Health and Safety policy
Movers Belsize Park Health and Safety Policy
Movers Belsize Park is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for our employees, customers, visitors and members of the public who may be affected by our removal and relocation services. Our objective is to prevent accidents, injuries and work-related ill health through effective planning, training and continuous improvement.
Scope and Responsibilities
This policy applies to all employees of Movers Belsize Park, including permanent, temporary and agency staff, as well as subcontractors working under our control. Health and safety responsibilities are shared across the company and form an essential part of every role.
Senior management has overall responsibility for ensuring that appropriate resources, systems and procedures are in place to manage health and safety risks. Managers and supervisors are responsible for implementing this policy, conducting risk assessments, monitoring performance and ensuring that staff follow safe working practices.
All 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 or omissions. Employees must cooperate with the company in meeting its health and safety obligations, follow instructions and training, use equipment correctly and report hazards, near misses and incidents without delay.
Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work
Movers Belsize Park will identify, assess and manage risks associated with our moving and handling operations, including domestic and commercial moves, packing, loading, transporting and unloading goods. Risk assessments will consider factors such as manual handling, vehicle movements, access constraints, use of equipment, weather conditions and the presence of members of the public.
Based on these assessments, we will develop and implement safe systems of work and method statements. These will be communicated clearly to all relevant staff before work begins. Where conditions change on site, dynamic risk assessments will be carried out and control measures adjusted accordingly.
Manual Handling and Use of Equipment
Manual handling is a core part of our removal services, and we recognise the risks of musculoskeletal injury if it is not managed properly. All staff engaged in lifting, carrying and moving items will receive manual handling training, including correct posture, team lifts, use of equipment and the importance of not exceeding personal limits.
We will provide appropriate handling aids such as trolleys, dollies, lifting straps and ramps to reduce the need for excessive manual effort. Staff must use this equipment as instructed and must not improvise with unsuitable items. Any defects or damage to equipment must be reported immediately so that it can be removed from service and repaired or replaced.
Vehicles, Driving and Road Safety
Our vehicles will be maintained in a roadworthy condition in line with manufacturer guidance and applicable legislation. Regular inspections and servicing will be carried out, and drivers must complete basic checks before leaving the depot each day.
Only authorised and trained personnel may drive company vehicles. Drivers must comply with traffic laws, observe speed limits, drive defensively and consider the safety of other road users and pedestrians. Loads must be secured correctly to prevent movement during transit, and vehicles must not be overloaded or used for unauthorised purposes.
Site Safety and Public Protection
When working at homes, offices or other premises, our teams will take steps to protect customers, visitors and the public from risk. This includes maintaining clear access routes, using caution when carrying large or heavy items, and taking care around stairs, narrow corridors and shared areas.
Where necessary, warning signs, barriers or cones will be used to highlight hazards such as vehicle loading areas, trip hazards or obstructed pathways. Teams will show consideration for neighbours and other occupants and will minimise disruption wherever reasonably practicable.
Work Environment, Housekeeping and Welfare
Good housekeeping is essential for safety during removals. Work areas, including loading points, vehicle interiors and customer premises, will be kept as tidy as possible, with packaging materials, tools and equipment stored safely when not in use.
Spillages will be cleaned promptly, and waste will be removed regularly to avoid slips, trips and fire risks. Staff will have access to appropriate welfare facilities such as drinking water and rest breaks, and are encouraged to manage fatigue, especially during busy periods or physically demanding moves.
Training, Information and Supervision
Movers Belsize Park will provide employees with suitable and sufficient health and safety training relevant to their roles. This includes induction training for new starters, role-specific training for drivers and porters, manual handling instruction and refresher training as required.
Information about site-specific risks will be communicated before work begins. Supervisors will monitor standards on site, provide guidance and correct unsafe practices promptly. Additional support will be given to new or inexperienced workers to ensure they are adequately supervised.
Incident Reporting and Emergency Procedures
All accidents, near misses, injuries and dangerous occurrences must be reported to management as soon as possible. These events will be recorded and investigated to identify root causes and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence.
Emergency procedures will be established for foreseeable situations such as fire, serious injury, vehicle collisions and medical emergencies. Staff will be briefed on what to do in an emergency, including how to raise the alarm, where to assemble and how to cooperate with emergency services.
Health, Fitness for Work and Wellbeing
Employees engaged in removal activities must be physically fit to perform their duties safely. Staff are expected to inform management of any health conditions that may affect their ability to work safely, including issues that might impact driving or manual handling.
We do not tolerate working under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Any employee suspected of being unfit for work will be removed from duty, and appropriate action will be taken in line with company procedures.
Continuous Improvement and Policy Review
Movers Belsize Park is committed to continually improving our health and safety performance. We will set realistic objectives, monitor our performance and update our procedures in light of new legislation, industry best practice, incident investigations and feedback from staff and customers.
This Health and Safety Policy will be reviewed regularly and revised as necessary to ensure it remains effective and relevant to our removal operations and service area. All changes will be communicated to employees, and updated versions will be made available on request.
By working together and following the principles set out in this policy, we aim to deliver safe, reliable and professional moving services while protecting the wellbeing of everyone affected by our work.
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