Health and Safety policy
Croydon Movers Health and Safety Policy
Croydon Movers is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for all employees, contractors, visitors, and customers. This Health and Safety Policy sets out our approach to managing risks associated with removals, packing, transport, loading and unloading, storage, and all related activities carried out on customer premises, public areas, and our operational sites.
Policy Statement and Objectives
Our objective is to prevent injury, ill health, and accidents by identifying hazards, assessing risks, and implementing effective controls. We aim to continually improve our health and safety performance and to integrate health and safety considerations into all aspects of our removal and moving operations.
We comply with relevant health and safety legislation, codes of practice, and industry guidance applicable to removal and transport services. Every person working for or with Croydon Movers is expected to cooperate in maintaining high standards of safety and to take reasonable care of themselves and others.
Responsibilities and Accountability
The management of Croydon Movers holds overall responsibility for ensuring the effective implementation of this policy. Management will provide adequate resources, information, and supervision to support safe working practices and to promote a positive safety culture.
Supervisors and team leaders are responsible for planning work safely, communicating safety requirements, ensuring that staff are trained and competent, and checking that control measures are followed at all times on removal jobs.
All employees and contractors have a duty to work safely, follow company procedures, use equipment correctly, and immediately report any hazards, unsafe conditions, near misses, or incidents encountered during removals, packing, loading, or driving.
Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work
We conduct risk assessments for our activities, including manual handling of furniture and boxes, use of lifting equipment, vehicle operations, working at height when necessary, and work within customers homes and business premises. Identified risks are controlled through safe systems of work and appropriate equipment.
Before each removal, staff are expected to assess the specific site conditions, such as access routes, stairs, parking arrangements, and any unusual or heavy items. Where additional risks are identified, the team leader will adjust the work method, seek additional assistance, or reschedule tasks as required to ensure safe completion.
Manual Handling and Use of Equipment
Manual handling is a core part of removal operations, and poor technique can cause serious injury. Croydon Movers provides training in safe lifting and carrying methods and expects all staff to follow these principles.
Where possible, mechanical aids such as sack trucks, dollies, lifting straps, and ramps are used to reduce manual handling effort. Staff must check that such equipment is suitable, in good condition, and used in accordance with instructions. Loads must always be assessed for weight, shape, and stability before moving.
Vehicle Safety and Driving
Safe operation of vehicles is essential to protect our staff, customers, and other road users. Only trained and authorised drivers may operate company vehicles. Drivers must carry out pre-use checks, report defects promptly, and ensure that any issues are addressed before the vehicle is used.
Loads must be properly secured, evenly distributed, and protected from movement during transit. Drivers and crew must plan journeys to allow sufficient time, avoiding unsafe driving practices such as speeding or driving while fatigued. Seat belts must be worn at all times when vehicles are in motion.
Working on Customer Premises
Our teams frequently work in homes, offices, and other premises. Respect for the property and safety of occupants is vital. Staff must maintain clear walkways, manage trailing cables, and use appropriate signage where necessary to warn of moving or lifting operations.
Particular care is taken with stairs, narrow corridors, and shared entrances. Where the work may affect others in the building, the team leader will communicate clearly to minimise disruption and ensure that people are kept away from hazardous areas wherever possible.
Housekeeping and Slips, Trips, and Falls
Good housekeeping reduces the risk of slips, trips, and falls, which are common hazards during removals. Staff are required to keep work areas tidy, promptly clean up any spills, and store tools, packing materials, and equipment in an orderly manner.
Access routes must be kept clear of boxes and furniture. Where floor surfaces or weather conditions create additional risk, the team will take suitable measures, such as using mats or adjusting the route, to maintain safe footing.
Personal Protective Equipment
Where risks cannot be eliminated by other means, personal protective equipment such as safety footwear, gloves, or high-visibility clothing will be provided. Staff must wear the issued equipment as required and ensure it is kept in good condition. Defective items must be reported so that they can be replaced promptly.
Training, Information, and Supervision
Croydon Movers ensures that employees receive appropriate health and safety training for their roles, including induction training, manual handling, equipment use, vehicle safety, and emergency procedures. Additional training is provided when new equipment is introduced or when work practices change.
Information about hazards and safe working methods is communicated through briefings, written procedures, and on-site instructions. Supervisors monitor working practices to ensure that procedures are followed and provide support where further guidance is needed.
Accident, Incident, and Near Miss Reporting
All accidents, injuries, near misses, and dangerous occurrences must be reported to management as soon as practicable. Accurate reporting enables us to investigate incidents, identify root causes, and implement measures to prevent recurrence.
Records of incidents and any associated investigations are maintained and reviewed regularly to identify trends and opportunities for improvement in our health and safety arrangements.
Emergency Preparedness
We maintain emergency procedures appropriate to our operations, including response to fire, vehicle incidents, and injuries on site. Staff are briefed on emergency arrangements and must follow instructions from supervisors and emergency services.
Vehicles and premises are equipped with suitable emergency equipment where required, such as fire extinguishers and first aid supplies, which are checked regularly for condition and accessibility.
Consultation and Continuous Improvement
Croydon Movers encourages open communication about health and safety matters. Employees are invited to raise concerns, make suggestions, and participate in the development of safer working practices. Feedback from staff and customers is reviewed to enhance our procedures.
This Health and Safety Policy is reviewed periodically and whenever significant changes occur in our activities or applicable legislation. Updated versions are communicated to staff, and all employees are expected to familiarise themselves with the current policy and related procedures.
By working together and following this policy, Croydon Movers aims to provide a professional, efficient, and safe removal service for every customer and to protect the wellbeing of everyone involved in our operations.
