Movers Hackney Health and Safety Policy
Movers Hackney is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for all employees, contractors, customers, visitors and members of the public who may be affected by our removal and associated services. This policy sets out our approach to managing health and safety risks across our operations, including home and office moves, packing, loading, transport and storage activities.
Policy Statement
Our objective is to prevent injury, ill health, damage to property and harm to the environment arising from our work. We will identify and control workplace hazards, follow relevant health and safety legislation, and promote a positive safety culture throughout the business. Health and safety is an integral part of planning and delivering every move, from initial survey to final delivery.
Management Responsibilities
Senior management at Movers Hackney has overall responsibility for implementing and maintaining this Health and Safety Policy. Management will:
Ensure that appropriate resources are provided for health and safety, including training, equipment and supervision.
Assess risks related to moving, handling, driving, working at height and any other relevant activities, and introduce suitable control measures.
Develop safe systems of work for packing, lifting, carrying, loading, unloading and storage, and ensure that these are communicated and followed.
Regularly review accident reports, near misses and feedback from staff and customers to improve safety performance.
Keep this policy under regular review and update it when there are significant changes in operations, legislation or best practice.
Employee Responsibilities
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 workers are expected to:
Cooperate with management in implementing this policy and follow all safety procedures, instructions and training.
Use equipment, vehicles and protective gear correctly and report any defects or concerns immediately.
Refrain from lifting or moving items that are beyond their capability and request assistance or mechanical aids where necessary.
Report accidents, injuries, near misses, unsafe conditions or practices without delay so that appropriate action can be taken.
Maintain a professional standard of behaviour, including not working under the influence of alcohol, drugs or any substance that may impair performance.
Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices
Movers Hackney conducts risk assessments for typical removal activities such as manual handling, stair work, loading vehicles, driving, working in confined spaces, and handling fragile or heavy items. The findings of these assessments are used to develop safe working practices which may include:
Planning routes, parking and access to minimise risks to staff, customers and other road users.
Using team lifts, trolleys, skates and other mechanical aids to reduce manual handling strain.
Adapting techniques to suit the nature of items being moved, including furniture, appliances, documents and equipment.
Securing loads within vehicles to prevent movement during transit and protect both people and property.
Controlling exposure to dust, noise and weather conditions where reasonably practicable.
Manual Handling and Lifting
Manual handling is a core part of removal work and is managed with particular care. We will:
Provide training in correct lifting and carrying techniques, including the use of team lifts.
Encourage staff to assess each lift before starting and to refuse unsafe lifts.
Use suitable equipment to assist with heavy or awkward items whenever possible.
Rotate tasks to limit repetitive strain and allow for adequate breaks.
Vehicles and Driving Safety
Our vehicles are essential to our services and are operated with safety as a priority. Movers Hackney will:
Ensure that all drivers hold the appropriate licences and are competent to operate the vehicles they use.
Maintain vehicles in a roadworthy condition through regular inspections and servicing.
Require drivers to follow road traffic laws, drive defensively and adapt to road and weather conditions.
Control driving hours and schedules to reduce fatigue and encourage safe journey planning.
Ensure loads are distributed and secured correctly to protect staff, customers and other road users.
Equipment, Tools and Personal Protective Equipment
All equipment and tools used in our removal activities will be suitable for their intended purpose, properly maintained and inspected as necessary. Where required, personal protective equipment will be provided and must be used correctly. This may include gloves, safety footwear, high-visibility clothing and other items identified by risk assessment.
Customer Premises and Public Safety
Movers Hackney recognises that many activities take place at customer premises, shared buildings and public areas. To protect customers, visitors and the general public, we will:
Plan moves to minimise disruption and hazards in access routes, corridors and shared spaces.
Use warning signs or barriers where appropriate to mark work areas and trip hazards.
Keep routes as clear as reasonably practicable and manage cables, ramps and equipment to avoid slips, trips and falls.
Handle customer property with care to prevent damage and avoid creating unsafe conditions.
Training, Information and Supervision
We will provide appropriate health and safety training and supervision for all staff, including induction training for new starters and specific instruction for tasks that carry higher risks. Information about hazards, safe methods of work and emergency procedures will be communicated clearly and updated when needed. Supervisors are responsible for monitoring working practices on site and correcting unsafe behaviour.
Incident Reporting and Investigation
All incidents, accidents and near misses must be reported to management as soon as possible. Movers Hackney will investigate these events to determine root causes and implement corrective actions. Where required by law, incidents will be recorded and reported to the relevant authorities.
Consultation and Continuous Improvement
Health and safety performance depends on active involvement from everyone. We encourage staff to raise suggestions for improving safety and to take part in discussions about procedures and working methods. The policy and associated procedures will be reviewed periodically to reflect experience, feedback and any changes in operations or legislation, with the aim of achieving continuous improvement.
This Health and Safety Policy applies to all activities undertaken by Movers Hackney and forms part of our commitment to delivering professional and responsible removal services.
