Health and Safety policy
Hounslow Movers Health and Safety Policy
Hounslow Movers is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for all employees, contractors, customers and visitors. This Health and Safety Policy sets out our approach to identifying, managing and reducing risks associated with removals, handling, storage and transportation of goods.
Our objective is to prevent accidents, injuries and work-related ill health, while protecting property and the environment. We expect every member of our team to take responsibility for health and safety and to follow the procedures set out in this policy.
Management Responsibilities
The management of Hounslow Movers has overall responsibility for health and safety within the company. Management will provide clear direction, adequate resources and visible leadership to ensure that health and safety considerations are integrated into all aspects of our operations.
Management is responsible for regularly reviewing this policy, carrying out risk assessments, maintaining appropriate insurance, and ensuring that safe systems of work are in place for removal services, loading and unloading, driving and on-site handling tasks.
Employee Responsibilities
Every employee of Hounslow Movers 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. Employees must cooperate fully with the company on all health and safety matters.
All staff are required to follow training and instructions, use equipment correctly, wear appropriate personal protective equipment where required, report hazards or incidents promptly, and avoid any behaviour that could put themselves or others at risk.
Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices
Hounslow Movers conducts risk assessments covering typical removal activities, including manual handling, use of lifting equipment, working in customers homes and premises, driving and vehicle loading. These assessments inform our safe working procedures.
Risk assessments are reviewed periodically and whenever there are significant changes in work practices, equipment or locations. Findings are communicated to staff and incorporated into training and day-to-day instructions.
Safe Manual Handling and Use of Equipment
Manual handling is a significant part of removal work and is managed carefully to reduce the risk of injury. Staff are trained in correct lifting techniques, team lifting, and use of handling aids. Whenever reasonably practicable, mechanical aids such as trolleys, dollies and lifting straps are used to minimise strain.
Equipment is selected, maintained and inspected to ensure it remains safe and suitable for use. Faulty or damaged equipment must be reported immediately and taken out of service until repaired or replaced.
Vehicle Safety and Driving Standards
All vehicles used by Hounslow Movers are maintained in a safe and roadworthy condition. Regular checks and servicing are carried out in line with manufacturer guidelines and legal requirements. Drivers are responsible for performing basic pre-use checks and reporting any defects promptly.
Drivers must comply with all road traffic laws, drive within speed limits, and adjust their driving to suit weather, traffic and load conditions. Vehicles must be loaded safely, with goods properly secured to prevent movement or damage during transit.
Customer Premises and On-Site Safety
Our teams work in a variety of premises including homes, offices and storage facilities. Staff are trained to assess on-site risks such as narrow stairways, uneven surfaces, limited parking and restricted access points. Where necessary, routes are planned in advance and additional precautions are taken.
Great care is taken to protect customers property, fixtures and fittings. Protective covers, floor runners and suitable packing materials are used where appropriate. Staff are instructed to keep work areas tidy, avoid blocking exits and reduce trip hazards.
Training, Information and Supervision
Hounslow Movers provides training appropriate to each role, including induction training, manual handling, equipment use, vehicle safety and emergency procedures. Refresher training is provided as needed and when new equipment or methods are introduced.
Supervisors and senior staff monitor working practices, provide guidance on site, and ensure that procedures are followed. Additional support is given to new or inexperienced staff until they are competent to work independently.
Accident Reporting and Investigation
All accidents, incidents, near misses and dangerous occurrences must be reported to management as soon as possible. Accurate records are kept and reviewed to identify patterns, root causes and opportunities for improvement.
Where necessary, corrective actions are implemented, such as changes to procedures, additional training or modification of equipment. Lessons learned from incidents are shared with relevant staff to prevent recurrence.
Health, Welfare and Fitness for Work
Hounslow Movers recognises the importance of general health and fitness in physically demanding work such as removals. Employees are encouraged to maintain good physical wellbeing and to inform management of any health issues that may affect their ability to carry out tasks safely.
Staff must not work under the influence of alcohol, illegal substances or misused medication. Anyone who appears unfit for work will be removed from duties that could present a risk to themselves or others.
Emergency Preparedness
Procedures are in place for dealing with emergencies such as fire, accidents, vehicle incidents and sudden illness. Employees are informed of emergency arrangements, including evacuation procedures and how to summon assistance.
First aid provisions are maintained, and designated individuals are trained to provide basic first aid. Emergency information is made available to staff so they can respond quickly and appropriately when needed.
Continuous Improvement and Policy Review
Hounslow Movers is committed to continual improvement in health and safety performance. Feedback from employees, customers and other stakeholders is welcomed and used to refine our procedures and practices.
This Health and Safety Policy is reviewed regularly to ensure it remains current, effective and appropriate for the nature and scale of our removal services. Updates are communicated to all staff, and compliance with the policy is monitored as part of our management responsibilities.
