lifting procedures when handling heavy objects - is important. The personal characteristics you need are physical strength and stamina. You should also have some spatial awareness since the work involves managing and judging space and volumes.