Health and Safety policy
Watford Movers Health and Safety Policy
Watford Movers is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for all employees, subcontractors, customers and members of the public who may be affected by our removals and related services. This policy sets out our approach to health and safety management across all moving, packing, loading, transport and storage activities.
Our goal is to prevent injury, ill health, property damage and environmental harm by identifying and managing risks associated with household and commercial removals. We aim to continually improve our health and safety performance and to integrate safe working practices into every aspect of our operations.
Health and Safety Objectives
Watford Movers will take all reasonably practicable steps to:
Identify, assess and control risks associated with lifting, carrying, vehicle use, working at height, use of equipment and interaction with customers and the public.
Provide and maintain safe systems of work for packing, loading, unloading, transport and storage activities.
Ensure all vehicles, tools, lifting aids and equipment used in our removal services are suitable, well maintained and used correctly.
Provide appropriate information, instruction, training and supervision so employees can work safely and competently.
Promote a positive safety culture where everyone is encouraged to report hazards, near misses and incidents promptly.
Review performance regularly and update procedures to reflect changes in legislation, industry best practice and operational experience.
Management Responsibilities
The management of Watford Movers has overall responsibility for implementing and maintaining this Health and Safety Policy. Management will:
Ensure compliance with relevant health and safety legislation and recognised guidance for the removals industry.
Allocate sufficient resources, including time, equipment and training, to support safe working.
Carry out and regularly review risk assessments for all key removal tasks, including manual handling, vehicle movements, use of stairwells, handling large or awkward items, and operating in confined or shared spaces.
Provide safe working procedures and communicate them clearly to all staff and subcontractors.
Investigate accidents, incidents and near misses to identify root causes and implement corrective actions.
Consult with employees on health and safety matters and consider their suggestions for improvement.
Employee Responsibilities
Every employee of Watford Movers has an important role in maintaining a safe working environment. All staff must:
Take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions.
Follow all safety procedures, instructions and training provided by the company.
Use lifting aids, personal protective equipment and other safety equipment correctly and keep them in good condition.
Report any hazards, unsafe conditions, defects in equipment or vehicles and any accidents or near misses to management without delay.
Refrain from working under the influence of alcohol, drugs or any substance that could impair judgement or performance.
Cooperate with management in implementing risk control measures and participating in health and safety initiatives.
Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices
Before each removal or related service, Watford Movers will consider the specific risks associated with the property, access routes, parking arrangements, stairways, lifts, outdoor areas and the type and quantity of items to be moved.
Where appropriate, site-specific risk assessments and method statements will be prepared and communicated to all relevant staff. Key control measures may include planning safe vehicle access, using appropriate lifting and handling techniques, selecting suitable equipment such as trolleys and ramps, and ensuring clear communication among team members.
Employees are required to follow safe systems of work at all times, including team lifting for heavy or awkward items, maintaining good housekeeping in work areas, and ensuring that walkways and exits remain unobstructed.
Manual Handling and Use of Equipment
Manual handling is a core part of removals work and presents a significant risk of injury if not managed properly. Watford Movers will:
Provide manual handling training covering safe lifting techniques, load assessment and team coordination.
Encourage the use of mechanical aids such as sack trucks, dollies and sliders wherever reasonably practicable.
Ensure that only trained and authorised personnel operate any specialised equipment.
Require staff to refuse to lift or move loads that they consider unsafe without additional assistance or equipment.
Vehicles and Driving Safety
Safe use of vehicles is essential to protecting our staff and the public. Watford Movers will ensure that:
Vehicles are regularly inspected, serviced and maintained in roadworthy condition.
Drivers hold the appropriate licences, are competent and receive any necessary training related to the type of vehicle and work undertaken.
Loads are packed and secured safely to prevent movement during transit.
Routes are planned to minimise risk where reasonably practicable, taking into account road conditions and access restrictions.
Drivers comply with road traffic laws and drive responsibly, allowing for sufficient breaks on longer journeys.
Customer Premises and Public Safety
Our teams often work in and around customer homes, business premises and public areas. Watford Movers will take care to:
Protect customer property from damage by using suitable coverings, padding and safe handling methods.
Minimise disruption and clearly communicate activities to customers and any other occupants on site.
Manage access points, doorways and shared areas to reduce risks to residents, visitors and the public.
Secure tools, equipment and vehicles when not in use to prevent unauthorised access or accidental injury.
Training, Communication and Review
Watford Movers will provide induction and ongoing training appropriate to each role, covering topics such as manual handling, safe driving, use of equipment, incident reporting and emergency procedures.
Health and safety information will be communicated through briefings, toolbox talks and written guidance. Employees are encouraged to raise concerns and suggestions at any time.
This Health and Safety Policy will be reviewed regularly, and at least annually, to ensure it remains suitable and effective. Revisions will take into account changes in legislation, company operations, technology and feedback from staff and customers.
By working together and following this policy, Watford Movers aims to maintain a safe, professional and responsible removals service for everyone involved.
