Health and Safety policy
Health and Safety Policy for Movers Shepherd's Bush
Movers Shepherd's Bush is committed to maintaining a safe and healthy working environment for all employees, contractors, customers, and members of the public who may be affected by our removal activities. This policy sets out our approach to managing health and safety across all moving, packing, loading, transportation, and unloading tasks.
Our Health and Safety Objectives
Our primary objective is to prevent accidents, injuries, work-related ill health, and damage to property arising from our work. We are dedicated to continuous improvement in our health and safety performance and to complying with all relevant health and safety legislation and recognised industry best practice for removal companies.
Management Responsibilities
Company management holds overall responsibility for the effective implementation of this health and safety policy. This includes providing adequate resources, equipment, information, instruction, and supervision to ensure that work is planned and carried out safely.
Managers are responsible for:
Ensuring that risk assessments are carried out and reviewed regularly for all moving and handling tasks.
Providing and maintaining safe vehicles, tools, lifting equipment, and protective gear.
Ensuring staff receive appropriate health and safety training and refresher training as needed.
Investigating accidents, near misses, and incidents to identify root causes and implement corrective actions.
Consulting with employees on health and safety matters and encouraging feedback to improve procedures.
Employee Responsibilities
All employees of Movers Shepherd's Bush share responsibility for maintaining a safe working environment. Every member of staff is expected to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions.
Employees must:
Follow all safety instructions, training, and procedures provided by the company.
Use vehicles, tools, and equipment only for their intended purpose and in a safe manner.
Wear any personal protective equipment issued and look after it properly.
Report hazards, defects, accidents, and near misses immediately to their supervisor.
Refrain from working under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or any substance that may impair judgment or performance.
Cooperate fully with any health and safety investigation or inspection.
Risk Assessments and Safe Systems of Work
We carry out risk assessments for all significant tasks associated with removals, including manual handling, use of vehicles, working on or near roads, use of lifting equipment, and work at height such as loading high vehicles or accessing upper floors.
These assessments identify hazards, evaluate risks, and set out control measures. Safe systems of work and method statements are developed where appropriate to ensure that tasks are carried out in a consistent, controlled, and safe manner. Risk assessments are reviewed regularly and whenever there is a significant change in work practices or equipment.
Manual Handling and Use of Equipment
Moving household and office items involves considerable manual handling. To reduce the risk of strain and injury, all staff receive training in correct lifting and carrying techniques, as well as how to make effective use of handling aids such as trolleys, dollies, and lifting straps.
We plan each move to minimise the need for excessive lifting and awkward movements. Heavy or bulky items are handled by sufficient numbers of trained staff and, where required, supported by appropriate mechanical aids. Staff are instructed never to attempt to lift or move items that they consider beyond their physical capability or that present an unreasonable risk.
Vehicles and Driving Safety
Our vehicles are maintained in safe working order in line with legal requirements and manufacturer guidance. Regular checks are carried out on brakes, tyres, lights, securing points, and any lifting or tail-lift equipment.
Only appropriately licensed and authorised personnel are permitted to drive company vehicles. Drivers must follow all road traffic regulations and company driving procedures, including safe loading and securing of goods, journey planning, and rest breaks when required. No driver is expected to compromise safety to meet deadlines.
Customer Premises and Public Safety
Our work often takes place at customer homes, offices, and shared access areas. We take care to protect customers, neighbours, and the general public from risks associated with our activities.
Where necessary, we use warning signs, barriers, and other controls to manage access and prevent trips, falls, or contact with moving vehicles or equipment. Floors are kept as clear as reasonably practicable, and routes for moving items are planned to reduce congestion and hazards.
Training, Information, and Supervision
Movers Shepherd's Bush provides health and safety induction training for all new employees and role-specific training for those engaged in driving, manual handling, or equipment operation. Ongoing refresher training is provided when procedures change, new equipment is introduced, or where additional training needs are identified.
Supervisors are responsible for ensuring that staff understand and follow safe working procedures on each job and that any concerns are addressed promptly.
Accident Reporting and Emergency Procedures
All accidents, injuries, incidents, and near misses must be reported as soon as possible. Accurate records are maintained and reviewed to help identify trends and areas for improvement.
Emergency procedures are in place to deal with incidents such as fire, serious injury, vehicle accidents, and spills. Staff are briefed on what to do in emergencies, including how to raise the alarm, contact the relevant emergency services, and assist with safe evacuation where appropriate.
Monitoring, Review, and Continuous Improvement
This health and safety policy is monitored through regular inspections, incident investigations, and feedback from employees and customers. We review the policy periodically to ensure it remains suitable, adequate, and effective for the nature and scale of our removal operations.
Movers Shepherd's Bush is committed to continuous improvement. We welcome suggestions from staff and customers on how we can further enhance our health and safety performance and the safety of every move we undertake.
