Movers Putney Health and Safety Policy
Movers Putney is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for all employees, customers, contractors and members of the public who may be affected by our removals and related services. This policy outlines our approach to managing health and safety in all areas of our operations, including packing, loading, transportation, unloading and storage activities.
Our objective is to prevent accidents, injuries and work-related ill health and to maintain a culture in which safety is considered an integral part of every task.
Health and Safety Responsibilities
Overall responsibility for health and safety within Movers Putney rests with the company management, who ensure that adequate resources, training and supervision are provided. Management is responsible for regularly reviewing this policy, monitoring its effectiveness and making any necessary improvements.
Supervisors are responsible for implementing health and safety procedures on site, carrying out site-specific checks and ensuring that staff follow safe systems of work. They must promptly report hazards, incidents and near misses to management.
All employees share responsibility for their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions or omissions. Employees must cooperate with the company on all health and safety matters, use equipment correctly, follow training and instructions, and immediately report any concerns or unsafe conditions.
Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work
Movers Putney carries out risk assessments for our removal activities to identify potential hazards and determine appropriate control measures. These assessments cover, but are not limited to, manual handling, working in and around vehicles, use of lifting equipment, working at height when loading, and activities carried out in customers premises.
Based on these assessments, we implement safe systems of work that address the specific risks associated with removal operations. These include safe lifting techniques, clear walkways, secure loading of vehicles, correct use of moving equipment and appropriate staffing levels for each job.
Risk assessments are reviewed periodically and whenever there is a significant change in the nature of our work, equipment, or work locations, or following any incident that highlights a new or previously underestimated risk.
Manual Handling and Use of Equipment
Manual handling is a core part of the removals industry and is therefore a key focus of our health and safety management. Movers Putney provides manual handling training to all staff, emphasising correct lifting posture, team lifting, use of trolleys and dollies, and recognition of personal limits.
Employees must always assess the load and route before lifting, use mechanical aids whenever practicable, and seek assistance for heavy or awkward items. No employee is required to lift or move any item they believe to be unsafe for them to handle.
All equipment used in our operations, including trolleys, ramps, straps and protective covers, is selected and maintained to ensure safe use. Faulty or damaged equipment must be removed from service immediately and reported to management.
Vehicle Safety and Traffic Management
Our vehicles are maintained in safe and roadworthy condition through regular inspections and servicing. Drivers are responsible for carrying out pre-use checks, reporting defects and operating vehicles in a safe and considerate manner at all times.
Loading and unloading operations are planned to minimise risk to staff, customers and the public. This may include establishing safe zones around vehicles, using warning signs where appropriate and avoiding unnecessary reversing. Where reversing is required, a trained banksman should be used when conditions allow.
Client Premises and Public Safety
When working at client premises, Movers Putney staff must respect the property and ensure that all activities are carried out safely. This includes keeping access routes clear, protecting floors and walls where required and ensuring that tools and equipment are not left in walkways.
Particular care is taken in residential areas, commercial sites and busy streets to protect members of the public from moving vehicles, carrying operations and handling of large items. Staff must remain vigilant to changing conditions and adjust their methods of work accordingly.
Training, Information and Supervision
Movers Putney provides appropriate health and safety training for all employees, including induction training for new starters and job-specific instruction for removal crew members, drivers and supervisors. Training covers safe lifting, equipment use, vehicle safety, emergency procedures and incident reporting.
Refresher training is carried out as required to maintain safe standards and address any issues identified during monitoring or following incidents. Supervisors provide ongoing guidance and supervision during jobs to ensure that safe systems of work are followed.
Personal Protective Equipment
Where risks cannot be fully controlled by other means, personal protective equipment is provided, such as safety footwear, gloves and high-visibility clothing. Employees are required to use such equipment as instructed, keep it in good condition and report any defects or loss immediately.
Accident, Incident and Near Miss Reporting
All accidents, incidents and near misses must be reported to management as soon as possible so that they can be recorded, investigated and, where necessary, lead to improvements in procedures. This applies regardless of whether or not an injury has occurred.
Movers Putney uses the findings from investigations to refine risk assessments, update training and strengthen control measures, with the aim of preventing recurrence.
Health, Welfare and Fitness for Work
Movers Putney recognises the physical nature of removal work and encourages employees to maintain good health and fitness. Staff are expected to present themselves for work in a fit state, free from the influence of alcohol or drugs, and to inform management of any health issues that may affect their ability to work safely.
Reasonable steps are taken to support employees with health concerns and to make suitable work adjustments where practical and safe to do so.
Continuous Improvement and Policy Review
This Health and Safety Policy will be reviewed regularly and updated whenever required to reflect changes in our operations, legislation or industry best practice. Feedback from employees, clients and other stakeholders is welcomed and used to drive continual improvement in our health and safety performance.
By working together and following the principles set out in this policy, Movers Putney aims to deliver professional removal services while protecting the health, safety and wellbeing of everyone involved.
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