Health and Safety policy
Westminster Movers Health and Safety Policy
Westminster Movers is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for all employees, contractors, customers, and members of the public who may be affected by our removals and related services. This Health and Safety Policy sets out our approach to managing risks associated with moving, handling, transport, and storage of goods.
We recognise that professional removals involve manual handling, vehicle operations, working in varied locations, and interaction with customers and their property. We therefore take proactive measures to prevent injury, ill health, and damage to property across all aspects of our work.
Our Health and Safety Commitments
Westminster Movers is committed to:
Identifying, assessing, and controlling health and safety risks arising from our activities.
Complying with all applicable health and safety legislation and recognised industry standards.
Providing and maintaining safe equipment, vehicles, and working systems.
Ensuring all staff receive appropriate health and safety training for their roles.
Consulting with employees on matters affecting their health and safety.
Promoting a culture where safety concerns can be raised without hesitation.
Reviewing this policy regularly to ensure it remains effective and relevant.
Roles and Responsibilities
Overall responsibility for health and safety rests with the company management of Westminster Movers, who ensure that adequate resources are made available to implement this policy.
Managers and supervisors are responsible for:
Implementing this policy in day-to-day operations.
Carrying out and documenting risk assessments for removal activities.
Ensuring staff follow agreed safe systems of work and use protective equipment correctly.
Investigating accidents, near misses, and hazardous incidents, and implementing corrective actions.
Employees and contractors have a duty to:
Take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions.
Follow all safety instructions, procedures, and training received.
Report hazards, near misses, accidents, damaged equipment, or unsafe practices without delay.
Use vehicles, tools, and equipment in a safe and responsible manner.
Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices
Westminster Movers conducts risk assessments for key activities such as manual handling, loading and unloading vehicles, driving, working in confined areas, use of lifting equipment, and handling fragile or bulky items.
From these assessments, we develop safe working procedures that may include:
Pre-move surveys of premises to identify access issues, parking arrangements, stairways, and any special risks.
Using appropriate lifting aids such as trolleys, dollies, and straps wherever beneficial.
Establishing clear walkways and loading areas to prevent trips and collisions.
Ensuring adequate lighting in loading and unloading zones where reasonably practicable.
Planning the order of loading and unloading to minimise unnecessary handling and strain.
Safe systems of work are communicated to staff and monitored on a regular basis.
Manual Handling and Personal Safety
Manual handling is a central part of removals work, and poor technique can cause serious injury. Westminster Movers minimises manual handling risks by:
Providing training on correct lifting and carrying techniques for items of different sizes and weights.
Encouraging team lifting for heavy or awkward items such as large furniture and appliances.
Avoiding unnecessary carrying by using mechanical aids and planning efficient load routes.
Ensuring staff take appropriate breaks and do not overexert themselves.
Where necessary, we provide suitable personal protective equipment, such as safety footwear and gloves, and instruct staff on correct use and maintenance.
Vehicle and Driving Safety
Westminster Movers maintains its fleet of vehicles to a high safety standard. Our approach includes:
Regular inspections, servicing, and maintenance of all vehicles.
Ensuring only trained and authorised drivers operate company vehicles.
Safe loading practices to secure items and distribute weight correctly.
Compliance with road traffic laws, speed limits, and driving hour regulations.
Route planning that takes into account access restrictions, parking, and safe unloading areas.
Drivers are instructed to drive carefully, remain vigilant for vulnerable road users, and report any vehicle defects or incidents immediately.
Customer Premises and Public Safety
Our teams work at customers homes, offices, and other premises as well as in public areas. We take care to minimise risk to customers, visitors, and passers-by by:
Setting up safe loading zones wherever possible.
Using warning signs or verbal warnings when carrying large items through shared spaces.
Keeping access routes clear of packaging, tools, and other obstacles.
Respecting customer property and avoiding damage through careful handling and adequate protection.
Where there are shared entrances, lifts, or stairways, our teams work thoughtfully to reduce congestion and prevent accidents.
Training, Information, and Supervision
Westminster Movers provides appropriate health and safety training and information to all staff according to their role and responsibilities. This may include induction training, manual handling instruction, safe vehicle operation, use of lifting equipment, and site-specific procedures.
Supervisors monitor working practices, especially when new employees or new methods of work are introduced. Additional guidance and refresher training are provided when required.
Accident Reporting and Emergency Procedures
All accidents, near misses, injuries, and incidents involving damage to property or vehicles must be reported promptly to management. This enables proper investigation and helps prevent recurrence.
Westminster Movers maintains procedures for dealing with emergencies, such as personal injury, fire, or serious road incidents. Staff receive guidance on raising the alarm, contacting the appropriate emergency services, and keeping themselves and others safe while assistance is on the way.
Continuous Improvement and Policy Review
We are committed to continual improvement in our health and safety performance. This includes reviewing incident reports, staff feedback, changes in legislation, and developments in best practice within the removals sector.
This Health and Safety Policy is reviewed regularly and updated when necessary to ensure it remains effective in supporting safe removals operations and the wellbeing of everyone affected by our work.
All employees of Westminster Movers are expected to cooperate fully with this policy and to play their part in maintaining high standards of health and safety at all times.
