Movers Kingston upon Thames Health and Safety Policy
Movers Kingston upon Thames is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for all employees, customers, contractors, visitors and members of the public who may be affected by our moving and relocation activities. This Health and Safety Policy sets out our approach to managing risk, complying with relevant legislation and continually improving our safety performance across all domestic and commercial removal services.
Policy Statement and Objectives
The management of Movers Kingston upon Thames recognises its responsibility to plan and conduct all operations in a manner that prevents injury, ill health, property damage and environmental harm. Our key health and safety objectives are to prevent workplace accidents, promote safe systems of work for all moving and handling tasks, ensure our vehicles and equipment are operated safely and legally, and foster a positive health and safety culture where everyone understands their responsibilities.
We will provide the resources, training, supervision and communication necessary to meet these objectives and to support continual improvement in health and safety management within our removal operations.
Responsibilities of Management
Senior management has overall responsibility for implementing this policy and ensuring that health and safety is integrated into all aspects of our removal services. Management will ensure that clear procedures are in place for the safe planning and delivery of moves, including surveys, packing, loading, transport, unloading and unpacking. They will also ensure that suitable and sufficient risk assessments are completed, that appropriate control measures are implemented and reviewed, and that staff receive the information, instruction and training they need to work safely.
Managers and supervisors are responsible for monitoring day-to-day compliance with this policy, leading by example, reporting hazards promptly and taking appropriate corrective action when unsafe conditions or practices are identified.
Responsibilities of Employees
All employees, including drivers, porters, packers and office staff, have a duty to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions. Employees must follow the instructions, training and safe systems of work provided, use equipment correctly and report any hazards, defects, accidents, near misses or health concerns without delay.
Staff must cooperate fully with management in the implementation of this policy and refrain from any behaviour that could put themselves, colleagues, customers or the public at risk, such as unsafe lifting practices or failure to secure loads correctly.
Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work
We will carry out risk assessments for all significant hazards associated with our removal activities, including manual handling, vehicle movements, working at height, use of equipment, travelling between properties and work in shared access areas. The findings of these assessments will be used to develop safe systems of work and method statements that are communicated to employees and, where relevant, to customers and contractors.
Risk assessments will be reviewed regularly and whenever there are changes in work practices, equipment, locations or regulations to ensure they remain current and effective.
Manual Handling and Lifting
Manual handling is central to removal work and is a key focus of our health and safety arrangements. We provide specific training to ensure staff understand correct lifting and carrying techniques, team lifting procedures for heavy or awkward items and the use of handling aids such as trolleys and dollies.
Where reasonably practicable, tasks will be planned to minimise manual handling risks by using mechanical aids, breaking down loads into manageable sizes and ensuring clear access routes. Staff are instructed not to attempt to lift items that exceed safe limits and to request assistance where needed.
Vehicles, Driving and Transport Safety
Movers Kingston upon Thames is committed to safe operation of all vehicles used for removals. Vehicles will be regularly inspected, serviced and maintained in line with manufacturer recommendations and legal requirements. Drivers must hold the appropriate licences, follow road traffic laws and adhere to company procedures relating to loading, securing of goods, parking and route planning.
Loads must be packed and restrained to prevent shifting during transit, and access ramps, tail lifts and other loading equipment must be used correctly to avoid injury or damage to property.
Equipment, Tools and Personal Protective Equipment
All equipment used in our moving services, including lifting straps, sack trucks, furniture blankets and tools, will be checked and maintained to ensure it is fit for purpose and safe to use. Defective equipment must be removed from service and reported immediately.
Where personal protective equipment is required, such as safety footwear or gloves, it will be provided and staff must wear and look after it as instructed.
Customer Premises and Public Safety
We recognise that much of our work is carried out at customers premises and in shared spaces used by the public. Particular care will be taken to manage risks in entrances, corridors, stairways, lifts and outside access points. Trip hazards will be minimised, and warning signs used where necessary. We will cooperate with customers, building managers and other contractors to coordinate safe access and working arrangements.
Training, Communication and Consultation
Training is essential to safe working practice within removals. All new employees will receive induction training covering company health and safety procedures, emergency arrangements and safe working practices. Ongoing training and refresher sessions will be provided for manual handling, vehicle safety, equipment use and any other relevant topics.
We encourage open communication about health and safety matters and will consult with employees on changes that affect their safety. Staff are encouraged to raise concerns and suggest improvements through their supervisors or directly to management.
Accident Reporting and Emergency Procedures
All accidents, near misses and dangerous occurrences must be reported promptly and recorded. We will investigate incidents to identify root causes and implement measures to prevent recurrence. First aid arrangements will be maintained in our vehicles and premises, and staff will be informed of emergency procedures for fire, medical incidents and other foreseeable events.
Monitoring, Review and Continuous Improvement
Movers Kingston upon Thames will monitor health and safety performance through inspections, incident data, employee feedback and review of risk assessments and procedures. This policy will be reviewed regularly and updated as necessary to reflect changes in law, guidance, operations or best practice in the removals industry.
By implementing this Health and Safety Policy and working together, we aim to ensure that every move is carried out as safely and responsibly as possible for our staff, customers and the wider community.
