Health and Safety policy
Surrey Movers Health and Safety Policy
Surrey Movers is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for our employees, contractors, customers and members of the public who may be affected by our moving and removal activities. This Health and Safety Policy outlines the principles, responsibilities and procedures that guide our day-to-day operations and our ongoing efforts to prevent accidents, injuries and damage to property.
Policy Statement and Objectives
Our objective is to conduct all removal and relocation services in a manner that minimises risk and complies with relevant health and safety legislation, regulations and industry best practice. We aim to prevent work-related injuries and ill health by identifying hazards, assessing risks and implementing suitable control measures before work begins.
We will continuously improve our health and safety performance through regular review, consultation with staff and updates to our working methods, equipment and training. Health and safety considerations are integral to planning and carrying out every move, from small residential jobs to large commercial relocations.
Management Responsibilities
The management team at Surrey Movers has overall responsibility for implementing this policy and ensuring that adequate resources are provided for health and safety. This includes investment in appropriate vehicles and equipment, training programmes, supervision, protective clothing and maintenance.
Managers and supervisors are responsible for:
Providing clear instructions, information and guidance on safe working methods for lifting, carrying, loading, unloading and driving.
Ensuring risk assessments are completed, recorded and reviewed for tasks, premises and routes where necessary.
Monitoring compliance with safe systems of work and addressing unsafe behaviour or conditions promptly.
Investigating accidents, incidents and near misses to identify root causes and prevent recurrence.
Leading by example and promoting a positive safety culture throughout the company.
Employee Responsibilities
Every employee of Surrey Movers has a duty to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of colleagues, customers and the public. Staff must cooperate fully with this policy and follow all safety instructions and procedures.
Employees are expected to:
Use vehicles, equipment and protective gear correctly and only for their intended purpose.
Follow approved techniques for manual handling, lifting and carrying to minimise the risk of injury.
Report accidents, near misses, unsafe conditions or damaged equipment to management without delay.
Attend and participate in health and safety training and briefings provided by the company.
Refrain from working under the influence of alcohol, drugs or any substance that could impair judgement or performance.
Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices
Before undertaking removal work, Surrey Movers will assess the risks associated with access routes, stairways, lifts, parking, loading points and any special risks linked to large, heavy or fragile items. Where necessary, site visits may be carried out prior to the move.
Safe systems of work are applied to tasks such as disassembly and reassembly of furniture, handling of appliances, use of trolleys and ramps, securing loads in vehicles and protection of customers premises. Staff are instructed to adapt working methods if conditions change or new hazards are identified during the job.
Manual Handling and Use of Equipment
Manual handling is a significant part of removal work and is a key focus of our safety arrangements. Employees receive training on correct lifting techniques, team lifting, use of mechanical aids and recognition of loads that are too heavy or awkward to move safely.
We provide suitable tools and equipment such as sack trucks, dollies, moving straps, blankets and securing devices. All equipment is inspected regularly and removed from use if there is any sign of damage or defect. Staff must never overload equipment or vehicles and must ensure that items are secured to prevent movement in transit.
Vehicle Safety and Driving Standards
Surrey Movers is committed to operating its vehicles safely and responsibly. Drivers must hold the appropriate licence and are required to conduct basic checks on tyres, lights, brakes and load security before departure.
Driving must be carried out in accordance with road traffic laws, speed limits and company guidelines on fatigue management and journey planning. Vehicles must not be overloaded, and loads must be balanced and secured to avoid shifting that could affect vehicle stability.
Customer and Public Safety
We take care to protect customers, their property and members of the public during moving operations. This includes planning safe access routes, keeping exits and walkways clear, managing trip hazards such as ramps and loose packaging, and using warning signs or barriers where appropriate.
Where work takes place in shared spaces, communal areas or on busy streets, staff are instructed to remain alert to the presence of pedestrians, neighbours and other road users, and to adjust working methods to maintain safety.
Training, Information and Supervision
Surrey Movers provides induction training for new employees covering general health and safety rules, emergency procedures and safe working practices relevant to removal work. Ongoing training is given in manual handling, use of equipment and vehicles, and any specialist tasks as required.
Supervisors monitor work on site to ensure that procedures are followed and that new or inexperienced staff receive guidance and support. Additional briefings may be given before complex or higher risk jobs.
Accidents, Incidents and Emergency Procedures
All accidents, injuries, near misses and dangerous occurrences must be reported as soon as practicable. Surrey Movers will record and investigate incidents, take corrective action and share learning with staff where appropriate.
Employees are instructed in basic emergency procedures including first aid arrangements, fire precautions and evacuation routes when working at customer premises or other locations. Where required, first aid kits are carried in vehicles.
Policy Review and Continuous Improvement
This Health and Safety Policy will be reviewed regularly and updated when changes in legislation, industry practice or our operations make it necessary. Feedback from employees, customers and other stakeholders is welcomed and used to drive improvements in our safety performance.
By working together and maintaining high standards of care, Surrey Movers aims to ensure that every move is carried out as safely and efficiently as possible, protecting our team, our customers and the communities in which we operate.
