Health and Safety policy
Earls Court Movers Health and Safety Policy
Earls Court Movers is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for our employees, clients, contractors and members of the public who may be affected by our removal and relocation activities. This Health and Safety Policy sets out our approach to managing risks associated with moving, handling, transport and on-site operations in our service areas.
Policy Statement
The management of Earls Court Movers recognises its responsibility to comply with relevant health and safety legislation and to promote continuous improvement in health, safety and welfare standards. We will provide appropriate resources, information, instruction, supervision and training to ensure that health and safety remains a core component of our removal services.
All employees, from management to operational staff, have a duty to work safely, follow established procedures and report hazards so that risks are controlled effectively.
Responsibilities
Management Responsibilities
Management at Earls Court Movers will:
Plan, implement and maintain safe systems of work for all removal and transportation activities, including packing, loading, unloading and storage. Ensure that all vehicles, lifting equipment, tools and personal protective equipment are suitable, properly maintained and used in accordance with manufacturer guidance. Identify, assess and manage significant risks through regular risk assessments and site-specific assessments where required. Provide employees with health and safety induction and role-specific training, including manual handling, working at height where relevant, and safe driving practices. Investigate accidents, incidents and near misses promptly, recording findings and implementing corrective actions. Review this Health and Safety Policy at regular intervals and revise it in light of changes in legislation, operations or best practice.
Employee Responsibilities
All employees of Earls Court Movers are required to:
Take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions or omissions. Follow company procedures, method statements and instructions given by supervisors and managers. Use equipment, tools and protective clothing correctly and report any defects immediately. Report accidents, injuries, near misses and unsafe conditions without delay. Co-operate with management in the implementation of health and safety arrangements, including attending training and participating in risk assessments where appropriate.
Client and Contractor Responsibilities
Clients and contractors working with Earls Court Movers are expected to:
Provide accurate information about site conditions, access arrangements, parking restrictions and any known hazards. Co-operate with our staff to ensure safe access, clear working areas and appropriate coordination between different parties on site. Comply with any reasonable health and safety instructions given by our team while work is being carried out.
Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work
Earls Court Movers carries out risk assessments covering typical and site-specific removal tasks. These assessments identify potential hazards such as manual handling, trips and falls, vehicle movements, working in confined spaces, and handling fragile or heavy items.
Based on these assessments, we develop safe systems of work and task-specific procedures that may include:
Using team lifting or lifting aids for heavy or awkward loads. Planning access routes and securing safe parking and loading areas. Protecting floors, stairways and doorways to reduce risk of slips or damage. Controlling public access to working zones where reasonably practicable. Ensuring appropriate supervision of complex or higher-risk moves.
Manual Handling and Ergonomics
Manual handling is a key aspect of our operations and is managed carefully to reduce the risk of musculoskeletal injuries. We provide training on correct lifting techniques, load assessment and use of equipment such as dollies, trolleys, straps and ramps. Staff are instructed to avoid single-person lifting of excessive loads, to use mechanical aids where available, and to request assistance whenever a load is beyond their capability.
Vehicles and Driving Safety
Our vehicles are inspected and maintained regularly to ensure they are roadworthy and suitable for the loads carried. Drivers are responsible for conducting basic pre-use checks, reporting defects promptly and securing loads safely for transport.
We expect all drivers to follow road traffic laws, drive defensively, respect local parking and loading restrictions and avoid distractions while driving. Journey planning aims to minimise risks associated with congestion, restricted access and time pressure.
Housekeeping and Site Safety
Good housekeeping is essential for safe moving operations. Our teams are instructed to keep walkways clear of packaging, tools and debris, to manage cables and ramps to avoid trip hazards, and to stack items securely to prevent collapse. Particular care is taken in communal areas, shared entrances and public footpaths to protect passers-by and residents.
Personal Protective Equipment
Where risks cannot be eliminated or adequately controlled by other means, appropriate personal protective equipment is provided, such as gloves, safety footwear, high-visibility clothing and other items as required. Employees must use this equipment correctly and report any loss or damage so it can be replaced.
Training, Information and Supervision
All new employees receive health and safety induction training and role-specific instruction before undertaking operational duties. Training is refreshed periodically and whenever there are significant changes in work methods, equipment or legislation.
Supervisors and team leaders are responsible for monitoring safe working practices on site, providing guidance to less experienced staff and addressing unsafe behaviours or conditions immediately.
Accidents, Incidents and Emergency Procedures
All accidents, injuries, near misses and dangerous occurrences must be reported to management as soon as possible. We will record and investigate incidents to identify root causes and implement measures to prevent recurrence.
Teams are briefed on basic emergency arrangements, including procedures in the event of fire, injury or sudden illness while at clients premises or during transit. Staff are expected to follow local emergency instructions, cooperate with emergency services and prioritise the safety of people over property.
Consultation and Continuous Improvement
Earls Court Movers encourages open communication on health and safety matters. Employees are invited to raise concerns, suggest improvements and participate in discussions about safer working methods. Feedback from staff, clients and contractors is valued and used to refine our processes.
This Health and Safety Policy reflects our ongoing commitment to operating a professional removal service that protects the wellbeing of everyone involved and supports a culture of safety, responsibility and respect across all our activities.
