Health and Safety policy
Belsize Park Movers Health and Safety Policy
Belsize Park Movers is committed to providing removal and relocation services in a manner that protects the health, safety and welfare of our employees, customers, contractors and the general public. This Health and Safety Policy sets out our responsibilities, arrangements and working practices to ensure that every move is carried out as safely as reasonably practicable.
Policy Statement and Objectives
Our objective is to prevent injury, ill health, accidents and damage to property arising from our work activities. Health and safety considerations are integral to planning and delivering our services, from initial booking and surveying through to packing, loading, transport, unloading and completion of each move.
We aim to continually improve our health and safety performance by assessing risks, setting realistic goals, monitoring outcomes and reviewing this policy on a regular basis or when there are changes to our operations or applicable regulations.
Management Responsibilities
Senior management at Belsize Park Movers has overall responsibility for health and safety within the company. Management will provide the resources, systems and supervision required to maintain safe working conditions and safe methods of work.
Managers will ensure that:
All work is planned to identify significant risks and control measures before tasks begin.
Employees are adequately trained, competent and supervised for the tasks they perform.
Suitable equipment, vehicles, personal protective equipment and materials are provided and maintained in a safe condition.
Accidents, incidents and near misses are reported, investigated and used to improve future practices.
This policy is communicated to staff and, where relevant, to customers and contractors.
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. All staff must:
Follow company procedures and safe systems of work at all times.
Use equipment and personal protective equipment correctly and report defects immediately.
Cooperate with managers and supervisors on all health and safety matters.
Report hazards, unsafe conditions, accidents and near misses as soon as they occur.
Refrain from any behaviour that could compromise safety, including working under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices
We conduct risk assessments for our removal activities and premises, identifying hazards such as manual handling, working in confined or cluttered spaces, use of vehicles, traffic movement near properties, and handling of fragile or heavy items.
Findings of risk assessments are translated into practical site-specific controls. These may include the use of lifting equipment, safe lifting techniques, team lifting for heavier items, route planning within properties, and the segregation of work areas from customers and members of the public where possible.
Risk assessments are reviewed periodically and after significant changes, such as new equipment, procedures or types of property being serviced.
Manual Handling and Lifting
Manual handling is a core element of our work. To reduce the risk of injury, Belsize Park Movers:
Provides training in safe manual handling techniques, including posture, team lifting and load assessment.
Encourages staff to avoid lifting where mechanical aids or alternative methods are reasonably practicable.
Assesses the weight, shape and stability of items prior to lifting or moving them.
Plans the route from property to vehicle and from vehicle to property to reduce trip hazards, awkward turns and steps.
Limits the time spent on intense handling tasks by rotating duties where possible.
Vehicles, Driving and Transport Safety
Our vehicles are maintained in a roadworthy condition and are subject to regular checks and servicing. Drivers must hold the appropriate licences and are responsible for following all road safety and parking requirements.
Loads are secured to prevent movement during transit, reducing the risk of damage to goods and injury when unloading. Drivers must assess loading and unloading points for suitability, taking particular care in busy streets, narrow access roads and shared driveways.
Drivers and crew must not operate vehicles while tired or under the influence of alcohol, drugs or medication that impairs driving ability.
Customer Premises and Public Safety
When working in or around customer premises, our staff will take all reasonable steps to protect occupants, neighbours and passers-by. This includes:
Maintaining clear walkways and keeping doors, stairways and access routes as free from obstructions as possible.
Using warning signs, cones or barriers when appropriate to highlight work areas and trip hazards.
Taking care to avoid damage to property, fixtures, fittings and communal areas.
Minimising noise and disruption, particularly in residential buildings or shared spaces.
Equipment, Maintenance and Personal Protective Equipment
All tools, lifting aids, packing materials and other equipment are selected and used to support safe working methods. Equipment is inspected regularly and removed from use if defective or unsafe.
Where risk assessments identify the need for personal protective equipment, such as safety footwear or gloves, this will be provided and must be worn and looked after in accordance with training and instructions.
Training, Information and Supervision
Belsize Park Movers provides training appropriate to each role, including induction training, task-specific training and refresher training where necessary. Training covers topics such as manual handling, vehicle and equipment use, hazard awareness, incident reporting and personal safety.
Supervisors and team leaders are responsible for monitoring working practices, providing guidance and correcting unsafe behaviour. Additional briefings are given for unusual jobs, larger projects or moves presenting specific hazards.
Accident Reporting and Emergency Procedures
All accidents, injuries, near misses and dangerous occurrences must be reported to management as soon as practicable. Records are kept and reviewed to identify trends and opportunities for improvement.
Emergency arrangements, including fire safety, first aid and response to serious incidents, are in place for our premises and are adapted where feasible for work at customer locations. Staff are briefed on what to do in an emergency, including how to summon assistance and how to secure the work area.
Policy Review and Continuous Improvement
This Health and Safety Policy will be reviewed regularly to ensure it remains relevant to the services and activities of Belsize Park Movers. Changes in legislation, industry best practice, company operations or incident findings will be taken into account. Employees are encouraged to contribute suggestions for improving health and safety at work.
By working together and following this policy, we aim to ensure that every move is delivered safely, efficiently and with due care for everyone involved.
