Health and Safety policy
Movers Bromley Health and Safety Policy
Movers Bromley is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for our employees, customers, contractors and members of the public who may be affected by our removals and related services. This Health and Safety Policy sets out our approach to managing risks during house moves, office relocations, packing, loading, transporting and unloading of goods.
We aim to prevent injury, ill health and damage to property by identifying hazards, assessing risks and putting in place effective control measures. Everyone at Movers Bromley has a role to play in maintaining high safety standards in and around our vehicles, customers properties and storage locations.
Policy Objectives
The main objectives of this Health and Safety Policy are to:
Promote a culture where safety is integral to all removal activities and decision-making. Comply with all relevant health and safety legislation and recognised industry best practice. Reduce the risk of accidents, injuries and work-related ill health arising from our operations. Provide appropriate information, instruction, training and supervision to employees. Ensure that equipment, vehicles and tools used in our moving services are safe, suitable and properly maintained. Protect customers and the public during collections, deliveries and on-site work.
Management Responsibilities
The management of Movers Bromley is responsible for implementing and maintaining this policy. This includes:
Providing adequate resources to manage health and safety effectively. Setting clear responsibilities and expectations for managers and supervisors. Ensuring that risk assessments are carried out regularly and updated when processes or conditions change. Monitoring performance, investigating incidents and near misses, and taking corrective action. Reviewing this policy periodically to ensure it remains effective and up to date.
Employee Responsibilities
All employees have a duty to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions. This includes:
Following safety procedures, instructions and training at all times. Using lifting techniques, equipment and personal protective equipment as instructed. Reporting hazards, defects, near misses and incidents promptly to a supervisor. Keeping vehicles, equipment and work areas tidy to avoid slips, trips and falls. Cooperating with management in the implementation of safety measures.
Risk Assessment and Planning
Before starting any removal or transport job, we assess the potential risks associated with the property, access routes, parking, handling requirements and environmental conditions. For more complex moves, a pre-move survey may be carried out to identify specific hazards such as restricted access, staircases, heavy or awkward items and fragile goods.
Where significant risks are identified, we put in place appropriate control measures such as using additional staff, specialist handling equipment, protective covering for floors and surfaces, or adjusted routing and scheduling to minimise risk.
Safe Manual Handling
The core of our work involves lifting, carrying and moving furniture, boxes and equipment. To reduce the risk of strains, sprains and other injuries:
Staff receive training in safe manual handling and lifting techniques. Loads are assessed for weight, size and stability before lifting. Heavy or bulky items are handled by two or more people or using lifting aids. Staff are encouraged not to attempt lifts that are beyond their capability. Pathways for carrying items are kept clear and well lit wherever possible.
Use of Equipment and Vehicles
Movers Bromley provides appropriate equipment such as sack trucks, trolleys, straps, blankets and other moving aids to support safe operations. All equipment is inspected regularly and removed from service if defective. Employees must use only authorised and suitable equipment for each task.
Our vehicles are maintained according to manufacturers recommendations and legal requirements. Drivers must hold the correct licence, carry out basic vehicle checks, and follow company driving standards, including journey planning that considers weather, traffic and time pressures to avoid unsafe behaviour.
Driving and Road Safety
Safe driving is a key part of our health and safety approach. We expect all drivers to:
Observe speed limits and road traffic laws at all times. Drive with care in residential streets and busy areas. Secure all loads properly within the vehicle to prevent movement during transit. Avoid using mobile phones or other distractions while driving. Take appropriate rest breaks in line with company guidance and legal requirements.
Customer and Public Safety
During collections and deliveries, we take reasonable steps to protect customers and members of the public from risks arising from our activities. This includes:
Positioning vehicles and equipment safely to minimise obstruction and ensure clear access. Using warning signs or verbal warnings when carrying large items through shared or public areas. Asking customers, particularly children and pets, to remain clear of moving routes and work areas. Protecting property surfaces and fixtures where necessary to prevent damage.
Workplace Environment and Welfare
Movers Bromley recognises the physical nature of moving work and the importance of welfare arrangements. We aim to ensure staff have access to drinking water, rest breaks and suitable clothing for weather conditions. Staff are encouraged to report any health concerns that might affect their ability to carry out tasks safely.
We also promote good housekeeping practices in vehicles, storage spaces and offices to reduce risks from clutter, trip hazards and poor organisation.
Training, Information and Supervision
We are committed to giving employees the knowledge and skills they need to work safely. New staff receive an induction that covers basic health and safety principles, safe lifting, vehicle and equipment use, and emergency procedures. Ongoing training is provided as needed, including refresher training and updates on any changes to procedures or legislation.
Supervisors monitor working practices on site, especially for new or less experienced staff, and provide guidance and correction where required to maintain safe standards.
Incident Reporting and Investigation
All accidents, injuries, near misses and dangerous occurrences must be reported as soon as possible to a supervisor or manager. We record and investigate such events to understand their causes and to identify improvements. Where necessary, we update procedures, provide additional training or modify equipment or working methods to prevent recurrence.
Policy Review
This Health and Safety Policy is reviewed regularly and whenever there are significant changes to our services, equipment or legal requirements. Movers Bromley is committed to continuous improvement in health and safety performance and to working collaboratively with employees and customers to keep our moving services safe and reliable.
