Health and Safety policy
Harringay Movers Health and Safety Policy
Harringay Movers 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 policy sets out our approach to managing health and safety risks in all aspects of our operations, including household and office removals, packing, loading, transport and unloading.
Our Health and Safety Objectives
Our primary objectives are to prevent injury, ill health and damage to property, and to continually improve our health and safety performance. We aim to provide removal services that are carried out safely, efficiently and with minimal risk to people or the environment.
Management Responsibilities
Senior management has overall responsibility for ensuring that effective health and safety arrangements are in place. This includes providing adequate resources, information, training and supervision to maintain safe working practices. Managers are responsible for implementing this policy, monitoring compliance and reviewing performance regularly to drive improvements.
Employee Responsibilities
All employees of Harringay Movers have a duty to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions. Employees must follow all safety instructions, use equipment correctly, report hazards or incidents promptly and cooperate fully with health and safety procedures and training requirements.
Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices
We carry out risk assessments for key activities involved in our removals services, such as lifting and carrying, operating vehicles, working in and around customers premises and handling fragile or heavy items. These assessments are used to develop safe working procedures that are communicated to all relevant staff. We review risk assessments regularly and whenever there are significant changes to our operations or work environment.
Manual Handling and Lifting
Manual handling is a core part of our business and is treated as a priority risk area. Employees receive training in correct lifting and carrying techniques, the use of handling aids such as trolleys and straps, and safe team lifting practices for bulky or heavy items. Staff are instructed to avoid unsafe lifting, to request assistance when required and to use mechanical aids whenever reasonably practicable.
Use of Equipment and Vehicles
All vehicles and removal equipment are selected, maintained and inspected to support safe operations. This includes routine checks on vans and lorries, and regular inspection of lifting aids, protective covers, ramps and securing straps. Only trained and authorised personnel are permitted to drive company vehicles or operate specialised equipment. Any defects or concerns with vehicles or equipment must be reported immediately so that corrective action can be taken.
Working at Customers Premises
Our teams often work in homes, offices and shared buildings. We take care to protect both people and property during these activities. Staff are trained to assess access routes, stairways, doorways and outdoor areas before moving items, and to identify potential hazards such as uneven surfaces, poor lighting, restricted spaces or other environmental risks. Protective measures, including floor coverings and corner protectors, are used where appropriate to reduce the risk of slips, trips, falls and damage.
Protection of Customers and the Public
We recognise our responsibility to safeguard customers, their families, visitors and members of the public who may be near our work. Wherever possible, we plan work to minimise disruption and restrict access to active loading and unloading areas. Our staff are expected to work considerately, keep routes clear of obstruction, and provide appropriate verbal warnings where a temporary hazard cannot be removed immediately.
Training, Information and Supervision
Harringay Movers provides health and safety induction training to all new employees, together with role specific training covering safe lifting, use of equipment, vehicle safety and incident reporting. Refresher training is provided as needed to maintain competence. Supervisors and team leaders are responsible for checking that procedures are followed on site, offering guidance and intervening if unsafe practices are observed.
Personal Protective Equipment
Where risks cannot be adequately controlled by other means, suitable personal protective equipment is provided. This may include safety footwear, gloves, high visibility clothing or other items appropriate to the task. Employees are required to use such equipment correctly, keep it in good condition and report any loss or damage without delay.
Accident, Incident and Near Miss Reporting
All accidents, injuries, work related ill health and near miss events must be reported promptly so that they can be recorded, investigated and, where necessary, lead to preventive measures. We encourage open reporting and do not tolerate any form of victimisation relating to the raising of genuine health and safety concerns.
Emergency Preparedness
We maintain procedures for responding to emergencies that may arise during removals work, such as fire, vehicle incidents, spills or sudden illness. Staff are briefed on how to raise the alarm, safeguard themselves and others, and contact the appropriate emergency services. Vehicles carry basic safety equipment suitable for the nature of the work they undertake.
Wellbeing and Fitness for Work
Due to the physical nature of removals work, we place importance on employee wellbeing and fitness for work. Staff are encouraged to report any health issues that may affect their ability to carry out tasks safely. We do not permit employees to work under the influence of alcohol, drugs or any substance that may impair judgement, coordination or reaction times.
Consultation and Continuous Improvement
We consult with employees on health and safety matters through regular discussions, briefings and feedback. Suggestions for improving safety are welcomed and considered as part of our ongoing commitment to reducing risk. This policy is reviewed periodically to ensure it remains effective and appropriate to the nature and scale of our removal services.
Policy Review and Availability
This Health and Safety Policy is approved by the management of Harringay Movers and is reviewed at regular intervals, or sooner if there are significant changes to legislation, our operations or identified risks. The policy is made available to employees and is also accessible to customers and other interested parties upon request.
