Health and Safety policy
Acton Movers Health and Safety Policy
Acton Movers is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for all employees, contractors, customers, and members of the public who may be affected by our removals and related services. This Health and Safety Policy sets out our approach to managing risks associated with moving, handling, transport, storage, and on-site work at homes, offices, and other premises.
Policy Aims and Objectives
Our primary aim is to prevent injury, ill health, and damage to property arising from our operations. We will identify and manage risks associated with lifting and carrying, vehicle use, packing and unpacking, use of equipment, and working in varied environments. We seek to promote a safety culture where every person understands their responsibilities and acts to protect themselves and others.
Management Responsibilities
Senior management at Acton Movers holds overall responsibility for implementing and maintaining this Health and Safety Policy. Management will ensure that appropriate resources are available to support safe working, including training, supervision, equipment, and time for planning. We will set clear performance standards, monitor compliance, and review safety performance to drive continual improvement.
Managers and supervisors are responsible for communicating this policy, enforcing safe systems of work, conducting and updating risk assessments, and responding promptly to safety concerns. They must lead by example and foster an open environment where health and safety matters can be raised without hesitation.
Employee Responsibilities
Every employee has 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. All staff must follow training instructions, use equipment correctly, and comply with safe working procedures. Employees are required to report hazards, near misses, incidents, and defective equipment to their supervisor as soon as possible so that corrective action can be taken.
Employees must never undertake tasks for which they are not trained or that they believe cannot be carried out safely. This includes lifting items that are too heavy or awkward to manage, working in unsafe conditions, or operating any vehicle or machinery without proper authorisation.
Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work
Acton Movers will carry out suitable and proportionate risk assessments covering our activities, including domestic and commercial moves, packing services, loading and unloading, and the transport of goods. These assessments will identify potential hazards, such as manual handling risks, slips and trips, working at height when accessing vehicles, and hazards at customer premises.
Based on these assessments, we will establish safe systems of work that clearly describe how tasks should be carried out. Staff will be informed and trained on relevant procedures, and these systems will be reviewed regularly, particularly after any incident, near miss, or significant change in our operations.
Manual Handling and Use of Equipment
Manual handling is a core activity in removals and is a key focus of our safety management. Acton Movers will minimise manual handling risks by planning load sizes, using appropriate equipment such as trolleys, dollies, ramps, and lifting aids, and ensuring that loads are shared where necessary. Employees will receive training in correct lifting and carrying techniques, including teamwork and communication when moving large or bulky items.
All equipment, including lifting aids, securing straps, blankets, and protective materials, will be inspected regularly and maintained in safe condition. Defective items will be taken out of service immediately.
Vehicle Safety and Driving Standards
Our vehicles are essential to our removals service and must be operated safely at all times. Acton Movers will ensure that all drivers are properly licensed, competent, and trained in safe driving and loading practices. Vehicles will be maintained and inspected in line with manufacturer guidance and legal requirements.
Loads will be packed and secured to prevent movement during transit, reducing the risk of injury and damage. Drivers must carry out pre-use checks, follow route and parking instructions safely, comply with traffic laws, and never drive under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or when unfit due to fatigue or illness.
Customer Premises and Public Safety
Our teams work in a wide range of environments, including homes, offices, storage facilities, and public spaces. We will assess conditions on arrival, plan safe access routes, and take appropriate measures to protect customers, visitors, and the public. This may include using barriers or signs, controlling access to work areas, and keeping walkways clear of trip hazards and obstructions.
We will respect customer property and ensure that floors, stairs, and entrances are used safely. Where conditions are unsafe or significantly increase risk, work may be delayed until appropriate precautions have been taken.
Training, Information, and Supervision
Acton Movers will provide all employees with appropriate health and safety training relevant to their roles. This includes induction training for new starters, task-specific training in manual handling, vehicle operation, equipment use, and refresher training as needed. Safety information will be communicated clearly, and staff will be updated when procedures change.
Supervision will be provided in proportion to the risks involved and the experience of the team members. Less experienced staff will work under closer guidance until they have demonstrated a safe and competent approach to their tasks.
Incident Reporting and Emergency Procedures
All accidents, near misses, and dangerous occurrences must be reported promptly so that they can be investigated and lessons learned. Acton Movers will keep records of incidents, identify root causes, and implement corrective measures to prevent recurrence.
Emergency procedures will be in place for situations such as fire, serious injury, vehicle accidents, and hazardous conditions at customer premises. Employees will be briefed on how to respond, including safe evacuation, contacting emergency services where required, and making the situation safe for others.
Wellbeing and Occupational Health
The physical and mental wellbeing of our employees is important to the success of our removals service. We will take steps to manage workload, minimise fatigue, and provide rest breaks in line with good practice. We will consider individual needs and, where practicable, make reasonable adjustments to support employees with health conditions.
Consultation and Continuous Improvement
Acton Movers encourages open communication about health and safety. Employees are invited to contribute ideas for improving safety and to raise concerns without fear of disadvantage. Feedback from staff and customers will be considered when reviewing our procedures.
This Health and Safety Policy will be reviewed regularly and updated as necessary to reflect changes in our business operations, industry standards, and best practice. Our goal is to continuously improve our performance and to maintain a safe, professional removals service at all times.
