Movers Harringay Health and Safety Policy
This Health and Safety Policy sets out the commitment of Movers Harringay to protect the health, safety and welfare of our employees, contractors, customers and members of the public who may be affected by our removal and relocation services. We aim to conduct all activities in a safe, responsible and compliant manner, reducing risks as far as reasonably practicable.
Our Health and Safety Objectives
Movers Harringay is committed to maintaining a safe working environment at our premises, in clients properties and in all locations where we operate. Our key objectives are to prevent injury and ill health, protect property, and safeguard the environment in which we work. We seek continuous improvement in health and safety performance through regular review, training and monitoring.
Management Responsibilities
Senior management is responsible for providing clear leadership on health and safety and ensuring that adequate resources are available to implement this policy. Management will set and maintain standards for safe working practices, monitor performance and ensure that all relevant legislation, regulations and industry guidance are followed. Supervisors are responsible for day to day implementation on jobs, including briefings, checks and enforcement of safe systems of work.
Employee Responsibilities
All employees of Movers Harringay share responsibility for maintaining a safe working environment. Staff must follow safety instructions and training, use equipment correctly, wear any required personal protective equipment and report hazards, near misses, accidents or unsafe conditions without delay. No employee should undertake tasks for which they are not trained or that they consider to be unsafe.
Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work
Before undertaking removal work, we assess the risks associated with the tasks, the property layout, access routes, parking, manual handling requirements and any special items such as pianos, large furniture or fragile goods. Based on this assessment, we put in place safe systems of work that may include additional staff, specialist equipment, route planning, or restrictions on what can be lifted or moved manually. Risk assessments are reviewed when conditions change or when there is reason to believe they are no longer adequate.
Manual Handling and Lifting
Manual handling is a core part of moving services and is a key focus of our safety management. Employees receive training in correct lifting techniques, team lifts and the use of handling equipment such as dollies, trolleys and lifting straps. Staff must not attempt to lift or move loads that exceed their capability or that require mechanical assistance. Where possible, we reduce manual handling by disassembling furniture, using handling aids and planning safe routes to minimise carrying distances, stairs and obstacles.
Use of Equipment and Vehicles
All vehicles, ramps, lifting aids, securing straps and other equipment used in our removal operations must be maintained in good condition, inspected regularly and used only by trained personnel. Drivers must hold the correct licences and follow safe driving practices at all times, including secure loading, careful manoeuvring in residential streets and adherence to road traffic rules. Loads are to be properly distributed and restrained to avoid shifting during transit.
Client Premises and Site Safety
When working in clients premises, we take reasonable steps to protect both people and property. This includes identifying potential hazards such as loose floor coverings, narrow stairways, low ceilings and poor lighting. Protective measures may include the use of floor coverings, corner protectors, clear walkways and controlled access areas. We aim to minimise disruption to neighbours and the public by careful parking, noise control and respectful conduct.
Personal Protective Equipment
Where risks cannot be eliminated through other measures, appropriate personal protective equipment is provided. This may include safety footwear, gloves, high visibility clothing and other items relevant to the task and environment. Employees are responsible for using and caring for the equipment provided and for reporting any defects or needs for replacement.
Training, Information and Supervision
Movers Harringay provides ongoing training and instruction to ensure that employees are competent to carry out their duties safely. This includes induction training, task specific training, refresher sessions and toolbox talks. Supervisors monitor working practices, provide guidance and correct unsafe behaviour. Information on potential hazards, safe procedures and emergency arrangements is communicated clearly to all relevant staff.
Accident Reporting and Investigation
All accidents, incidents, injuries and near misses must be reported promptly in accordance with our internal procedures. We investigate incidents to determine root causes and identify measures to prevent recurrence. Records are kept of all reported events, together with any corrective actions taken. Lessons learned are shared with staff and, where appropriate, incorporated into updated procedures and training.
Health, Welfare and Fitness for Work
The physical nature of removal work demands that employees maintain an appropriate level of fitness for work. Staff are encouraged to report health issues that may affect their ability to perform tasks safely. We do not tolerate the use of drugs or alcohol while at work or on call for work. Breaks are provided during longer jobs to reduce fatigue, and staff are encouraged to stay hydrated and use safe working techniques at all times.
Fire Safety and Emergency Procedures
When working at our premises or in client locations, we familiarise teams with available escape routes, assembly points and any local emergency procedures. Vehicles are equipped with suitable basic safety equipment where required. Employees must follow instructions in the event of fire, medical incidents or other emergencies and must not take unnecessary personal risks.
Consultation and Continuous Improvement
We encourage input from employees on health and safety matters and treat all suggestions for improvement seriously. Periodic reviews of this policy, risk assessments and working methods are carried out to ensure they remain effective, relevant and aligned with regulatory requirements. Where improvements are identified, we implement them as promptly as reasonably practicable.
Policy Review and Availability
This Health and Safety Policy is reviewed regularly and updated when changes in our operations, legislation or best practice make this necessary. A current version is made available to employees and can be provided to clients or interested parties on request. All staff are expected to familiarise themselves with the contents of this policy and to uphold its principles in every aspect of their work with Movers Harringay.
