Health and Safety policy
Stockwell Movers Health and Safety Policy
Stockwell Movers is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for all employees, subcontractors, clients and visitors. This policy sets out our approach to managing health and safety across all moving and relocation activities, including packing, loading, transport, unloading and storage.
Policy Statement and Objectives
Our objective is to prevent injury, ill health and property damage arising from our work. We will identify and control risks associated with manual handling, use of vehicles, handling of furniture and equipment, work at height during loading, and work in client homes, offices and storage facilities.
We will provide appropriate information, instruction, training and supervision so that our teams can carry out removal tasks safely and efficiently. This policy is reviewed regularly and updated as needed to reflect changes in legislation, industry standards and our own operations.
Management Responsibilities
The management of Stockwell Movers is responsible for implementing and maintaining this health and safety policy. This includes:
Ensuring that suitable and sufficient risk assessments are carried out for typical and non-standard removal jobs. Providing safe equipment, vehicles and work methods, and ensuring they are properly maintained. Making sure all employees receive appropriate induction and ongoing training in safe lifting techniques, use of equipment and emergency procedures. Investigating incidents, near misses and hazards, and taking corrective action to prevent recurrence.
Employee Responsibilities
Every employee and subcontractor working for Stockwell Movers has a duty to take reasonable care for their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their work. All staff are expected to:
Follow safe working procedures and instructions given by supervisors or managers. Use equipment and personal protective equipment correctly and report any defects immediately. Avoid taking shortcuts that could compromise safety during lifting, loading, transport or unloading. Report accidents, near misses or unsafe conditions without delay so that they can be investigated and addressed. Cooperate fully with health and safety training, briefings and audits.
Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work
Stockwell Movers assesses risks associated with each type of removal service and develops safe systems of work to control those risks. Key areas include:
Manual handling of heavy or awkward items such as furniture, appliances and boxes. Use of trolleys, dollies, ramps and lifting straps. Vehicle loading and securing of loads to prevent shifting in transit. Access to premises, including stairs, narrow corridors, lifts and external paths. Work in shared or public areas where other people may be present.
Where a job presents unusual or higher risks, a specific assessment will be carried out and additional controls implemented before work begins.
Manual Handling and Lifting
Manual handling is a core part of moving services and is managed carefully to reduce the risk of strain and injury. Stockwell Movers will:
Train staff in safe lifting techniques and team lifts for bulky items. Plan lifts to avoid unnecessary carrying and to use mechanical aids where possible. Encourage staff to assess each lift and refuse to move items that are beyond safe capability without additional assistance or equipment. Rotate tasks when possible to reduce prolonged repetitive movements.
Vehicles, Driving and Transport Safety
Our vehicles are a key element of our service and are managed to high safety standards. We will ensure that vehicles are maintained, inspected and cleaned regularly and that loads are secured to prevent movement. Drivers must be competent, hold the appropriate licence and comply with road traffic laws and company procedures.
Drivers are responsible for carrying out basic pre-use checks, driving safely and courteously, and avoiding distractions. Routes and schedules are planned to allow for safe driving conditions and realistic travel times.
Premises, Clients Homes and Worksites
Health and safety applies not only to our own premises but also to client properties and any third-party locations where we work. Our teams will:
Take care to protect floors, walls and fixtures using appropriate coverings and handling techniques. Keep access routes clear of tripping hazards such as straps, boxes and discarded materials. Identify and manage site-specific risks, such as low ceilings, uneven ground, steps and restricted parking or loading areas. Be respectful of client property and ensure items are placed and handled in a way that minimises risk of damage or injury.
Equipment and Personal Protective Equipment
Stockwell Movers provides suitable equipment for lifting, carrying and protecting goods and staff. This may include trolleys, furniture blankets, straps, corner protectors and other devices. Where personal protective equipment is required, such as gloves or safety footwear, it will be supplied and must be worn as instructed.
All employees must inspect equipment before use and report defects immediately. Faulty equipment must be taken out of service until it has been repaired or replaced.
Training, Information and Supervision
We recognise that effective training and supervision are essential to safe operations. All new starters receive health and safety induction covering manual handling, vehicle safety, incident reporting and site conduct. Ongoing training, toolbox talks and refresher sessions are provided as needed to maintain and update skills.
Supervisors and team leaders monitor work practices on site, correct unsafe behaviour and ensure compliance with this policy and associated procedures.
Incident Reporting and Emergency Procedures
All accidents, injuries, near misses and damage incidents must be reported at the earliest opportunity. This enables us to investigate causes, learn lessons and prevent recurrence. Records of incidents and any remedial actions taken are maintained.
Employees are briefed on emergency procedures relevant to their work, including what to do in the event of fire, serious injury, road collision or other emergencies while on client premises, at storage locations or on the road.
Continuous Improvement and Policy Review
Stockwell Movers is committed to continuous improvement in health and safety performance. We regularly review this policy, our risk assessments and our working methods, taking into account staff feedback, incident trends and changes in legislation or industry practice.
This health and safety policy applies to all aspects of our removal and relocation services and is supported by more detailed procedures and guidance for specific tasks. Compliance with this policy is a condition of employment and of any subcontracting arrangement with Stockwell Movers.
