Health and Safety policy
Shepherd's Bush Movers Health and Safety Policy
Shepherd's Bush Movers is fully committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for our employees, customers, visitors and members of the public who may be affected by our removal and related services. This Health and Safety Policy sets out our approach to managing risks associated with household and commercial removals, packing, loading, transport and unloading of goods.
We recognise that professional moving work involves manual handling, driving, use of equipment, and working in a variety of homes, offices, and premises. We therefore aim to prevent accidents, injuries and ill health through careful planning, training and continuous improvement in our health and safety performance.
Policy Aims and Responsibilities
The overall responsibility for health and safety within Shepherd's Bush Movers rests with the company management, who will ensure that appropriate resources, systems and guidance are in place. Managers and supervisors are responsible for implementing this policy on a day-to-day basis, including ensuring staff follow safe working procedures and use equipment correctly.
All employees, whether full-time, part-time or temporary, have a duty to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions. Staff are expected to cooperate fully with the company in all matters concerning health and safety, follow training and instructions, and report any hazards, near misses or incidents without delay.
This policy applies to all aspects of our work, including pre-move surveys, packing, lifting and carrying, vehicle loading, transport, unloading and setup at destination locations.
Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work
Shepherd's Bush Movers will identify, assess and manage the risks associated with our removal activities. We will carry out suitable and proportionate risk assessments for typical moving tasks, and for any non-standard or higher-risk work that may arise.
From these assessments we will develop safe systems of work, including methods for safe lifting and carrying, safe use of trolleys and other moving equipment, protection of property and prevention of damage, and procedures for working in confined spaces, stairwells and other challenging environments.
Risk assessments will be reviewed periodically and whenever there is a significant change in working practices, equipment or locations. Staff will be informed of any changes that affect their work.
Manual Handling and Use of Equipment
Manual handling is a core part of the removal process and represents one of the main risk areas for injury. Shepherd's Bush Movers will provide appropriate training in safe lifting techniques, team lifting, use of handling aids and personal awareness of limits and fatigue.
We will supply suitable equipment to assist with safe removals, such as sack trucks, dollies, straps, removal blankets and ramps, and ensure this equipment is maintained in good working order. Staff must use the right equipment for the task and must not attempt to lift or move items that are beyond their capability without assistance or mechanical aid.
Where unusually heavy, awkward or high-value items are involved, we will plan the move carefully, put additional control measures in place, and ensure only competent staff handle such items.
Vehicles, Driving and Road Safety
Our vehicles are essential to providing a reliable removals service, and we are committed to operating them safely and responsibly. Vehicles will be maintained and inspected regularly in line with legal requirements and manufacturer guidance.
Only authorised and competent drivers are permitted to drive company vehicles. Drivers must comply with road traffic laws, follow company driving policies, and ensure that loads are properly secured, evenly distributed and do not exceed vehicle limits.
Drivers must not drive while unfit due to fatigue, alcohol, drugs or medication that may impair their ability. Journey planning should allow sufficient time for safe driving, loading and unloading, avoiding unnecessary time pressure.
Client Premises and Public Safety
Our removal activities are often carried out at clients' homes, offices and other premises, sometimes in busy residential streets or shared buildings. We will take reasonable steps to protect clients, visitors, neighbours and the general public from risks associated with our work.
This includes maintaining clear access routes where possible, using warning signs where appropriate, keeping pathways free from trip hazards such as straps and packing materials, and carefully managing vehicle movements in and out of properties.
We will show respect for client property, fixtures and fittings, and will use protective coverings where necessary to prevent damage during moving operations.
Training, Information and Supervision
Shepherd's Bush Movers will provide all employees with appropriate health and safety training relevant to their role, including induction training for new staff and refresher training when needed. Training may cover manual handling, correct use of equipment, safe driving practices, hazard awareness, and emergency procedures.
Employees will receive clear information and instructions on how to carry out their tasks safely. Supervisors will monitor working practices to ensure compliance and provide guidance and support where necessary, especially for new or less experienced staff.
Accidents, Incidents and First Aid
All accidents, injuries, near misses and dangerous occurrences must be reported to management as soon as possible. We will keep accurate records, investigate the causes and put in place measures to prevent recurrence where reasonably practicable.
Shepherd's Bush Movers will maintain appropriate first aid provisions, including stocked first aid kits in vehicles or on site as required, and nominated personnel trained in basic first aid. Staff will be informed of how to access first aid assistance when needed.
Welfare and Wellbeing
We recognise the importance of staff welfare and wellbeing in maintaining a safe and productive removals operation. We will seek to provide reasonable working hours, adequate rest breaks, and access to drinking water during working shifts.
We will aim to identify and address health concerns that may affect an employee's ability to work safely, encouraging open communication about any issues such as musculoskeletal problems, stress or fatigue. No employee will be disadvantaged for raising genuine health and safety concerns.
Review and Continuous Improvement
This Health and Safety Policy will be reviewed regularly to ensure it remains suitable, effective and aligned with current legal requirements and good industry practice for removal companies. Reviews will also take account of feedback from employees and learning from any incidents or near misses.
Shepherd's Bush Movers is committed to continuous improvement in health and safety. We encourage all staff to contribute ideas for safer ways of working and to highlight any potential risks so they can be addressed promptly and effectively.
By working together, we aim to provide a professional removals service that protects the health, safety and wellbeing of everyone involved.
