Health and Safety policy
Islington Movers Health and Safety Policy
Islington Movers is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for our employees, contractors, clients, and members of the public who may be affected by our removals and related services. We recognise that professional moving and handling activities carry specific risks, and we work proactively to prevent accidents, injuries, and ill health.
This Health and Safety Policy applies to all work carried out by Islington Movers, including residential and commercial removals, packing, loading and unloading, storage handling, and transport of goods.
Our Health and Safety Objectives
We aim to minimise the risks associated with moving, handling, and transportation by:
Ensuring compliance with applicable health and safety legislation and industry best practice. Identifying and managing hazards associated with lifting, carrying, driving, and use of equipment. Providing appropriate training, information, and supervision to all employees. Maintaining safe systems of work for all removal activities. Promoting a positive health and safety culture throughout the organisation.
Management Responsibilities
Senior management at Islington Movers has overall responsibility for implementing and maintaining this policy. Management will:
Allocate adequate resources for health and safety, including training, equipment, and supervision. Ensure that risk assessments are completed, reviewed regularly, and communicated to staff. Set and review health and safety objectives as part of ongoing performance monitoring. Investigate accidents, incidents, and near misses, and take corrective actions. Lead by example in following safe working practices and using appropriate protective equipment.
Employee Responsibilities
All employees, including drivers, porters, supervisors, and office personnel, share responsibility for health and safety. Employees must:
Take reasonable care for their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions. Follow all safety procedures, training instructions, and risk assessments issued by the company. Use provided equipment, vehicles, and personal protective equipment correctly. Report any hazards, defects, near misses, or incidents immediately to their supervisor. Refrain from misuse or interference with any safety equipment or systems provided for protection.
Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work
Islington Movers carries out regular risk assessments covering the full range of removal activities. These assessments consider risks such as manual handling injuries, slips and trips, falls from vehicles, collisions, property damage, and risks associated with specific items such as pianos, appliances, or heavy furniture.
For each job, staff are expected to assess on-site risks on arrival, including access routes, stairways, parking, and any unusual items or conditions. Where necessary, work will be modified, additional equipment will be used, or the job will be re-planned to ensure safety is not compromised.
Manual Handling and Lifting Practices
Manual handling is a core aspect of our work, and it is managed carefully to reduce the risk of strain and injury. Our approach includes:
Providing training in correct lifting techniques, team handling, and use of trolleys, dollies, and lifting straps. Planning lifts to avoid sudden, awkward, or excessive manual handling wherever possible. Using mechanical aids and additional crew members for heavy or bulky items. Avoiding carrying loads that are too heavy or unstable for safe movement. Encouraging staff to speak up if they believe a lift or move cannot be carried out safely.
Vehicles, Driving, and Transport Safety
Islington Movers maintains all vehicles used for removals in a safe and roadworthy condition. We are committed to safe driving practices that protect our staff, our clients, and other road users. We will:
Ensure that only competent and authorised employees drive company vehicles. Carry out regular vehicle checks and servicing in line with manufacturers recommendations. Require drivers to conduct pre-use inspections for obvious defects or safety issues. Plan routes and schedules so far as reasonably practicable to reduce fatigue and time pressure. Load vehicles safely and securely to prevent shifting, damage, or instability during transit.
Equipment, Tools, and Personal Protective Equipment
We provide suitable equipment and tools for moving and handling, including trolleys, ramps, protective coverings, and securing straps. All such equipment will be maintained in good condition and replaced if damaged or unsuitable.
Where the work requires, personal protective equipment such as gloves, safety footwear, and high-visibility clothing will be provided. Employees are expected to use this equipment correctly and report any loss or damage at the earliest opportunity.
Client Premises and Public Safety
Our teams work in and around client homes, offices, communal areas, and public spaces. To protect clients, visitors, and the public, we will:
Keep walkways, staircases, and access routes as clear as possible during moves. Use safe lifting routes and methods to avoid unnecessary risk to bystanders. Position vehicles safely, taking account of pedestrians, cyclists, and other traffic. Communicate with clients about any temporary hazards created by our work. Clean up debris and remove equipment promptly on completion of a job.
Training, Communication, and Supervision
Islington Movers provides initial and ongoing training to ensure all staff understand their responsibilities and know how to work safely. Training covers topics such as safe lifting, equipment use, vehicle operation, incident reporting, and basic emergency procedures.
Supervisors and team leaders are responsible for monitoring standards on site and providing guidance and support to less experienced staff. Health and safety information is communicated through briefings, toolbox talks, and written instructions as necessary.
Incident Reporting and Investigation
All accidents, injuries, near misses, and dangerous occurrences must be reported promptly. This enables us to provide support where needed and to learn from events to prevent recurrence.
Management will review and investigate incidents proportionately, identifying root causes and implementing any necessary improvements in equipment, training, or procedures. Records of incidents and actions taken will be maintained and periodically reviewed.
Wellbeing, Fitness for Work, and Substance Use
Physical fitness and general wellbeing are important for safe performance of removal work. Employees are expected to attend work fit for duty, free from the effects of alcohol or drugs. Any concerns about fitness for work, including fatigue or injury, should be raised immediately with a supervisor so that adjustments can be considered.
Policy Review and Continuous Improvement
This Health and Safety Policy will be reviewed regularly and whenever there are significant changes in our operations, equipment, or relevant legislation. We are committed to continuous improvement and will update our procedures to reflect new knowledge, technology, and best practice in the removals industry.
Islington Movers expects everyone involved in our operations to uphold this policy and to contribute to a safe, professional, and responsible removals service.
