Health and Safety policy
Balham Movers Health and Safety Policy
This Health and Safety Policy sets out the standards and procedures Balham Movers follows to protect the health, safety and welfare of our employees, customers, contractors and members of the public. Our work in domestic and commercial removals involves physical handling, vehicle use and work at different locations, which we manage through clear responsibilities, training and continuous risk control.
Policy Statement
Balham Movers is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment and to preventing injury and ill health arising from our activities. We comply with applicable health and safety laws and codes of practice, and we aim to continually improve our safety performance through planning, monitoring and review.
Health and safety is an integral part of our removal services, including packing, loading, transport, unloading and storage activities. Every manager, supervisor and employee is expected to uphold this policy in their day-to-day work.
Responsibilities
The company management has overall responsibility for ensuring that suitable arrangements are in place for health and safety. This includes providing adequate resources, setting objectives, monitoring performance and reviewing this policy as required.
Supervisors are responsible for implementing safe systems of work on jobs, ensuring staff follow procedures, wear any required personal protective equipment and use equipment correctly. They must report hazards, incidents and near misses so that appropriate action can be taken.
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. Staff must follow training and instructions, report unsafe conditions, and never intentionally misuse equipment or safety measures.
Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work
We identify and assess risks associated with removal services, including manual handling, vehicle use, access to properties, working around customers and the public, and handling different types of items. Where risks cannot be eliminated, we implement control measures to reduce them to an acceptable level.
Risk assessments may be carried out in advance or on site, depending on the nature of the job. Findings are used to develop safe systems of work that staff must follow. These systems cover, for example, safe lifting techniques, use of trolleys and ramps, securing loads in vehicles, and safe routes into and through properties.
Training, Information and Supervision
Balham Movers provides appropriate health and safety training to ensure our team can carry out their roles safely and competently. Training may include induction, manual handling, safe use of equipment, vehicle and driving safety, working in customers homes and premises, and emergency procedures.
Information on hazards, procedures and controls is communicated through briefings, job instructions and supervision on site. Less experienced workers are supervised more closely until they can demonstrate the required level of competence and awareness.
Manual Handling and Use of Equipment
Manual handling is a core part of our removals work and is managed carefully to reduce the risk of strains, sprains and other injuries. Staff are trained in assessing the weight, size and shape of items, working in teams for heavier loads, and using correct posture and techniques when lifting, carrying and setting down.
We provide suitable equipment such as sack trucks, dollies, furniture blankets, straps and ramps to assist with moving items safely. Staff must inspect equipment before use and not use damaged or defective items. Any faults or damage must be reported immediately so that equipment can be repaired or taken out of service.
Vehicle and Driving Safety
Safe driving is essential to protect our staff, customers and other road users. Drivers must hold the appropriate licence for the vehicles they operate and may only drive if they are fit to do so. All drivers must comply with road traffic laws, speed limits and company rules on safe driving and parking.
Vehicles must be kept in a roadworthy condition through regular checks, servicing and prompt reporting of defects. Loads must be properly distributed and secured to prevent movement during transit. Drivers are expected to plan routes sensibly, allow sufficient time for journeys and avoid unnecessary risks.
Customer, Public and Property Protection
Our teams work in and around customers homes, offices and public spaces, and must take all reasonable steps to prevent harm to others and damage to property. This includes using protective coverings where appropriate, keeping walkways clear, managing trip hazards from equipment and packing materials, and maintaining professional and considerate behaviour at all times.
Staff must pay particular attention when carrying large or awkward items through confined spaces, near glass, parked vehicles or members of the public. When necessary, an area should be temporarily restricted to prevent people from passing too close to moving items or vehicles.
Accidents, Incidents and First Aid
All accidents, near misses and incidents, however minor, must be reported to management as soon as possible. We record and investigate incidents to identify root causes and take corrective actions to prevent recurrence.
Basic first aid supplies are provided in our vehicles or at the workplace, and staff are made aware of their location. Where required, appointed or trained persons will coordinate first aid arrangements. In the event of serious injury or emergency, staff must contact the appropriate emergency services without delay and follow company procedures for incident reporting.
Health, Welfare and Wellbeing
Balham Movers recognises the importance of general health, welfare and wellbeing in maintaining a safe working environment. We aim to manage working hours, breaks and workloads in a way that reduces fatigue and stress, particularly on busy moving days or during long-distance journeys.
Staff are encouraged to report any health issues that could affect their ability to work safely, including injuries, medical conditions or use of medication that may impair concentration or physical ability. Where appropriate, adjustments may be made to duties or work patterns to maintain safety.
Consultation and Communication
We consult with employees on matters affecting their health and safety, encourage suggestions for improvement, and share information about changes to procedures or equipment. Clear communication helps ensure that risks are recognised early and that safe working practices are understood and applied consistently.
Policy Review
This Health and Safety Policy is reviewed regularly and whenever there are significant changes to our operations, legal requirements or best practice guidance. Updates are communicated to staff and incorporated into training and working procedures so that Balham Movers continues to provide a safe, reliable and professional removal service.
