Movers Haringey Health and Safety Policy
Movers Haringey is committed to providing and maintaining a safe and healthy working environment for all employees, contractors, customers and members of the public who may be affected by our removal and relocation activities. We recognise that effective health and safety management is an integral part of running a professional removals company and we aim to continually improve our performance in this area.
Policy Statement and Objectives
The primary objective of this policy is to prevent injury, ill health and damage arising from our work. We will identify hazards associated with moving, lifting, transporting and storing items, and implement proportionate measures to control risks. Our senior management accepts overall responsibility for health and safety and will provide the leadership, resources and systems needed to meet our obligations.
We aim to achieve the following objectives:
To comply with all applicable health and safety legislation and recognised industry guidance relevant to removal services.
To assess and manage risks associated with manual handling, vehicle operations, use of equipment, working at height, and work carried out at customer premises.
To provide information, instruction, training and supervision so that our team can carry out tasks safely and competently.
To encourage a positive safety culture in which everyone is involved in identifying hazards and suggesting improvements.
Responsibilities for Health and Safety
Overall responsibility for health and safety rests with company management, who will ensure this policy is implemented, reviewed and communicated to all employees. Management will set clear standards, allocate duties and monitor performance to confirm that safe systems of work are followed throughout our operations.
Supervisors and team leaders are responsible for day to day implementation of this policy on jobs, including conducting local risk assessments, briefing teams on site conditions, checking that appropriate equipment is provided and in good condition, and taking prompt action to address unsafe situations.
All employees, whether permanent or temporary, share a duty of care for their own safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions. They must cooperate with the company on all health and safety matters, follow training and instructions, use equipment correctly, report hazards, and avoid any behaviour that could endanger themselves or others.
Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work
We conduct suitable and proportionate risk assessments for our removal services. These assessments consider the type and weight of items being moved, access routes, stairways, loading areas, parking arrangements, traffic movement, weather conditions and any other relevant site specific factors. Findings are used to develop safe systems of work and to select appropriate tools and equipment.
Before starting any job, staff are expected to review the planned method of work and to raise any concerns with their supervisor. Where conditions differ from those expected, a dynamic on site risk assessment will be carried out, and the method adjusted to maintain safety. Work will not proceed if a task cannot be carried out safely with the resources available.
Manual Handling and Use of Equipment
Moving items safely is central to our operations. We seek to minimise manual handling risks by careful planning of each move, using mechanical aids and team lifting methods wherever reasonably practicable. Employees receive training in safe lifting techniques, posture, load assessment and communication with co workers when carrying bulky items.
We provide and maintain appropriate equipment such as sack trucks, furniture dollies, straps, blankets and lifting aids. All equipment is regularly inspected and defective items are taken out of service immediately. Staff must not improvise with unsuitable tools or attempt to lift loads that are beyond their capability or training.
Vehicles, Loading and Transport Safety
Our vehicles are maintained to a high standard and are inspected on a regular schedule to ensure they are roadworthy and suitable for the loads they carry. Drivers must hold the appropriate licence, follow company driving rules and comply with road traffic requirements. They are responsible for daily vehicle checks and for reporting any defects without delay.
Safe loading and securing of goods is essential to prevent injury and damage. Loads must be evenly distributed, properly restrained and checked before departure. Staff must follow approved loading plans and must not exceed vehicle weight limits. Particular care is taken when operating in residential streets and busy areas to protect pedestrians and other road users.
Customer Premises and Public Safety
Our work frequently takes place at customer homes, offices and shared access areas. We will take reasonable steps to protect customers, neighbours, visitors and the general public from risks arising from our activities. This includes maintaining clear walkways, using warning signs where appropriate, managing parking and loading so as not to create unnecessary obstructions, and controlling access to work areas when moving large or heavy items.
Employees must show respect for property and maintain high standards of housekeeping, promptly clearing packaging, debris and equipment from access routes and exits. Any damage, near misses or incidents occurring at customer premises must be reported immediately to management.
Training, Supervision and Communication
Movers Haringey is committed to providing adequate health and safety training for all staff, appropriate to their role and level of responsibility. This includes induction training for new starters, instruction on manual handling, safe vehicle operation, use of equipment and emergency procedures. Refresher training is provided when necessary or when new equipment or working methods are introduced.
Supervisors will provide ongoing guidance and monitoring at work sites to ensure that training is put into practice. We encourage open communication about safety matters and expect employees to raise concerns or suggestions so they can be addressed quickly.
Accident Reporting and Emergency Procedures
All accidents, incidents, near misses and hazardous situations, however minor, must be reported to management as soon as possible. This allows us to investigate causes, learn lessons and prevent recurrence. Records of incidents are kept and reviewed periodically to identify trends and prioritise improvements.
Emergency procedures are in place for foreseeable situations such as fire, traffic collisions and personal injuries. Staff are briefed on how to respond, including evacuation, contacting the emergency services and administering basic first aid where trained and appropriate. Vehicles and workplaces are equipped with suitable first aid supplies.
Monitoring, Review and Continuous Improvement
We regularly monitor our health and safety performance through site visits, inspections, incident analysis and staff feedback. Where shortcomings are identified, we will take corrective action, update procedures and provide additional training as needed. Management will review this policy periodically and after any significant change in operations or relevant legislation.
Movers Haringey expects everyone involved in our activities to support the aims of this Health and Safety Policy. By working together and following the standards set out here, we can deliver our removal services in a safe, professional and responsible manner.
