Health and Safety policy
Ilford Movers Health and Safety Policy
Ilford 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 the principles and arrangements we follow to prevent accidents, injuries, and work-related ill health in the course of our removals and associated activities.
Policy Statement
Our aim is to conduct all moving, packing, loading, transport, and unloading operations in a manner that protects people, property, and the environment. Health and safety are integral to our day-to-day operations and business decisions, and we expect all staff and contractors to share this commitment.
Management at Ilford Movers will provide the leadership and resources needed to maintain and continually improve our health and safety performance. We will comply with all applicable health and safety legislation and relevant codes of practice, and we will work to apply industry best practice across our services.
Scope of this Policy
This policy applies to all activities undertaken by Ilford Movers, including but not limited to household removals, commercial moves, packing services, furniture dismantling and reassembly, storage handling, and the operation of vehicles and equipment used to support these services.
Responsibilities
Overall responsibility for health and safety rests with the company’s senior management, who are responsible for ensuring that adequate arrangements, resources, and training are in place to implement this policy.
Managers and supervisors are responsible for:
Ensuring risk assessments are completed and kept up to date for all relevant tasks. Communicating safe working procedures to staff and monitoring compliance. Providing or arranging suitable training, instruction, and supervision. Ensuring that vehicles, tools, and equipment are maintained in a safe condition. Investigating accidents, incidents, and near misses, and implementing corrective actions.
Employees and contractors are responsible for:
Taking reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions. Following all safety procedures, instructions, and training provided. Using equipment, vehicles, and personal protective equipment correctly and reporting any defects immediately. Reporting all accidents, incidents, near misses, and hazards to their manager or supervisor. Cooperating with management to enable the company to fulfil its legal and policy obligations.
Risk Assessment and Control
Ilford Movers will identify and assess risks associated with moving and handling activities, including manual handling, driving, working at height when required for access, use of lifting equipment, and handling of fragile or heavy items.
We will implement appropriate control measures, which may include:
Planning moves in advance to reduce manual handling demands and avoid time pressure. Using suitable lifting aids such as sack trucks, trolleys, and hoists where practical. Ensuring safe loading and securing of items in vehicles to prevent shifting during transport. Restricting access to work areas to authorised persons when loading and unloading. Providing suitable personal protective equipment such as gloves, safety footwear, and hi-visibility clothing, where the task demands it.
Manual Handling and Safe Lifting
Manual handling is a core part of removal work, and Ilford Movers is committed to minimising the risk of musculoskeletal injuries. We will provide training in safe lifting techniques, team lifting, and the correct use of handling aids.
Where possible, we will avoid hazardous manual handling by redesigning tasks, using mechanical aids, or adjusting workloads. No employee or contractor is expected to lift or carry a load they consider to be unsafe. Items that are especially heavy, awkward, or fragile will be assessed before moving, and appropriate measures will be taken to reduce risk.
Vehicle Safety and Driving Standards
All vehicles operated by Ilford Movers will be maintained in a roadworthy and safe condition. Regular vehicle checks and servicing will be carried out in line with manufacturer guidelines and regulatory requirements.
Drivers must:
Hold the appropriate valid driving licence and be authorised to drive company vehicles. Conduct pre-use checks and report any defects immediately. Drive responsibly, adhering to speed limits and road traffic laws. Ensure that loads are correctly distributed and secured before departure. Avoid driving when fatigued or unfit to drive for any reason.
Workplace and Site Safety
We will take reasonable steps to ensure that both our own premises and customer locations where we work are safe for removal activities. This includes identifying hazards such as obstructed walkways, uneven surfaces, poor lighting, or restricted access routes.
Our teams will:
Maintain clear access routes when carrying items. Use safe systems for working on staircases and in confined areas. Take care when working near members of the public or customers, minimising trip and collision risks. Use appropriate measures to protect floors, walls, and property where needed, reducing the risk of damage and associated hazards.
Training, Information, and Supervision
Ilford Movers will provide all employees with appropriate health and safety training relevant to their role. This may include induction training, manual handling training, safe use of equipment, driving and vehicle safety, and site-specific instructions.
Information about risks and safe working practices will be communicated clearly, and refresher training will be provided as necessary. Supervisors will monitor performance to ensure that safety standards are maintained and that procedures are followed.
Accident Reporting and Investigation
All accidents, incidents, near misses, and cases of work-related ill health must be reported promptly to management. We will record these events, investigate their causes, and implement corrective and preventive actions to reduce the likelihood of recurrence.
Where required by law, we will notify the relevant authorities of reportable incidents in accordance with applicable regulations.
Consultation and Continuous Improvement
Ilford Movers encourages open communication about health and safety. Employees are invited to raise concerns, suggest improvements, and participate in the development of safe working practices.
This policy and our health and safety arrangements will be reviewed regularly, and at least annually, or following any significant change in our operations, relevant legislation, or an incident that indicates improvement is required. Revisions will be communicated to all employees and contractors.
Policy Review and Availability
This Health and Safety Policy is approved by senior management and represents our commitment to maintaining high standards of safety in all aspects of our removal services. The policy is available to all employees, contractors, customers, and other interested parties on request.
By working together and following the principles and procedures set out in this policy, Ilford Movers aims to provide a safe, reliable, and professional moving service while protecting the wellbeing of everyone involved in our operations.
