Health and Safety policy
Movers Richmond upon Thames Health and Safety Policy
This Health and Safety policy sets out how Movers Richmond upon Thames manages the wellbeing of employees, clients, contractors, visitors and members of the public during all moving, packing, loading, transport and delivery activities. Our aim is to prevent injury, protect health and promote safe working practices in every aspect of our removals and related services.
Policy Statement
Movers Richmond upon Thames is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment. We will take all reasonably practicable steps to prevent accidents, work-related ill health and damage to property. Health and safety considerations form an integral part of our planning and decision-making for all moves, whether domestic or commercial.
We comply with all applicable health and safety legislation and recognised industry standards for removal and transport operations. This policy is reviewed regularly to ensure it remains appropriate to the nature and scale of our activities.
Responsibilities
Overall responsibility for health and safety rests with the company management, which ensures effective arrangements, resources and supervision are in place. Management will:
• Provide and maintain safe systems of work for all moving and storage tasks.
• Assess the risks associated with removal activities and implement appropriate control measures.
• Supply suitable tools, vehicles, equipment and personal protective equipment that are safe and fit for purpose.
• Provide information, instruction, training and supervision to enable staff to perform their duties safely.
• Ensure that incidents, near misses and concerns are investigated and that corrective actions are taken.
Employees have a duty to:
• Take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions.
• Follow all safety procedures, training and instructions provided by the company.
• Use equipment, vehicles and protective gear correctly and report any defects immediately.
• Report hazards, unsafe practices, near misses and incidents without delay.
• Co-operate fully with management to ensure compliance with this policy.
Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work
Before starting a removal job, we assess the risks associated with the property, access routes, items to be moved, parking arrangements, traffic and any special client requirements. This may include assessing narrow staircases, heavy or awkward items, fragile goods, long carries, shared entrances and loading areas.
From these assessments we implement safe systems of work, which may include allocating additional staff, using specialised moving equipment, adjusting the sequence of tasks, or agreeing particular access points with the client. All employees are expected to follow the safe systems of work and to stop work if they believe conditions are unsafe.
Manual Handling and Safe Lifting
Manual handling is a core activity in the removals industry. Movers Richmond upon Thames provides training on correct lifting and carrying techniques, including team lifting, safe use of trolleys and securing loads. Employees must:
• Assess the weight, size and stability of any item before attempting to move it.
• Request help or equipment for heavy or bulky items rather than lifting alone.
• Avoid twisting while carrying and use their legs rather than their back to lift.
• Use moving aids such as sack trucks, dollies, straps and sliders whenever appropriate.
• Avoid carrying loads that restrict visibility or safe movement.
We will not require staff to move items that present an unacceptable risk to health or safety. Where necessary, alternative methods such as dismantling, mechanical lifting or additional crew members will be arranged.
Vehicles, Driving and Road Safety
Our vehicles are maintained in a roadworthy condition and inspected regularly. Only authorised and competent drivers may operate company vehicles. Drivers must:
• Conduct pre-use checks and report any defects or concerns immediately.
• Comply with road traffic laws and drive considerately, allowing extra time for loading and unloading.
• Secure loads correctly to prevent movement, damage or risk to others.
• Follow safe parking procedures, using hazard lights and cones where appropriate.
• Avoid driving when unfit due to fatigue, illness or any other reason.
We plan routes to minimise risk, considering access restrictions, low bridges, congestion and safe stopping points for breaks.
Equipment and Personal Protective Equipment
We provide appropriate equipment to support safe removals, including moving blankets, straps, trolleys, ramps and other suitable tools. All equipment is inspected and maintained to ensure it remains safe and effective.
Where required, personal protective equipment such as safety footwear, gloves or high-visibility clothing is provided. Employees must use the equipment supplied, keep it in good condition and report any defects or loss as soon as possible.
Client Premises and Public Safety
We recognise our responsibility to work safely in and around client premises, communal areas and public spaces. Our teams aim to minimise disruption and risk to others by:
• Keeping access routes clear and tidy, avoiding trip hazards.
• Using warning signs or barriers where loading or unloading could affect others.
• Placing equipment and packed items in safe, stable positions.
• Being mindful of noise, property boundaries and shared entrances.
We encourage clients to inform us in advance of any known hazards at their premises so we can plan appropriate controls.
Welfare, Health and Wellbeing
Movers Richmond upon Thames recognises the physical nature of removal work and the importance of rest, hydration and general wellbeing. Work schedules are planned to reduce excessive fatigue and staff are encouraged to take regular breaks. We aim to create an open culture in which employees feel comfortable raising concerns about workload, health or fitness for work.
Accident, Incident and Near Miss Reporting
All accidents, incidents and near misses, however minor, must be reported to management as soon as practicable. We investigate these events to identify causes and implement measures to prevent recurrence. Records are maintained in accordance with legal requirements.
Training, Consultation and Continuous Improvement
Suitable induction and refresher training is provided for all employees, including manual handling, safe use of equipment, vehicle safety and emergency procedures. Staff are consulted on health and safety matters that affect them and are encouraged to contribute suggestions for improvement.
This policy will be reviewed regularly and updated when necessary to reflect changes in legislation, industry practice, company operations or identified risks. By working together, management and staff ensure that health and safety remains central to all removal services provided by Movers Richmond upon Thames.
