Movers Docklands Health and Safety Policy
This Health and Safety Policy sets out the principles and procedures followed by Movers Docklands to protect the wellbeing of our employees, contractors, customers, visitors and members of the public during all removal and relocation activities. Our aim is to provide a safe and healthy working environment and to prevent accidents, injuries and damage to property throughout every stage of a move.
Our Commitment to Health and Safety
Movers Docklands is committed to managing health and safety as an integral part of our removal services. We recognise our duty of care and seek to achieve continuous improvement in health and safety performance. Senior management provides leadership, resources and support to ensure that safety standards are maintained and that all activities are carried out responsibly.
We will comply with applicable health and safety legislation and with recognised industry best practice for moving and handling, transport, and storage. We also expect all employees and contractors to cooperate fully with this policy and to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions.
Responsibilities
Management is responsible for implementing this policy, setting clear safety objectives, and ensuring that appropriate risk assessments, training and equipment are in place. Supervisors are responsible for day-to-day monitoring, ensuring that safe systems of work are followed on site, in vehicles and at customer premises.
Employees are required to follow all safety instructions, use equipment correctly, attend scheduled training, and immediately report accidents, near misses, hazards or unsafe conditions. Contractors and subcontractors working on behalf of Movers Docklands must comply with this policy and with any site-specific safety requirements communicated to them.
Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work
Before starting removal work, suitable and proportionate risk assessments are undertaken to identify hazards associated with manual handling, lifting, carrying, access routes, use of vehicles, loading and unloading, working at height where relevant, and any other site-specific risks. Control measures are then implemented to remove or minimise those risks.
Safe systems of work are developed and communicated to staff, including procedures for handling heavy or awkward items, packing and unpacking, loading vehicles, securing loads, operating lifting aids, and managing customer premises. Where conditions change or new hazards are identified, risk assessments and methods of work are reviewed and updated.
Manual Handling and Use of Equipment
Manual handling is a core part of moving services, and Movers Docklands places a strong emphasis on safe techniques. Staff receive instruction on correct posture, team lifting, using trolleys and other aids, and recognising when an item is too heavy or unstable to move without mechanical assistance. We encourage employees to stop and seek guidance whenever they feel a lift is unsafe.
All handling equipment, including trolleys, dollies, ramps, straps and lifting devices, is selected, used and maintained to reduce the risk of injury. Only trained personnel are permitted to operate equipment that requires specific competence. Equipment is inspected regularly, and any defective items are taken out of service until repaired or replaced.
Vehicle Safety and Load Security
Vehicles used for removals are maintained in a roadworthy condition and are subject to routine checks in line with legal and company requirements. Drivers must hold the appropriate licence, follow road safety rules, and adhere to journey planning guidelines designed to minimise fatigue and risk.
Loads are packed and secured to prevent movement during transit, reducing the risk of injury when doors are opened and protecting both staff and customers from falling items. Weight limits and load distribution guidelines are respected to maintain vehicle stability and safe handling characteristics.
Working at Customer Premises
When operating at customer homes, offices or storage locations, our staff assess local conditions such as access routes, staircases, lifts, floor surfaces, lighting and weather-related hazards. Reasonable precautions are taken to protect customers, their property and our team, including the use of floor protection, warning signs where appropriate, and clear communication about proposed work methods.
We respect customer environments, minimise disruption and avoid creating unnecessary obstructions. Where conditions are unsafe, we will pause the work and discuss alternative arrangements or additional controls to ensure that the move can proceed safely.
Training, Information and Supervision
Movers Docklands provides appropriate health and safety training to all employees, including induction training for new starters and refresher training as required. Topics include manual handling, safe use of equipment, vehicle and driving safety, incident reporting and emergency procedures.
Employees are given clear instructions and information about the tasks they are expected to perform and the associated hazards and controls. Supervisors monitor work practices on site, provide guidance, and address unsafe behaviour or conditions promptly.
Accidents, Incidents and Near Misses
All accidents, incidents, near misses and cases of work-related ill health must be reported as soon as possible to the relevant manager or supervisor. Reports are recorded, investigated and reviewed to identify root causes and implement corrective actions. Learning from these events is shared with teams to prevent recurrence and to strengthen our overall safety culture.
Where necessary, we will cooperate with relevant authorities and fulfil any legal reporting obligations in relation to incidents or injuries arising from our operations.
Consultation and Continuous Improvement
Movers Docklands values feedback from employees and customers on health and safety matters. Staff are encouraged to raise concerns, suggest improvements and participate in the development of safer working methods without fear of reprisal. Constructive dialogue and shared responsibility are essential for maintaining high safety standards.
This Health and Safety Policy is reviewed regularly and whenever there are significant changes in our operations, legislation or industry guidance. Updates will be communicated to all affected parties to ensure that everyone understands their responsibilities and the measures in place to keep people safe during every move.
