Movers Highbury Health and Safety Policy
Movers Highbury is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for all employees, contractors, customers, and members of the public who may be affected by our removal and relocation activities. This policy sets out the principles, responsibilities, and procedures that guide how we manage health and safety across our operations.
Our goal is to prevent injury, ill health, property damage, and unnecessary disruption by embedding safety into every part of our moving and storage services. We expect everyone who works with or for Movers Highbury to take personal responsibility for health and safety and to follow this policy at all times.
Health and Safety Objectives
Movers Highbury will aim to:
Identify and control risks associated with removal work, driving, loading, and unloading. Provide and maintain safe vehicles, equipment, and working practices. Ensure all staff receive appropriate information, instruction, training, and supervision. Promote a positive safety culture that encourages reporting of hazards, near misses, and incidents. Continually review and improve our health and safety performance.
Management Responsibilities
The management of Movers Highbury is responsible for implementing this policy and ensuring it is effective. Management will:
Lead by example and demonstrate visible commitment to health and safety. Provide the resources necessary to maintain safe working conditions, including suitable equipment and protective clothing. Ensure that risk assessments are completed, documented where required, and reviewed regularly. Investigate accidents, incidents, and near misses and ensure that corrective measures are implemented. Keep this policy under regular review and update it in line with changes to legislation, best practice, or company operations.
Employee Responsibilities
Every employee, including drivers, porters, supervisors, and office staff, has a duty to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others affected by their actions. Employees must:
Follow all safety instructions, procedures, and safe systems of work. Use vehicles, tools, and equipment only for their intended purpose and in accordance with training. Wear and properly maintain any personal protective equipment provided by Movers Highbury. Report hazards, unsafe conditions, faults, or defects in vehicles or equipment immediately. Report all accidents, injuries, near misses, or incidents promptly so they can be investigated. Cooperate fully with any health and safety training, audits, or investigations.
Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices
Movers Highbury conducts risk assessments appropriate to the nature and scale of our work. This includes:
Assessing risks associated with lifting and carrying items, including heavy or awkward loads. Evaluating risks in customers premises, communal areas, stairways, and loading zones. Considering vehicle movements, parking, and access at collection and delivery locations. Identifying any hazardous materials or unusual items requiring special handling.
Where risks are identified, we establish safe systems of work and communicate these clearly to employees. Staff must follow these systems at all times and raise any concerns where they believe work cannot be carried out safely.
Training, Instruction, and Supervision
Movers Highbury provides appropriate health and safety training for all staff relevant to their role. This may include:
Manual handling techniques and safe lifting practices. Safe loading and securing of goods in vehicles. Safe use and inspection of moving equipment such as trolleys and lifting aids. Defensive driving and safe driving practices. Emergency procedures, including accident response and first aid awareness.
Supervisors are responsible for ensuring that new staff receive induction training before starting work and that ongoing training is refreshed as needed. No employee should undertake tasks for which they have not been trained or deemed competent.
Manual Handling and Physical Work
Due to the physical nature of removal work, particular attention is given to manual handling. Employees must:
Plan each lift, assessing the weight, size, and stability of the load. Use correct posture and lifting techniques to reduce the risk of injury. Use team lifts or mechanical aids when handling heavy or bulky items. Avoid twisting or overreaching while carrying loads. Stop work and seek assistance where a load cannot be safely handled.
Management will ensure that jobs are planned with adequate staffing, time, and equipment to minimise the risk of injury from overexertion or fatigue.
Vehicles and Driving Safety
Safe driving is essential for our operations. Movers Highbury requires that:
Only authorised and competent drivers operate company vehicles. Vehicles are kept roadworthy through regular checks, maintenance, and servicing. Drivers carry out daily pre-use inspections and promptly report any defects. Loads are properly distributed and secured to prevent movement during transit. Drivers comply with road traffic laws, including speed limits and parking regulations. Rest breaks are taken as needed to avoid fatigue and maintain concentration.
Drivers must not operate vehicles under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or any medication that impairs their ability to drive safely.
Equipment and Personal Protective Equipment
Movers Highbury provides suitable equipment to support safe working, including trolleys, dollies, straps, and protective materials. We also provide personal protective equipment where necessary, such as gloves, safety footwear, and high-visibility clothing for roadside or loading activities.
Employees must use this equipment correctly, take care of it, and report any damage or faults immediately so that repairs or replacements can be arranged.
Customer Premises and Public Safety
Our teams work in and around homes, offices, and public spaces. To protect customers and the public, we:
Maintain clear walkways and avoid trip hazards from packaging, tools, or equipment. Use safe lifting routes, taking care on stairs, ramps, and narrow passages. Take precautions to protect property, such as walls, floors, and doorways, from damage. Behave professionally and respectfully at all times, minimising noise and disruption.
Where conditions at a location are unsafe, staff are expected to pause work and contact management for guidance before proceeding.
Accidents, Incidents, and Near Misses
All accidents, injuries, near misses, and dangerous occurrences must be reported as soon as reasonably practicable. Movers Highbury will:
Record details of each incident and, where appropriate, carry out a formal investigation. Identify root causes and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence. Review procedures and training in light of any findings.
No employee will be treated unfavourably for reporting a genuine concern or incident. Open communication is encouraged to improve safety for everyone.
Monitoring and Review
Movers Highbury regularly monitors health and safety performance through inspections, feedback, and incident analysis. This Health and Safety Policy is reviewed periodically and whenever there are significant changes to our activities, working methods, or relevant legislation.
By working together, following procedures, and maintaining a strong safety culture, Movers Highbury aims to ensure that all removal and relocation work is carried out safely and responsibly for employees, customers, and the wider community.
