Health and Safety policy
Kingston Movers Health and Safety Policy
Kingston Movers is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for our employees, customers, contractors, and members of the public who may be affected by our removals and relocation activities. This policy sets out our approach to managing health and safety across all moving services, including domestic moves, commercial relocations, packing services, loading and unloading, and the transport of goods.
Our Health and Safety Objectives
Our objective is to prevent injury, ill health, and property damage by identifying hazards, assessing risks, and putting effective controls in place. Health and safety considerations form an integral part of our planning, decision making, and daily operations. We aim to continuously improve our safety performance while maintaining efficient and reliable removal services.
Management Responsibilities
Senior management at Kingston Movers holds overall responsibility for implementing and maintaining this Health and Safety Policy. Management will:
Provide appropriate resources to manage health and safety, including training, equipment, and supervision.
Ensure risk assessments are carried out for all significant activities, such as lifting, carrying, driving, and working in client properties.
Review health and safety performance regularly and update procedures when necessary.
Promote a positive safety culture where all workers understand that safe working practices are essential to every removal project.
Employee Responsibilities
Every employee of Kingston Movers has a duty to protect their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions. Employees must:
Follow all company safety procedures, training, and instructions.
Use equipment, vehicles, and protective gear correctly and report defects immediately.
Cooperate with supervisors in meeting health and safety requirements.
Report hazards, near misses, accidents, and unsafe conditions without delay.
Refrain from horseplay, misuse of equipment, or any conduct that could endanger themselves, colleagues, customers, or the public.
Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices
Before each removal project, Kingston Movers assesses the specific risks associated with the property, access routes, parking, stairways, heavy or fragile items, and any unusual conditions. We aim to:
Plan safe access and egress for staff and vehicles.
Identify items requiring special handling or lifting techniques.
Determine the right number of staff and suitable moving equipment, such as trolleys and lifting aids.
Minimise manual handling risks and avoid lifting loads that exceed safe limits.
Team leaders are responsible for carrying out on-site dynamic risk assessments and adapting work methods to address any new or unforeseen hazards.
Manual Handling and Lifting Safety
Manual handling is a core part of removal work and is managed carefully to reduce the risk of injury. Kingston Movers:
Provides training in correct lifting techniques, team lifting, and safe carrying methods.
Encourages the use of mechanical aids such as dollies, sack trucks, and furniture sliders whenever reasonably practicable.
Ensures large or heavy items are lifted by multiple operatives where needed.
Prohibits staff from taking unnecessary risks, such as lifting beyond their capability or rushing while carrying loads.
Vehicle, Driving, and Road Safety
Our vehicles are central to providing moving services and must be operated safely at all times. Kingston Movers will:
Maintain vehicles in a roadworthy condition with regular inspections and servicing.
Ensure drivers are competent, appropriately licensed, and familiar with safe loading practices.
Secure all loads to prevent movement, damage, or risk to road users.
Plan routes that allow safe access to properties and minimise reversing where possible.
Insist drivers obey all road traffic laws and avoid driving when tired or unfit.
Customer and Public Safety
Kingston Movers works carefully in and around customers homes and business premises to protect occupants and visitors. We will:
Keep work areas as tidy and unobstructed as possible.
Use safe lifting paths and avoid blocking exits or fire routes.
Communicate clearly with customers about any temporary restrictions or hazards during loading and unloading.
Handle furniture and belongings carefully to reduce the risk of damage or injury.
Equipment, Tools, and Protective Gear
We provide suitable equipment for the safe handling and transport of goods. Staff are required to use moving straps, gloves, and any other protective equipment provided for specific tasks. All tools and equipment must be inspected before use and removed from service if defective.
Training, Information, and Supervision
Kingston Movers provides ongoing training and supervision to ensure that all staff understand and can apply safe working methods. Training covers topics such as manual handling, safe loading, working in clients properties, and incident reporting. New employees receive an induction that includes our health and safety rules and expectations.
Accident, Incident, and Near-Miss Reporting
All accidents, injuries, vehicle incidents, and near misses must be reported to management as soon as possible. We investigate incidents to determine root causes and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence. Accurate reporting helps us learn and continuously improve our safety performance.
Drugs, Alcohol, and Fitness for Work
Employees must be fit for work when carrying out moving and driving duties. The use of alcohol or illegal drugs during working hours, or reporting for work under their influence, is strictly prohibited. Prescription or over-the-counter medication that may affect performance should be declared to management so that appropriate adjustments can be considered.
Policy Review and Continuous Improvement
This Health and Safety Policy is reviewed regularly and whenever there are significant changes in our operations, legislation, or best practice guidance. Kingston Movers is committed to continuously improving health and safety standards and expects all staff to contribute to a safer working environment.
By following this policy and cooperating fully, all members of Kingston Movers can help ensure that every move is carried out safely, efficiently, and with respect for the wellbeing of everyone involved.
