Health and Safety policy
Tooting Movers Health and Safety Policy
Tooting Movers is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for all employees, customers, contractors and members of the public who may be affected by our removal and relocation activities. This policy sets out our approach to managing health and safety and forms an integral part of the way we operate.
Our Health and Safety Objectives
Our objectives are to prevent injury and ill health, protect property and equipment, and ensure that all removal and related services are carried out in a safe, professional and responsible manner. We aim to continually improve our health and safety performance and to integrate safe working practices into every stage of our operations.
Legal Responsibilities and Duty of Care
Tooting Movers will comply with all relevant health and safety legislation and industry best practice applicable to the removals and transport sector. We recognise our duty of care to provide safe systems of work, adequate information, instruction, training and supervision, and to ensure that our equipment and vehicles are maintained in a safe condition.
Employees also have a duty to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions, and to cooperate fully with the company in implementing this policy.
Management Responsibilities
Company management is responsible for implementing and reviewing this Health and Safety Policy and for ensuring that adequate resources are allocated to meet its objectives. This includes planning safe methods of work for all removal activities, monitoring performance, addressing issues promptly, and leading by example in promoting a positive safety culture.
Managers and supervisors must ensure that risk assessments are carried out, control measures are followed, and that staff are competent, trained and properly equipped to carry out their duties safely.
Employee Responsibilities
All employees are required to follow safe working practices, adhere to company procedures and report any hazards, near misses or incidents without delay. Staff must use equipment, vehicles and personal protective equipment correctly and must not misuse or interfere with any safety measure provided by the company.
Employees are expected to take part in relevant training, toolbox talks and safety briefings and to raise any concerns about health and safety with their line manager or the designated responsible person.
Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work
Tooting Movers conducts regular risk assessments for our core activities, including packing, lifting and carrying, loading and unloading vehicles, driving, and working in customers premises. These assessments identify potential hazards, evaluate the risks and set out the control measures needed to minimise those risks.
Safe systems of work are developed and implemented based on these assessments. They may include specific guidance on manual handling techniques, use of lifting aids, vehicle loading procedures, route planning, and safe access to properties such as flats and multi-storey buildings.
Manual Handling and Lifting
Manual handling is central to removal work and is managed carefully to reduce the risk of strain and injury. Staff receive instruction on correct lifting techniques, team lifts, use of trolleys and other handling equipment, and how to plan a lift before attempting it.
Where possible, mechanical aids are used to minimise manual effort. Loads are assessed for weight, shape and stability before moving, and employees are instructed not to attempt to lift or carry items that are beyond their capability or that cannot be moved safely.
Vehicles, Driving and Transport Safety
Our vehicles are maintained in good working order and are checked regularly to ensure they are roadworthy and suitable for the tasks required. Drivers must hold appropriate licences, follow road safety regulations and operate vehicles in a professional and considerate manner.
Loads are secured properly to prevent movement during transit, and loading plans are used to avoid overloading or unbalanced loads. Particular attention is paid to safe parking, reversing, working near traffic and accessing properties in busy streets or restricted areas.
Protective Equipment and Work Equipment
Where required, Tooting Movers provides suitable personal protective equipment such as gloves, safety footwear and high-visibility clothing. Employees must use this equipment when instructed and keep it in good condition, reporting any defects immediately.
All work equipment, including trolleys, ramps, lifting straps and other tools, is selected, inspected and maintained to ensure it is safe for use. Staff are trained in the correct and safe operation of all equipment they are required to use.
Customer Premises and Public Safety
We recognise our responsibility to protect customers and members of the public while our teams are working. Staff take care to maintain clear walkways, manage trip hazards such as packing materials and tools, and communicate with customers about safe access routes during the move.
When working in communal areas, shared entrances or on public pavements, additional care is taken to minimise obstruction and clearly indicate where work is taking place.
Training, Information and Communication
Tooting Movers provides appropriate health and safety training for all employees, including induction training for new starters, job-specific training for removal operatives and drivers, and periodic refreshers. Safety information is communicated through briefings, notices and ongoing supervision.
We encourage open communication about health and safety matters and support staff in raising concerns or suggestions for improvement without fear of criticism.
Incident Reporting and Investigation
All accidents, incidents, injuries and near misses must be reported promptly in accordance with company procedures. This enables us to investigate the causes, take corrective action and prevent recurrence.
Records of incidents and investigations are reviewed regularly to identify trends and opportunities for improving our systems of work and safety controls.
Policy Review and Continuous Improvement
This Health and Safety Policy is reviewed regularly and updated when necessary to reflect changes in legislation, best practice or the nature of our services. We are committed to ongoing improvement in health and safety performance and to maintaining high standards throughout all aspects of our removal operations.
All employees, contractors and partners are expected to cooperate with the implementation of this policy and to contribute to a safe, efficient and professional service for our customers.
