Health and Safety policy
Health and Safety Policy for Notting Hill Movers
Notting Hill Movers is committed to maintaining the highest practical standards of health, safety and welfare for our employees, contractors, customers and members of the public. This Health and Safety Policy sets out our approach to safe working practices in relation to our removal and relocation services, including packing, loading, transport and delivery of goods.
The management of Notting Hill Movers recognises that effective health and safety management is an essential part of delivering a professional removals service. We aim to prevent injury and ill health arising from our work activities and to provide safe and healthy working conditions, so far as is reasonably practicable.
Policy Aims and Responsibilities
Our aims are to:
Promote a positive health and safety culture across all aspects of our removals operations.
Comply with applicable health and safety legislation and relevant industry guidance.
Identify, assess and control risks arising from our activities, especially manual handling and transport-related hazards.
Provide information, instruction, training and supervision to ensure that employees are competent to carry out their tasks safely.
Consult with employees on matters affecting their health and safety and encourage active participation in safety improvements.
Ensure that our vehicles, equipment and tools are maintained in a safe and reliable condition.
Senior management has overall responsibility for health and safety within Notting Hill Movers. Managers and supervisors are responsible for implementing this policy on a day-to-day basis, including ensuring that safe systems of work are followed. All employees and contractors have a duty to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions, and to cooperate fully in the implementation of this policy.
Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work
We will carry out suitable and proportionate risk assessments for our removal activities, including but not limited to:
Domestic and commercial moves.
Packing and unpacking of household and office items.
Loading and unloading vehicles at properties, storage facilities and other locations.
Transport and delivery of items, including fragile, bulky or heavy goods.
Access to properties, including stairs, lifts, narrow corridors, shared entrances and outdoor areas.
Risk assessments will consider hazards such as manual handling, slips and trips, falls from height, vehicle movements, use of ramps and lifting equipment, and interaction with customers and the public. The findings of these assessments will be used to develop safe systems of work and to provide appropriate control measures, including the use of handling aids, personal protective equipment where necessary, and adequate staffing levels for heavy or awkward items.
Manual Handling and Use of Equipment
Manual handling is a core part of removal work and presents a significant source of potential injury. Notting Hill Movers will:
Provide manual handling training tailored to removals, including correct lifting techniques, team lifts and use of handling aids.
Plan jobs to minimise unnecessary lifting and carrying, including careful vehicle positioning and use of equipment.
Use appropriate equipment such as trolleys, dollies, skates, straps, ramps and protective coverings to reduce physical strain and protect both people and property.
Assess individual items that are particularly heavy, large or awkward, and ensure sufficient personnel and equipment are allocated.
Employees are required to follow manual handling guidance, use equipment correctly and not attempt to lift or move items that are beyond their safe capability.
Vehicle Safety and Driving Standards
Our vehicles are central to our removal services and their safe operation is a key priority. Notting Hill Movers will ensure that:
All drivers are competent, appropriately licensed and receive suitable training in safe driving, loading and securing of loads.
Vehicles are regularly inspected, serviced and maintained in line with manufacturer guidance and legal requirements.
Loads are distributed and secured safely to prevent movement during transit, with particular care taken for fragile or high-value items.
Routes and timings are planned to reduce unnecessary risks and to respect local traffic and parking controls as far as reasonably practicable.
Drivers and crew follow safe practices when operating near roadsides, parked vehicles, residential streets and commercial premises, including the use of hazard warning devices where appropriate.
Customer and Public Safety
Protecting customers and members of the public is an integral part of our health and safety approach. We will:
Plan access routes within properties to minimise trip hazards and congestion.
Use protective materials such as floor runners and corner guards where appropriate to prevent damage and reduce slip risks.
Communicate clearly with customers about the work being carried out, any temporary access restrictions, and any actions they should avoid during loading and unloading.
Position vehicles and equipment so as to minimise obstruction to pavements, entrances and shared areas, and maintain safe walkways wherever possible.
Take particular care in shared buildings, busy streets and communal areas to prevent accidents and manage interaction with neighbours and passers-by.
Training, Communication and Consultation
We recognise that effective training and communication are essential to good health and safety performance. Notting Hill Movers will:
Provide induction training for new employees covering our health and safety expectations, procedures and emergency arrangements.
Deliver ongoing training relevant to removals, such as manual handling, vehicle safety, use of equipment and incident reporting.
Ensure that employees receive information and instructions about job-specific hazards and safe working methods before tasks are undertaken.
Encourage employees to raise health and safety concerns and suggestions for improvement without fear of reprisal.
Review training needs periodically and when changes are made to processes, equipment or legislation.
Accidents, Incidents and Near Misses
All accidents, incidents and near misses, whether involving employees, contractors, customers or members of the public, must be reported to management as soon as reasonably practicable. Notting Hill Movers will:
Record and investigate incidents to identify root causes and contributing factors.
Implement corrective and preventive actions designed to reduce the likelihood of recurrence.
Share relevant findings with staff to support learning and continuous improvement.
Where required, comply with any applicable reporting obligations to external authorities.
Health, Welfare and Fitness for Work
We recognise the physical nature of removal work and the importance of employee wellbeing. Notting Hill Movers will:
Encourage staff to report any health issues that may affect their ability to work safely, including musculoskeletal concerns and fatigue.
Discourage working practices that may lead to excessive physical strain or unsafe shortcuts.
Support reasonable rest breaks during demanding tasks and longer moves, taking account of driving and loading requirements.
Maintain expectations of sobriety and alertness at work, with no tolerance for working under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Review of Policy
This Health and Safety Policy will be reviewed periodically, and whenever there are significant changes to our operations, relevant legislation or industry guidance. Revisions will be communicated to employees and, where appropriate, incorporated into updated procedures and training.
Notting Hill Movers believes that effective health and safety management is a shared responsibility and an essential foundation for providing reliable and professional removal services. By working together, we will strive to maintain a safe environment for our staff, customers and the wider community.
