Movers Kennington Health and Safety Policy
Movers Kennington is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for all employees, contractors, customers and members of the public affected by our removal services. This Health and Safety policy sets out our approach to managing risks associated with domestic and commercial moves, packing, loading, transport and unloading of goods.
Our objective is to prevent injury, ill health, damage to property and harm to the environment by applying sensible and proportionate health and safety standards to all activities carried out by Movers Kennington.
Management Responsibilities and Commitment
Senior management at Movers Kennington accepts overall responsibility for health and safety performance. We will provide clear leadership, suitable resources and an effective organisational structure to manage health and safety within the company.
Managers and supervisors are responsible for implementing this policy in their areas of control, ensuring that risk assessments are conducted, safe systems of work are followed, and staff receive appropriate information, instruction, training and supervision.
Health and safety considerations will be integrated into planning and decision-making for all removal projects, including scheduling, staffing levels, vehicle selection, equipment procurement and route planning.
Employee Responsibilities
All employees of Movers Kennington have 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. Employees must cooperate fully with the company in implementing this policy and all associated procedures.
Staff are required to follow safe working practices, use equipment correctly, wear any personal protective equipment provided, report hazards or incidents promptly, and refrain from any behaviour that could put themselves, colleagues or customers at risk.
Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work
Movers Kennington will carry out suitable and sufficient risk assessments for all significant hazards arising from our moving and storage activities. This includes, but is not limited to, manual handling, working in confined spaces or stairwells, traffic and vehicle movements, use of lifting equipment, working at height when loading vehicles, and handling fragile or high-value items.
Findings from risk assessments will be used to develop and maintain safe systems of work. These procedures will be communicated to all relevant staff and reviewed regularly to reflect changes in working practices, equipment, legislation or the nature of our removal services.
Manual Handling and Use of Equipment
Given the nature of removal work, safe manual handling is a key priority for Movers Kennington. We will minimise manual handling risks by careful planning, use of appropriate equipment and team lifting techniques.
Staff will receive training in correct lifting and carrying methods, assessing load weight and stability, and recognising when mechanical aids or additional assistance are required. Equipment such as trolleys, dollies, straps, blankets and ramps will be maintained in safe condition and used in accordance with instructions and company procedures.
Vehicle Safety and Driving Standards
Movers Kennington will ensure that all vehicles used for removals and related services are roadworthy, regularly inspected and maintained in accordance with legal requirements and manufacturer recommendations. Pre-use checks will be carried out and any defects reported and addressed promptly.
All drivers must hold the appropriate licence, follow company driving standards and comply with road traffic laws. Loads will be packed, secured and distributed safely to minimise the risk of shifting during transit, protecting both staff and other road users.
Journey planning will take into account realistic timescales, rest breaks, traffic conditions and safe access to properties. Drivers and crew members must not drive or work under the influence of alcohol, drugs or any substance that may impair their ability to operate safely.
Customer Premises and Public Safety
When working at customer homes, offices or other premises, Movers Kennington will take reasonable steps to protect the safety of occupants, visitors and members of the public. This includes careful positioning of vehicles, safe loading and unloading, and clear routes for moving items.
Where necessary, the team will identify and control risks such as trip hazards from packaging materials, restricted access, low lighting, wet or uneven surfaces and the presence of children or pets. We will show respect for customer property and minimise disruption while maintaining safe working practices.
Training, Information and Supervision
Movers Kennington will provide appropriate health and safety training for all employees relevant to their roles. This may include induction training, manual handling, use of equipment, safe driving, first aid awareness and emergency procedures.
Information about risks and control measures will be communicated clearly, and additional guidance will be given before undertaking unfamiliar tasks or working in higher-risk environments such as large commercial premises or sites with restricted access.
Supervisors and team leaders will monitor working practices, provide ongoing advice, correct unsafe behaviour and support less experienced staff to work safely and competently.
Accident Reporting and Emergency Procedures
All accidents, injuries, near misses and hazardous incidents involving Movers Kennington personnel or operations must be reported as soon as possible to the responsible manager. Accurate records will be kept and used to identify trends, learn lessons and improve our health and safety performance.
Emergency procedures will be established for foreseeable situations such as road traffic incidents, fire, serious injury, spillage of hazardous materials or structural concerns at customer premises. Staff will be briefed on how to respond, who to notify and how to protect themselves and others in an emergency.
Consultation and Continuous Improvement
Movers Kennington recognises the value of involving employees in health and safety matters. We will consult with staff on significant changes to working practices, encourage feedback on safety issues and welcome suggestions for improvement.
Regular reviews of this policy and associated procedures will be carried out to ensure they remain effective, up to date and aligned with current legislation and best practice in the removals industry. Where necessary, the policy will be revised and communicated to all employees.
Policy Review and Availability
This Health and Safety policy is formally reviewed at least once a year, or more frequently if there are significant changes in our operations, structure or legal requirements. Updated versions will be made available to employees and can be provided to customers or stakeholders on request.
By working together and following this policy, Movers Kennington aims to maintain a safe, professional and reliable removal service that protects our workforce, our customers and the wider community.
