Health and Safety policy
Uxbridge Movers Health and Safety Policy
Uxbridge Movers is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for our employees, contractors, customers, 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 associated with moving, handling, transport, storage, and on-site work at homes, offices, and commercial premises.
We aim to continually improve our health and safety performance, comply with applicable legislation and industry best practice, and ensure that safety considerations are integrated into every stage of our operations.
Policy Objectives
The main objectives of this Health and Safety Policy are to:
Identify, assess, and control risks arising from our removals and moving services, including lifting, carrying, loading, transportation, and unloading activities.
Prevent accidents, injuries, and work-related ill health for employees, contractors, and customers.
Provide clear information, instruction, training, and supervision to ensure that all staff are competent to perform their work safely.
Promote a positive health and safety culture where everyone is encouraged to report hazards, suggest improvements, and take responsibility for safe working practices.
Review our procedures regularly to reflect changes in legislation, operational requirements, and lessons learned from incidents or near misses.
Management Responsibilities
The management of Uxbridge Movers accepts ultimate responsibility for health and safety within the company. Management will:
Ensure that appropriate resources are made available to implement and maintain this policy, including equipment, training, and supervision.
Carry out and maintain documented risk assessments for typical moving activities, including manual handling, use of vehicles, use of lifting equipment, work at height where relevant, and work in confined or restricted spaces.
Provide and maintain safe plant, vehicles, and equipment suitable for the work undertaken, ensuring that all are regularly inspected, serviced, and replaced when necessary.
Set clear health and safety standards and procedures, communicate them effectively to staff, and monitor compliance.
Investigate accidents, incidents, and near misses promptly, identify root causes, and implement corrective and preventive actions.
Employee Responsibilities
Every employee has a duty to take reasonable care for their own health and safety and for that of others who may be affected by their actions or omissions at work. All employees are expected to:
Follow all company health and safety policies, instructions, safe systems of work, and training provided.
Use equipment, vehicles, tools, and personal protective equipment correctly and only for their intended purpose.
Report hazards, unsafe conditions, damaged equipment, and any concerns immediately to their supervisor or manager.
Cooperate with management in the implementation of health and safety measures, including participation in training, briefings, and safety checks.
Avoid taking unnecessary risks, including overloading vehicles, lifting beyond their capability, or rushing jobs in a way that could compromise safety.
Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices
Uxbridge Movers will conduct and maintain risk assessments covering the typical hazards of removal work. Safe systems of work will be developed to address identified risks, including:
Manual handling techniques designed to minimise strain and reduce the risk of musculoskeletal injuries.
Safe lifting procedures for heavy or awkward items, including the use of trolleys, lifting straps, ramps, and team lifts where required.
Secure loading and unloading of vehicles to prevent movement of goods during transit and to maintain vehicle stability.
Safe driving practices, including adherence to road safety regulations, journey planning, and taking appropriate rest breaks.
Site assessments at customer premises to identify access issues, trip hazards, stairs, restricted spaces, and any specific risks associated with the property or surrounding area.
Training, Competence, and Supervision
We recognise that proper training and supervision are essential to safe removals. Uxbridge Movers will:
Provide induction training for all new employees, covering company health and safety rules, emergency procedures, manual handling, and safe use of equipment.
Deliver role-specific training for drivers, porters, supervisors, and office staff as needed, ensuring they understand their responsibilities and the risks associated with their work.
Offer refresher training and toolbox talks at regular intervals to reinforce safe practices and address new risks or changes in procedures.
Ensure that less experienced staff are adequately supervised and supported by competent team leaders or managers.
Vehicles, Equipment, and Personal Protective Equipment
Our vehicles, equipment, and protective gear are key to safe operations. Uxbridge Movers will:
Maintain all vehicles in a roadworthy condition through regular inspections, servicing, and defect reporting systems.
Ensure that lifting aids, trolleys, ramps, and other moving equipment are properly maintained, fit for purpose, and stored safely.
Provide suitable personal protective equipment where necessary, such as safety footwear, gloves, and high visibility garments, and ensure employees use them correctly.
Remove from service any defective vehicles or equipment until they have been repaired or replaced.
Customer and Public Safety
We are committed to protecting customers and members of the public during removals operations. Our teams will:
Plan access routes carefully within the property and outside areas to minimise risk to others.
Use warning signs or verbal communication to alert customers to trip hazards, moving vehicles, or ongoing lifting activities.
Keep work areas as tidy as practicable, removing packaging, ropes, and other items that may create hazards.
Exercise particular care in shared spaces, such as communal hallways, pavements, and car parks, to avoid obstructing or endangering others.
Incident Reporting and Policy Review
All accidents, incidents, near misses, and cases of work-related ill health must be reported promptly to management. Records will be kept and analysed to identify trends and opportunities for improvement.
This Health and Safety Policy will be reviewed regularly and whenever there are significant changes in the law, our services, or the nature of the risks we manage. Updated versions will be communicated to all employees to ensure ongoing awareness and compliance.
By working together and following this policy, Uxbridge Movers aims to provide a safe, reliable removals service across our operating areas, protecting our staff, our customers, and the wider community.
