Health and Safety policy
Movers Stockwell Health and Safety Policy
Movers Stockwell is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for all employees, contractors, customers, and members of the public who may be affected by our removal and storage activities. This Health and Safety Policy sets out our approach to managing risk across domestic and commercial moves, packing services, loading and unloading, transportation, and storage operations.
We recognise that professional removals involve manual handling, vehicle use, and work in varied locations, and that these activities present potential hazards. Our objective is to prevent accidents, injuries, ill health, and damage to property through careful planning, training, and continuous improvement.
Health and Safety Responsibilities
Overall responsibility for health and safety within Movers Stockwell rests with senior management. They are responsible for ensuring that adequate resources, instruction, and supervision are provided to implement this policy effectively and to comply with all relevant health and safety legislation and industry standards.
Managers and team leaders are responsible for day-to-day implementation, including carrying out risk assessments, briefing staff on safe working practices, monitoring performance on location, and addressing issues promptly.
Every employee has 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. All staff must cooperate fully with this policy, follow safe systems of work, report hazards or incidents immediately, and use equipment, vehicles, and personal protective equipment correctly.
Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work
Before any removal or storage task begins, risks are assessed and control measures identified. We consider factors such as access to properties, stairways and lifts, parking and loading areas, the weight and dimensions of items, fragile or high-value goods, and any specific customer requirements.
Safe systems of work are developed for typical activities including packing, dismantling and reassembling furniture, lifting and carrying items, loading and unloading vehicles, and securing loads for transport. These systems are reviewed regularly and updated in light of experience, new equipment, or changes in legislation.
Manual Handling and Lifting
Manual handling is a core part of removal work, and we place particular emphasis on reducing the risk of strain and injury. Staff are trained in safe lifting techniques, team lifting, and the correct use of mechanical aids such as sack trucks, dollies, and lifting straps.
Where items are exceptionally heavy or awkward, work is planned to ensure adequate staffing levels, appropriate equipment, and sufficient time. No employee is required or permitted to lift or move any object that they believe to be unsafe for them to handle.
Vehicles, Driving and Loading
Movers Stockwell operates vehicles that are maintained in a safe and roadworthy condition. Regular checks and servicing are carried out in line with manufacturer guidance and legal requirements. Drivers are responsible for carrying out daily visual inspections and reporting any defects immediately.
Loading and unloading are conducted to minimise the risk of falls, impact injuries, and damage to property. Loads are distributed evenly, secured using suitable restraints, and checked before departure. Drivers and crew must not overload vehicles or exceed safe working limits under any circumstances.
All driving for work, including local and longer-distance journeys, is planned to take account of rest breaks, traffic conditions, and safe parking arrangements near customer addresses. The use of mobile devices while driving is strictly prohibited except through approved hands-free systems and only where it is safe and legal to do so.
Use of Equipment and Personal Protective Equipment
We provide appropriate equipment and personal protective equipment to support safe working practices. This may include gloves, safety footwear, high-visibility clothing, and other items relevant to the specific task and environment.
Equipment is inspected regularly and any defective or damaged item is removed from service immediately. Employees are required to use equipment only for its intended purpose, to report faults without delay, and to follow any training or instructions provided.
Customer Premises and Public Safety
Our teams work in a wide range of homes, offices, and commercial premises, and we recognise our responsibility to safeguard customers, visitors, and the general public. We aim to keep access routes clear, minimise trip hazards from packaging materials and tools, and use safe lifting routes that avoid unnecessary risk.
When working in shared areas or on public roads, appropriate precautions such as the use of warning signs, cones, or high-visibility clothing may be used where necessary to alert others to our activities and reduce the risk of accidents.
Training, Supervision and Competence
Health and safety training is provided to all employees, including induction for new starters and role-specific instruction for supervisors, drivers, and removal crew members. Training covers hazard awareness, safe lifting, vehicle safety, working at height where applicable, and emergency procedures.
Supervision is provided on site to ensure that safe working practices are followed and to give guidance where conditions change or unexpected risks arise. We evaluate competence regularly and provide refresher training as required to maintain high standards of safety and service.
Accident Reporting and Emergency Procedures
All accidents, near misses, and cases of work-related ill health must be reported promptly so that they can be investigated and appropriate action taken to prevent recurrence. Records are kept in accordance with legal requirements and used to identify trends and opportunities for improvement.
Emergency arrangements are in place for incidents such as personal injury, fire, or traffic accidents involving our vehicles. Employees are instructed in the correct steps to take, including making the area safe where possible, contacting the emergency services if required, and informing management without delay.
Continuous Improvement and Policy Review
Movers Stockwell is committed to continual improvement in health and safety performance. We monitor our activities, review risk assessments, and welcome feedback from employees and customers on any aspect of safety during removal or storage work.
This Health and Safety Policy is reviewed regularly and updated when necessary to reflect changes in legislation, industry best practice, or the nature of our services. All revisions are communicated to staff and implemented across our operations to ensure a consistent and proactive approach to safety.
By working together and following the principles outlined in this policy, Movers Stockwell aims to ensure that every move is carried out as safely and efficiently as possible, protecting the wellbeing of our staff, our customers, and the communities in which we operate.
