Health and Safety policy
Barnet Movers Health and Safety Policy
Barnet Movers is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for our employees, contractors, customers and members of the public who may be affected by our removal operations. This Health and Safety policy sets out our approach to planning and carrying out moving and handling activities in a way that minimises risk and promotes safe working practices across all jobs.
Our Health and Safety Commitments
We aim to manage health and safety as an integral part of our day-to-day removal services. Senior management accepts overall responsibility for health and safety performance and will provide the resources, guidance and support necessary to achieve continual improvement.
We are committed to:
Identifying, assessing and controlling risks arising from our work activities, especially lifting, carrying and transporting goods. Complying with all relevant health and safety legislation and recognised industry standards. Providing clear information, instruction, supervision and training so employees can work competently and safely. Maintaining vehicles, equipment and premises in a safe condition. Consulting with employees on health and safety matters relevant to their work. Reviewing this policy regularly and updating it in line with changes to regulations, working methods and best practice.
Responsibilities
Health and safety is a shared responsibility. While management has the duty to provide safe systems of work, all employees and contractors must play an active role in keeping themselves and others safe during removal operations.
Management responsibilities include: Ensuring this policy is implemented in all areas of the business. Carrying out and recording suitable and sufficient risk assessments. Providing suitable equipment, including moving aids and personal protective equipment where required. Ensuring that all staff receive appropriate training and refresher training. Monitoring performance and taking action where standards are not met.
Employee responsibilities include: Taking reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions or omissions. Following all safety procedures, instructions and training provided. Using vehicles, tools, lifting equipment and protective equipment correctly and reporting defects immediately. Reporting accidents, near misses, unsafe conditions or concerns to their supervisor or manager without delay. Cooperating fully with management to enable all legal and company health and safety obligations to be met.
Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work
Risk assessments are carried out for our core moving activities, including manual handling, loading and unloading vehicles, use of trolleys and lifting aids, working in customers premises, and driving and parking near loading areas.
For each job, we consider factors such as access routes, stairs, lifts, parking, item weight and size, and any specific customer requirements. Where necessary, we adjust our methods, staffing levels or equipment to ensure that work can be completed safely.
We develop and follow safe systems of work based on these assessments. These include clear procedures for lifting and carrying, team lifting of heavy items, securing loads inside vehicles, protecting property and using ramps or tail lifts correctly where available.
Manual Handling and Use of Equipment
Manual handling is a key part of removal work, and we recognise the potential for injury if it is not managed properly. All staff involved in lifting and carrying receive manual handling training that covers posture, lifting techniques, team coordination and the use of handling equipment.
We seek to avoid or reduce manual lifting wherever reasonably practicable by using trolleys, dollies, straps, blankets and other moving aids. When manual lifting is necessary, we plan the lift, clear the route and make sure that the load is within the capability of the team carrying it.
All equipment used for removal work is selected to be suitable for its purpose and is inspected and maintained at appropriate intervals. Defective or unsafe equipment is taken out of use until it has been repaired or replaced.
Vehicle Safety and Driving Standards
Our vehicles are essential to our removal services, and their safe operation is a priority. We ensure that vehicles are maintained in a roadworthy condition and checked regularly. Drivers are expected to carry out basic pre-use checks and to report any defects immediately.
Drivers must follow all road traffic laws, drive courteously and adjust their driving to conditions such as weather, congestion and restricted access near properties. Loads must be correctly distributed and secured to prevent movement during transit, protecting both our staff and other road users.
Customer Premises and Public Safety
Our teams often work in homes, offices and shared spaces. We take care to protect customers property and to minimise disruption to neighbours and the public. This includes planning safe access routes, keeping walkways clear where possible, managing trailing cables, and using floor and wall protection as appropriate.
Where there is a risk to others nearby, we use clear communication and, if needed, temporary barriers or signage to mark work areas. We always aim to maintain safe, courteous and professional conduct at all times while on site.
Training, Information and Supervision
All new staff receive an induction that includes our health and safety rules, emergency procedures and key safe working practices relevant to removal work. Ongoing training is provided in areas such as manual handling, use of equipment, vehicle safety and customer care.
Supervisors monitor working practices on site and provide guidance and correction where necessary. Additional training is arranged when new equipment, techniques or services are introduced, or where performance monitoring identifies a need.
Accident Reporting and Emergency Procedures
All accidents, incidents, near misses and cases of work-related ill health must be reported to management as soon as possible. We investigate these events to understand the causes and to identify any measures required to prevent recurrence.
Our teams are briefed on emergency procedures, including responding to injuries, fires or hazards at customer premises. Staff must follow any site-specific rules provided by building managers or other authorities, alongside our own procedures.
Review and Continuous Improvement
This Health and Safety policy is reviewed regularly and whenever there are significant changes to our operations, relevant legislation or industry guidance. We seek feedback from staff and customers to improve our safety performance and ensure that our removal services are delivered in a safe, efficient and professional manner.
By working together, Barnet Movers aims to maintain a strong health and safety culture that protects our people, our customers and the communities in which we operate.
