Health and Safety policy
Chelsea Movers Health and Safety Policy
Chelsea 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 removal and relocation activities. This Health and Safety Policy sets out our approach to managing risks associated with moving, handling, loading, transport, and delivery of household and commercial goods.
We recognise that professional removals and moving services involve physical work, vehicle use, and work in a variety of premises. Effective health and safety management is therefore essential to prevent injury, damage to property, and disruption to clients.
Policy Statement and Objectives
Our objective is to prevent accidents, injuries, and work-related ill health arising from our operations. We will do this by identifying hazards, assessing risks, implementing control measures, and promoting a culture of safety awareness throughout the company.
Senior management is responsible for ensuring that adequate resources are made available to implement this policy. All employees are required to cooperate fully in its implementation and to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions.
Responsibilities
Management will provide clear leadership on health and safety matters and will:
Ensure that suitable and sufficient risk assessments are carried out for our removal services and associated activities. Provide appropriate training, supervision, and information to enable employees to work safely. Supply and maintain appropriate equipment and vehicles in a safe condition. Investigate accidents, incidents, and near misses and use the findings to improve our procedures. Review this policy periodically and update it as necessary.
Employees of Chelsea Movers must:
Follow all health and safety instructions, procedures, and safe systems of work provided. Use equipment, vehicles, and personal protective equipment correctly and report any defects immediately. Report all accidents, incidents, near misses, and unsafe conditions to their supervisor without delay. Cooperate with management in implementing health and safety improvements.
Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work
We will undertake risk assessments for typical removal activities, including packing, loading and unloading, moving heavy or bulky items, working in client premises, and driving between locations. Site-specific risks will be assessed where necessary, for example where there are restricted access points, staircases, long manual handling routes, or unusual items.
From these assessments, we will develop and implement safe systems of work. These will cover route planning, team briefings, use of lifting aids, communication with clients, and coordination with other contractors where relevant.
Manual Handling and Safe Lifting
Manual handling is a key part of our business and a significant area of risk. Chelsea Movers will minimise manual handling risks by:
Training staff in correct lifting and carrying techniques. Planning moves to avoid unnecessary carrying and awkward movements. Making use of equipment such as trolleys, dollies, straps, and ramps whenever reasonably practicable. Requiring team lifting for heavy or awkward items. Avoiding high or low lifts where possible and maintaining clear walkways to prevent trips and falls.
No employee should attempt to lift or move any item that they believe could cause injury. Concerns must be raised with a supervisor so that an alternative safe method can be found.
Vehicle and Driving Safety
Our removal vehicles will be maintained in a roadworthy and safe condition, with regular inspections and servicing. Drivers are responsible for carrying out basic pre-use checks and reporting any defects immediately.
We will ensure that loads are properly distributed, secured, and covered where appropriate to prevent movement during transit and to protect other road users. Drivers must follow all road traffic laws, take appropriate breaks, and avoid driving when fatigued or unfit.
Use of Equipment and Personal Protective Equipment
Equipment used for removals, such as lifting aids, ramps, and securing devices, will be selected, maintained, and used in accordance with manufacturer instructions and recognised safety standards.
Where personal protective equipment is required, such as gloves, safety footwear, or high visibility clothing, it will be provided and must be worn as instructed. Employees must take reasonable care of any equipment issued to them and report damage or loss promptly.
Working on Client Premises
Chelsea Movers is committed to protecting clients, visitors, and members of the public while work is carried out at their premises. We will:
Carry out initial checks on arrival to identify hazards such as uneven surfaces, obstructions, poor lighting, or other site-specific risks. Keep access routes and exits clear wherever possible and use safe lifting paths. Communicate with clients about any risks that may affect them and agree suitable controls, such as restricted access areas during loading or unloading. Take care to prevent damage to floors, walls, and fixtures through use of protective coverings and safe working techniques.
Training, Information, and Supervision
All staff will receive appropriate induction training, including an overview of this Health and Safety Policy and their individual responsibilities. Additional role-specific training will be provided for supervisors, drivers, and team leaders.
Refresher training will be provided periodically or when there are significant changes in work methods, equipment, or legislation. Supervisors will monitor working practices on site and provide guidance to ensure that agreed safe systems of work are followed.
Accident Reporting and Emergency Procedures
All accidents, near misses, and dangerous occurrences must be reported without delay. We will investigate incidents to determine root causes and will take corrective action to prevent recurrence.
Employees will be informed of emergency procedures for fire, evacuation, and first aid for both our own premises and any client sites where we work. Everyone must follow these procedures and cooperate fully with emergency services when required.
Monitoring, Review, and Continuous Improvement
Chelsea Movers will monitor the effectiveness of this Health and Safety Policy through inspections, incident data, feedback from staff, and client comments. We are committed to continuous improvement and will update our procedures and training to reflect lessons learned, operational changes, and relevant legal requirements.
This policy is endorsed by the management of Chelsea Movers and applies to all aspects of our removal and moving services. It will be reviewed regularly and made available to employees and customers on request.
