Health and Safety Policy for Moving Services

This Health and Safety Policy sets out how our moving services are planned and delivered to protect the wellbeing of our customers, employees, contractors and members of the public. We are committed to completing every removal, relocation and delivery in a safe, controlled and professional manner.

Our Commitment to Health and Safety

We aim to prevent accidents, injuries and work-related ill health through careful planning, risk assessment and continuous improvement. Health and safety considerations are built into every stage of our moving services, from booking and survey through to loading, transport and delivery.

All staff are required to follow this policy and associated procedures. Management is responsible for ensuring that the resources, training and equipment needed to work safely are always available.

Responsibilities and Communication

Management is responsible for implementing this policy, monitoring performance and ensuring compliance with relevant health and safety requirements. This includes maintaining suitable insurance, establishing safe systems of work and reviewing incidents to prevent recurrence.

Supervisors and team leaders are responsible for day-to-day oversight on moves, conducting and communicating risk assessments, allocating tasks according to competence and ensuring that the correct equipment and protective measures are in place.

All employees and crew members must take reasonable care of their own safety and that of others who may be affected by their work. They must follow training and instructions, use equipment correctly, report hazards or incidents promptly and co-operate with management to uphold safe working practices.

Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work

Before each move, appropriate risk assessments are carried out to identify potential hazards such as access issues, heavy or awkward items, fragile goods, staircases, parking, road conditions and weather. Control measures are put in place to manage these risks effectively.

Safe systems of work are developed for common moving activities, including lifting and carrying, loading and unloading vehicles, use of lifting aids, operating on or near roads, and working in customers homes or business premises. These procedures are regularly reviewed and updated.

Manual Handling and Lifting

Manual handling is a key element of moving services and is managed carefully to reduce the risk of strains, sprains and other injuries. Staff receive training in correct lifting techniques, including assessing loads, team lifting and using equipment to avoid unnecessary manual effort.

Where possible, handling aids such as dollies, barrows, lifting straps and furniture sliders are used. Heavy or awkward items are assessed individually, and additional measures such as dismantling furniture, using extra crew members or employing specialist equipment are considered when needed.

Use of Vehicles and Driving Safety

Vehicles used for moving services are maintained in a safe, roadworthy condition through regular inspections and servicing. Drivers are expected to hold the appropriate licences, follow road traffic rules and drive defensively with consideration for other road users.

Loads are secured inside vehicles to prevent movement during transit. Items are stacked and restrained in a way that protects both the goods and the crew, while keeping access routes clear. Routes and schedules are planned to reduce fatigue and avoid unnecessary time pressure.

Personal Protective Equipment

Where identified by risk assessment, personal protective equipment such as safety footwear, gloves, high-visibility clothing or back support belts is provided. Staff are trained in the proper use, care and storage of this equipment and are required to use it whenever necessary.

Any damaged or defective equipment must be reported and replaced promptly to maintain a safe working environment.

Customer and Public Safety

We take steps to protect customers, visitors and the public during moving activities. This may include using warning signs or barriers, keeping walkways and entrances clear and minimising obstruction of pavements and shared access areas.

Customers are advised of any temporary restrictions or hazards, such as when large items are being moved through doorways or stairwells. We aim to keep noise, dust and disruption to a minimum and to leave properties in a clean and safe condition after work is completed.

Housekeeping and Protection of Property

Good housekeeping is essential for safe moves. Work areas are kept as tidy as possible, and tripping hazards such as loose packing materials, tools or stray items are removed promptly. Rubbish and packaging are cleared away in a safe and responsible manner.

Protective materials may be used to cover floors, stair rails and door frames where appropriate to prevent damage and reduce slip or trip risks. Care is taken when moving items through tight spaces, over steps or near delicate surfaces.

Health, Welfare and Fitness for Work

We recognise the physical nature of moving work and expect staff to be fit for duty, free from the influence of alcohol or drugs and capable of carrying out their tasks safely. Any health conditions that may affect safe working must be reported so that suitable adjustments or alternative duties can be considered.

Breaks are scheduled as necessary to reduce fatigue, particularly on longer moves or during demanding tasks. Adequate drinking water and access to welfare facilities are arranged wherever possible.

Training, Supervision and Continuous Improvement

All new staff receive induction training that covers health and safety expectations, safe working procedures and emergency arrangements. Ongoing training, refresher sessions and toolbox talks are provided to maintain skills and awareness.

Supervision is proportionate to the experience and competence of the crew and the complexity of the job. Feedback from staff and customers is encouraged to help identify improvements in safety performance.

Incident Reporting and Policy Review

All accidents, near misses, property damage and health concerns related to our moving services are recorded and investigated. Lessons learned are used to improve procedures, training and risk controls.

This Health and Safety Policy is reviewed regularly and whenever there are significant changes to our activities or relevant requirements. Updated versions are communicated to all staff to ensure that safety remains at the centre of our moving services.