Movers Brompton Health and Safety Policy
Movers Brompton is committed to providing removal and relocation services in a way that protects the health, safety and welfare of our employees, contractors, customers and members of the public. This Health and Safety Policy sets out our principles, responsibilities and working practices designed to minimise risks associated with moving, handling, transportation and related activities.
Policy Statement
The management of Movers Brompton accepts overall responsibility for health and safety within the company. We are dedicated to preventing injuries, work-related ill health, damage to property and harm to the environment during the provision of our removal services. We will comply with all relevant health and safety legislation and recognised best practice within the removals industry.
Health and safety considerations will be integrated into planning, decision making and day-to-day operations, including domestic moves, office relocations, packing, loading, unloading and storage-related tasks.
Objectives
Our health and safety objectives are to:
Identify, assess and control risks associated with manual handling, driving, loading and unloading, use of equipment and working at clients' premises.
Provide and maintain safe vehicles, tools, lifting equipment and protective equipment suitable for removal work.
Ensure that all employees are adequately trained and supervised to perform their duties safely.
Promote a positive health and safety culture where all staff take responsibility for their own safety and the safety of others.
Continually improve our health and safety performance through regular review and monitoring.
Responsibilities
Management is responsible for implementing this policy, providing resources and ensuring that health and safety standards are maintained. This includes conducting risk assessments, organising necessary training and arranging maintenance and inspections.
Supervisors and team leaders must ensure that removal crews follow safe systems of work, use equipment correctly and report hazards or incidents without delay. They must also confirm that new or temporary staff are briefed on relevant safety procedures before starting work.
Employees are required to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of colleagues, customers and the public. Staff must follow instructions, use equipment and protective gear correctly, and report defects, near misses and accidents.
Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices
Before carrying out any removal work, appropriate risk assessments will be completed or reviewed. These assessments will consider access to properties, stairs and lifts, parking arrangements, heavy or awkward items, fragile goods, hazardous substances and any special client requirements.
Safe systems of work will be implemented for common tasks such as lifting and carrying, packing, loading and securing items in vehicles, operating trolleys and moving equipment, and handling bulky or high-value items. Where risks cannot be eliminated, they will be reduced to the lowest reasonably practicable level through planning, training and the use of mechanical aids.
Manual Handling and Use of Equipment
Manual handling presents a significant risk in the removals sector. Movers Brompton will provide manual handling training appropriate to the tasks performed, including instruction on safe lifting techniques, team lifting, use of trolleys and avoidance of unnecessary lifting.
Suitable equipment such as sack trucks, dollies, moving straps and protective blankets will be supplied where needed. Employees must inspect equipment before use and must not use damaged or defective items. Any faults or concerns must be reported to a supervisor immediately.
Vehicle Safety and Driving Standards
Our vehicles will be maintained in a roadworthy condition and subject to regular checks and servicing. Drivers will conduct pre-use inspections to ensure that tyres, lights, restraints and other key elements are functioning correctly before starting work.
All drivers are expected to follow road traffic laws and drive in a manner that is safe, courteous and consistent with the conditions. Loads must be evenly distributed and properly secured to prevent movement during transit. Vehicles must not be overloaded, and access routes and parking must be planned with safety in mind.
Customer Sites and Public Safety
When operating at customer homes, offices or other locations, our staff will respect local rules and take care to protect customers, visitors and the public from risk. This includes managing trip hazards, using caution when carrying large items through shared areas, and keeping access routes clear whenever possible.
Where needed, staff will use warning signs or verbal notifications to alert people to moving activities. Particular care will be taken in busy communal spaces, entrances and pavements when loading or unloading vehicles.
Training, Information and Supervision
Movers Brompton will provide employees with health and safety training that is relevant to their roles, including induction training for new starters and periodic refresher training. Topics may include manual handling, safe driving, use of equipment, emergency procedures and reporting of incidents.
Information on specific hazards and control measures for each job will be communicated before work begins. Less experienced staff will be appropriately supervised to ensure that tasks are completed in a safe manner.
Personal Protective Equipment
Where necessary, personal protective equipment such as safety footwear and gloves will be provided. Employees must use this equipment as instructed and keep it in good condition. Any damage or loss must be reported so that replacements can be arranged.
Accident Reporting and Emergency Procedures
All accidents, incidents and near misses must be reported as soon as practicable. This allows us to investigate causes, record findings and implement corrective measures to prevent recurrence. First aid arrangements will be in place and staff will be informed of procedures to follow if an injury or emergency arises during a move.
In the event of fire, structural damage or other serious hazard at a customer site, staff must follow local emergency procedures, prioritise safety and evacuate if required.
Monitoring, Review and Continuous Improvement
This Health and Safety Policy will be reviewed regularly and updated when necessary to reflect changes in legislation, industry standards or company operations. Monitoring will include reviewing incident reports, feedback from staff and customers, and periodic inspections of work activities and equipment.
Movers Brompton encourages suggestions from employees and customers on how to improve health and safety practices. By working together, we aim to maintain a safe, reliable and professional removal service across our operating area.
