Health and Safety policy
Movers Greenwich Health and Safety Policy
Movers Greenwich 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 relocation activities. This Health and Safety Policy explains our approach to managing risks associated with moving, handling, transportation, packing, and storage services.
Policy Aims and Objectives
The primary aim of this policy is to prevent injury, ill health, and damage to property arising from our operations. We seek to achieve this by identifying hazards, assessing risks, and implementing effective control measures that are appropriate to the nature and scale of our removal services.
Our objectives are to maintain high standards of health and safety performance, promote a positive safety culture, and ensure compliance with all applicable health and safety laws and recognised industry practices.
Management Responsibilities
Senior management at Movers Greenwich holds overall responsibility for health and safety. Management will provide leadership, set clear expectations, and ensure that sufficient resources, instruction, and supervision are in place for the safe delivery of our services.
Managers and supervisors are responsible for implementing this policy in their areas of control, ensuring that risk assessments are carried out, safe systems of work are followed, and staff are competent for the tasks they perform. They will investigate incidents, monitor performance, and take prompt corrective action where necessary.
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. Employees must cooperate fully with management, follow safe working procedures, and use equipment and protective measures as instructed.
Staff must immediately report any hazards, incidents, near misses, damage, or unsafe conditions to their supervisor so that appropriate action can be taken. Employees are encouraged to contribute suggestions for improving health and safety arrangements as part of our commitment to continuous improvement.
Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices
Movers Greenwich carries out risk assessments for activities related to domestic and commercial removals, including packing, loading, transportation, unloading, and storage. These assessments consider risks such as manual handling, slips and trips, working in and around vehicles, working at height during loading, and exposure to hazardous or fragile items.
Control measures are implemented based on these assessments. They may include planning routes and access, using suitable equipment such as trolleys and lifting aids, providing additional manpower for heavy or awkward loads, and avoiding unnecessary lifting. Written procedures and method statements are developed where appropriate and are communicated to all relevant staff.
Manual Handling and Lifting
Manual handling is a significant aspect of removal work, and improper techniques can lead to injury. Movers Greenwich provides training in safe lifting practices, including assessing the load, using correct posture, team lifting, and using mechanical aids whenever reasonably practicable.
Employees are instructed not to attempt to lift or carry loads that are beyond their capability or that they believe to be unsafe. Heavy, bulky, or awkward items must only be moved using planned and agreed methods, which may involve dismantling, team handling, or specialised equipment.
Vehicles, Driving, and Road Safety
Our vehicles are maintained in a safe and roadworthy condition in line with manufacturers' recommendations and legal requirements. Regular inspections and servicing schedules are followed, and any defects are reported immediately for assessment and repair.
Only authorised and suitably competent drivers are permitted to operate company vehicles. Drivers are expected to follow all road traffic laws, drive safely and considerately, plan journeys to allow sufficient time, and avoid fatigue. Loads must be securely stowed, evenly distributed, and checked to prevent movement during transit.
Customer Premises and Public Safety
Movers Greenwich recognises its responsibility to safeguard customers and the public while carrying out removals. Staff will take reasonable steps to protect property and maintain safe access routes. This may include the use of warning signs, corner protection, floor coverings, and careful placement of equipment to minimise obstruction and prevent slips or trips.
Where access is restricted, involves stairs, narrow corridors, or shared public spaces, teams will plan the work to minimise risks to occupants and passers-by. If at any point work cannot be undertaken safely, operations will be paused while alternative methods are considered.
Training, Information, and Supervision
Health and safety training is provided to employees on induction and refreshed periodically or when work activities change. Training covers topics relevant to removal operations such as manual handling, safe use of equipment, vehicle safety, and hazard awareness.
Supervisors and team leaders provide ongoing guidance and on-the-job coaching to ensure safe working practices are understood and followed. Safety information is communicated through briefings, toolbox talks, and written instructions as appropriate.
Equipment, Tools, and Personal Protective Equipment
Equipment and tools used by Movers Greenwich, including trolleys, dollies, ramps, and lifting aids, are selected, inspected, and maintained to ensure they are suitable and safe for use. Defective equipment must not be used and is to be reported to management immediately.
Where required, personal protective equipment such as protective footwear, gloves, and high-visibility clothing is provided and must be worn in accordance with guidance. Employees must take reasonable care of any protective equipment issued to them and report any loss or damage without delay.
Incident Reporting and Investigation
All accidents, injuries, near misses, and instances of property damage arising from our activities must be reported as soon as reasonably practicable. Movers Greenwich will record and investigate such events to identify root causes and implement corrective and preventive measures.
Findings from investigations may lead to changes in procedures, further training, or the introduction of additional controls. Staff are expected to cooperate fully with any investigation process.
Consultation and Continuous Improvement
Movers Greenwich values the involvement of employees in health and safety matters. Consultation may be carried out through meetings, briefings, and informal discussions, allowing staff to raise concerns and propose improvements.
We are committed to reviewing our working methods, learning from experience, and adopting better practices where these can further reduce risk and improve safety performance across our removal operations.
Policy Review
This Health and Safety Policy is reviewed regularly and updated when necessary to reflect changes in legislation, guidance, or our business activities. The current version is communicated to employees and is available to customers and other interested parties on request.
By working together and following the principles set out in this policy, Movers Greenwich aims to ensure that all removal and associated services are carried out as safely as reasonably practicable for everyone involved.
