Health and Safety policy
Maida Vale Movers Health and Safety Policy
Maida Vale 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 removal and relocation activities. This policy sets out our approach to managing health and safety risks across all moving services, including packing, loading, transport, unloading, and storage operations.
Our objective is to prevent injuries, protect property, and minimise risks arising from our work. We recognise our duty to comply with all relevant health and safety legislation and accepted industry standards for professional removal companies.
Health and Safety Responsibilities
Overall responsibility for health and safety at Maida Vale Movers rests with the company management. Management will ensure that appropriate resources, training, and supervision are provided to maintain safe methods of work and safe systems of operation.
Supervisors and team leaders are responsible for implementing this policy on a day-to-day basis, including monitoring working practices on site, identifying hazards, and ensuring that staff follow safe procedures.
All employees, including permanent, temporary, and agency staff, share responsibility for their own safety and the safety of others. Every team member must cooperate with management, use equipment correctly, follow instructions, and report any hazards, near misses, incidents, or concerns immediately.
Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work
We carry out risk assessments for our removal activities to identify potential hazards and determine suitable control measures. These assessments consider manual handling, vehicle movements, working in customers premises, handling fragile and heavy items, and operating in confined or shared spaces such as stairwells, corridors, and loading areas.
Findings from risk assessments are used to create and update safe systems of work. These systems include clear procedures for packing, lifting, carrying, loading, securing loads, driving, and unloading. We review and revise our assessments and procedures regularly or when there are significant changes to our operations or equipment.
Manual Handling and Lifting
Manual handling is a core part of moving and removal services, and we place particular emphasis on safe lifting techniques. Staff receive training on how to assess loads, plan lifts, and use correct posture and team lifting methods to reduce the risk of injury.
Wherever possible, we use mechanical aids such as sack trucks, trolleys, lifting straps, and other equipment to move heavy or bulky items. Employees must not attempt to lift or carry loads beyond their capability and should request assistance or equipment when required.
Vehicles, Driving and Transport Safety
Our vehicles are maintained in a safe and roadworthy condition through regular checks, servicing, and inspections. Drivers must carry out daily vehicle checks and report any defects immediately so that remedial action can be taken before the vehicle is used.
Loads are packed and secured in vehicles using appropriate restraints and methods to prevent movement during transit. Drivers are required to follow all road traffic regulations, drive safely and considerately, and allow sufficient time for journeys to avoid rushing or unsafe driving practices.
Parking and unloading locations are selected to minimise risk to staff, customers, and the public. Where necessary, a team member may act as a banksman to guide vehicle movements in tight or busy areas.
Working in Customers Premises
When working in customers homes, offices, or other premises, our staff must act with care and consideration at all times. We take reasonable steps to protect customers, their families, employees, and visitors during our work.
Walkways and work areas are kept as clear as practicable, and trip hazards such as loose packing materials are removed or controlled. Where possible, we agree safe access routes, lift usage, and loading areas with the customer before starting work.
Staff are instructed to respect property, avoid blocking fire exits or escape routes, and follow any site-specific safety rules that may apply in shared buildings or managed facilities.
Training, Information and Supervision
Maida Vale Movers provides appropriate health and safety training to all employees, including induction training for new starters and refresher training where required. Training covers manual handling, hazard awareness, use of equipment, vehicle safety, and incident reporting procedures.
Employees receive clear instructions and guidance for each job, including any specific risks identified during pre-move planning. Supervisors monitor adherence to safety procedures on site and provide additional coaching or corrective guidance when necessary.
Equipment, Tools and Personal Protective Equipment
All tools, lifting devices, and handling equipment used in our removal services are maintained in good condition and inspected regularly. Faulty or damaged equipment must be taken out of use immediately and reported to management.
Where appropriate, we provide personal protective equipment such as gloves, safety footwear, and high visibility clothing. Staff must use the equipment provided in accordance with training and instructions and report any issues with fit, comfort, or condition.
Incident Reporting and Emergency Procedures
All accidents, injuries, near misses, and dangerous occurrences must be reported to management as soon as practicable. We investigate incidents to identify root causes and implement measures to prevent recurrence.
Our teams are briefed on emergency procedures relevant to each job, including fire evacuation routes, meeting points, and contact with emergency services if required. When working in shared or managed premises, we follow the building specific emergency arrangements.
Health, Welfare and Fitness for Work
We recognise that the physical nature of removal work requires staff to be fit for duty. Employees are encouraged to inform management of any health issues that may affect their ability to carry out tasks safely.
We do not tolerate the use of alcohol or illegal substances at work, or coming to work under their influence. Medication that may affect safe performance must be discussed with management so that appropriate adjustments can be considered.
Continuous Improvement and Policy Review
Maida Vale Movers is committed to continuous improvement in health and safety performance. We review this policy regularly and update it as necessary to reflect changes in legislation, industry practice, or our operations.
We welcome feedback from employees and customers on any aspect of safety during our removal services. Suggestions for improvement are considered carefully and, where appropriate, incorporated into our procedures and staff training.
This Health and Safety Policy applies to all activities carried out by Maida Vale Movers and underpins our commitment to delivering professional, reliable, and safe moving services.
