Health and Safety policy
Dulwich Movers Health and Safety Policy
Dulwich 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 activities. This policy sets out our approach to managing health and safety risks in all areas of our operations, including domestic and commercial removals, packing, loading, unloading, and storage services.
We recognise that the nature of moving and handling furniture, equipment, and personal belongings presents specific hazards. We are dedicated to controlling these risks through effective planning, training, supervision, and continuous improvement of our working methods.
Health and Safety Objectives
Our primary objectives are to prevent injury, ill health, and property damage arising from our work. To achieve this, Dulwich Movers will:
Promote a positive health and safety culture throughout the company. Comply with all relevant health and safety legislation and recognised industry standards. Identify and control risks associated with manual handling, vehicle operations, and site activities. Provide information, instruction, training, and supervision to ensure that work is carried out safely. Consult with employees on health and safety matters and encourage feedback and reporting of concerns. Review this policy regularly to ensure it remains relevant and effective.
Responsibilities
Overall responsibility for health and safety rests with the company management, who will ensure that adequate resources are made available to implement this policy. Managers and supervisors are responsible for promoting safe working practices, monitoring standards on site and in vehicles, and ensuring that staff follow the procedures set out in this policy.
All employees have a duty to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions or omissions. Staff must cooperate with the company in meeting its legal and policy obligations, follow safe systems of work, use equipment correctly, and report hazards, near misses, or incidents without delay.
Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work
Dulwich Movers will carry out suitable and proportionate risk assessments for our removal activities. This includes assessing risks related to manual handling, access to properties, stairways, confined spaces, parking and loading areas, weather conditions, and the condition of items being moved.
Findings from risk assessments will be used to develop safe systems of work and practical control measures. These may include selecting appropriate equipment such as trolleys, straps, and protective coverings, planning crew numbers for each job, and establishing clear procedures for lifting, carrying, loading, and securing items. Risk assessments will be reviewed when work practices change, following incidents, or at regular intervals.
Manual Handling and Ergonomics
Manual handling is central to removal operations and requires careful control. We will minimise the need for hazardous manual handling as far as reasonably practicable by using mechanical aids, adjusting routes, and planning lifts in advance.
All staff involved in lifting and moving items will receive manual handling training, including correct posture, team lifting techniques, and recognition of personal limitations. Employees are expected to avoid taking unnecessary risks and to request assistance with heavy, awkward, or unstable loads. Where necessary, items will be dismantled or protected before being moved to reduce weight or risk of damage.
Vehicles, Driving, and Loading Safety
Dulwich Movers will ensure that all vehicles used in our operations are maintained in a safe and roadworthy condition. Regular inspections will be carried out, and any defects will be reported and rectified promptly. Drivers must hold appropriate licences and follow all road safety laws, including speed limits and parking regulations.
Loading and unloading will be carried out in a safe and controlled manner, ensuring that access areas are kept clear and that the public is protected from moving vehicles and equipment. Loads will be evenly distributed and securely fastened to prevent movement or damage in transit. Drivers and crews are instructed not to move vehicles unless it is safe to do so and all occupants are seated and using seat belts where provided.
Equipment, Tools, and Personal Protective Equipment
All equipment used by Dulwich Movers, including trolleys, ramps, lifting straps, and protective materials, will be selected for suitability and maintained in good condition. Defective equipment must not be used and must be reported to management immediately.
Where required, appropriate personal protective equipment such as gloves, safety footwear, and high-visibility clothing will be provided. Employees are responsible for using this equipment correctly, looking after it, and reporting any damage or loss. PPE is regarded as a last line of defence and does not replace safe working practices and risk control measures.
Customer Premises and Public Safety
Our teams work in a variety of customer premises, including homes, offices, and other buildings. We will take all reasonable steps to protect customers, visitors, neighbours, and members of the public from risks arising from our work.
This includes maintaining clear walkways, managing trip hazards from packing materials and tools, controlling access to loading areas, and communicating with customers about any temporary restrictions or hazards. We will treat every property with care and respect while maintaining safe working conditions for our staff.
Training, Information, and Supervision
Dulwich Movers will provide induction training for new employees and ongoing training for existing staff relevant to their roles. This will cover topics such as manual handling, safe driving, equipment use, incident reporting, and emergency procedures.
Supervisors and team leaders will monitor work on site, offering guidance and support where needed, and ensuring that staff comply with safety procedures. Health and safety information will be communicated clearly so that all employees understand their responsibilities and the standards expected.
Accident Reporting, Investigation, and Continuous Improvement
All accidents, injuries, near misses, and dangerous occurrences must be reported as soon as possible. Dulwich Movers will record and, where appropriate, investigate these events to identify root causes and take corrective actions.
Lessons learned from incidents and feedback from employees and customers will be used to improve our procedures, training, and equipment. We are committed to continually reviewing and enhancing our health and safety performance as our business and industry practices develop.
Policy Review
This Health and Safety Policy will be reviewed periodically and whenever there are significant changes in legislation, our operations, or the nature of risks we manage. Updated versions will be communicated to all employees to ensure ongoing awareness and compliance.
By working together, Dulwich Movers aims to maintain a safe, efficient, and professional removal service that protects our workforce, our customers, and the wider community.
