Movers Clapham Health and Safety Policy
This Health and Safety Policy sets out how Movers Clapham manages the safety and wellbeing of our employees, customers, contractors and members of the public during all moving, packing and transport activities. Our aim is to provide a professional removals service while preventing accidents, injuries and damage to property.
Policy Statement
Movers Clapham is committed to maintaining high standards of health and safety across all our operations. We will comply with relevant health and safety legislation and industry best practice. Management will provide the leadership, resources and training required to protect people, vehicles, property and the environment involved in our moving and storage activities.
Every employee is expected to take reasonable care of their own safety and that of others who may be affected by their work. Health and safety is a shared responsibility and an integral part of how we plan and deliver our services.
Scope of the Policy
This policy applies to all activities carried out by Movers Clapham, including but not limited to domestic moves, commercial relocations, packing services, loading and unloading, use of vehicles, use of lifting equipment, temporary storage operations and visits to customers premises.
Management Responsibilities
Company management is responsible for implementing and reviewing this policy. This includes:
Ensuring that suitable and sufficient risk assessments are completed for our removal operations and that appropriate control measures are put in place. Providing safe and well maintained vehicles, equipment, tools and personal protective equipment. Ensuring staff receive relevant training and instructions for their roles, including manual handling, safe driving and use of equipment. Monitoring compliance with health and safety procedures through supervision, inspections and incident reviews. Investigating accidents, incidents and near misses, and implementing corrective actions to prevent recurrence. Regularly reviewing this policy to reflect changes in legislation, working practices and operational needs.
Employee Responsibilities
All employees of Movers Clapham must:
Take reasonable care for their own health and safety and that of people who may be affected by their actions. Follow all safety procedures, training, method statements and instructions provided. Use equipment and personal protective equipment correctly and report any defects immediately. Report hazards, accidents, incidents, injuries and near misses to their supervisor as soon as possible. Refrain from misusing or interfering with anything provided in the interests of health and safety. Not undertake tasks for which they have not been trained or authorised.
Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work
Movers Clapham will undertake risk assessments for our typical removals tasks, including manual handling of furniture and boxes, use of trolleys and lifting equipment, vehicle movements, working on or near roads, and access to and from properties. For higher risk work, such as moving heavy items, working at height or operating specialist equipment, specific safe systems of work will be developed and communicated to staff.
Risk assessments are reviewed regularly and whenever there are significant changes to our work methods, equipment or locations. Employees are expected to familiarise themselves with relevant assessments and follow the control measures identified.
Manual Handling and Lifting
Manual handling is a core part of removals work and is managed carefully to reduce the risk of musculoskeletal injuries. Our approach includes:
Providing manual handling training that covers safe lifting techniques, use of teamwork and use of handling aids. Assessing loads before lifting and planning the route, including checking for trip hazards and obstructions. Using trolleys, straps and other equipment wherever practical to reduce strain. Avoiding lifting items that are too heavy, awkward or unstable for the number of staff present. Encouraging staff to stop and seek assistance if a lift cannot be completed safely.
Use of Equipment and Vehicles
Movers Clapham will ensure that vehicles, trolleys, ramps and other equipment used in our operations are suitable for their intended purpose and maintained in a safe condition. Only authorised and trained staff are permitted to drive company vehicles or operate specialist equipment.
Drivers must carry out pre use vehicle checks, follow road safety rules and drive in a manner that protects passengers, other road users and property. Loads must be properly secured and evenly distributed to prevent movement during transit.
Working at Customer Premises
Removals work often takes place within customers homes or business premises. To protect everyone present, our teams will:
Introduce themselves on arrival and agree safe access routes for moving items. Identify potential hazards such as loose flooring, low ceilings, narrow staircases, poor lighting or restricted parking. Use protective coverings where appropriate to protect floors and reduce slip risks. Keep walkways as clear as reasonably possible and avoid blocking fire exits. Request that children and pets are kept away from work areas during lifting and loading.
Personal Protective Equipment
Where risks cannot be adequately controlled by other means, suitable personal protective equipment will be provided, such as safety footwear, gloves and high visibility garments. Employees must use this equipment as instructed and report any damage or loss so that replacements can be provided promptly.
Training, Information and Supervision
Movers Clapham will provide appropriate health and safety induction and ongoing training for all employees. This may include manual handling, safe driving, hazard awareness, emergency procedures and the correct use of equipment.
Supervisors and team leaders will monitor working practices on site, provide guidance and intervene if unsafe behaviour or conditions are observed.
Accidents, Incidents and Emergencies
All accidents, injuries, near misses and dangerous occurrences must be reported promptly so that they can be recorded, investigated and addressed. First aid provisions will be made available in vehicles or at operational bases as appropriate.
In the event of an emergency at a customer property or on the road, employees must prioritise the safety of people, follow emergency services instructions and inform their manager as soon as reasonably possible.
Monitoring and Review
This Health and Safety Policy will be reviewed periodically and updated when necessary to reflect changes in legislation, work practices or company structure. Movers Clapham is committed to continuous improvement in health and safety performance and welcomes feedback from employees and customers on how we can make our services even safer.
By working together and following this policy, Movers Clapham aims to deliver reliable removals services while protecting the health, safety and welfare of everyone involved.
