Health and Safety policy
Highbury Movers Health and Safety Policy
Highbury Movers is committed to maintaining the highest standards of health and safety for our employees, customers, contractors and members of the public. As a professional removals company, our operations involve physical work, handling of goods, driving and working in a range of environments. We recognise our duty to manage these activities safely and to continually improve our performance.
This policy sets out our approach to health and safety and applies to all aspects of our removals and related services. It is communicated to all team members and is available to customers and other interested parties on request.
Our Health and Safety Objectives
We aim to prevent injury, ill health and property damage by identifying hazards, assessing risks and putting in place proportionate control measures. Our core objectives are to provide and maintain safe working conditions, plant, vehicles and equipment; ensure safe systems of work for all removal activities; provide information, instruction, training and supervision; consult with employees on health and safety matters; and ensure that health and safety considerations are integrated into our planning and decision-making.
Management Responsibilities
The management of Highbury Movers has overall responsibility for health and safety within the company. This includes setting policy, providing adequate resources, and ensuring that effective procedures are implemented, monitored and reviewed.
Management will ensure that risk assessments are carried out for key tasks such as lifting and carrying, loading and unloading vehicles, driving, working at height when necessary and operating any mechanical aids. They are responsible for ensuring that staff are properly trained and competent, that accidents and near misses are investigated, and that lessons learned are used to prevent recurrence.
Employee Responsibilities
All employees of Highbury Movers share responsibility for maintaining a safe working environment. Every team member is expected to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of colleagues, customers and the public who may be affected by their actions.
Employees must follow company procedures and safe systems of work, use provided personal protective equipment correctly, report hazards, defects, accidents and near misses promptly, and cooperate with management on health and safety initiatives, training and audits. Failure to follow safety rules may result in disciplinary action, as unsafe behaviour can put others at risk.
Safe Handling, Lifting and Manual Work
Manual handling is a core part of removals work and presents a significant risk of injury if not managed properly. Highbury Movers is committed to minimising manual handling risks by using appropriate equipment such as trolleys, dollies, lifting straps and ramps wherever practicable, planning moves in advance to reduce unnecessary lifting and carrying, and ensuring team lifting is used for heavy, bulky or awkward items.
All staff receive training in safe lifting techniques, correct body positioning, and how to recognise when a load is too heavy or unsafe to move without assistance. No employee is expected to lift or carry any item they believe to be unsafe, and they are encouraged to speak up and request help or equipment when needed.
Vehicles, Driving and Road Safety
Our vehicles are essential to our removals service, and their safe operation is a priority. Highbury Movers ensures that vehicles are maintained and inspected in line with legal and manufacturer requirements. Drivers are required to carry out basic pre-use checks and report any defects immediately.
Only authorised and competent personnel may drive company vehicles. Drivers must obey road traffic laws, follow company guidelines on journey planning, loading and securing loads, and take adequate breaks to avoid fatigue. Loads are secured using appropriate restraints to prevent movement during transit, protecting both staff and other road users.
Customer Premises and Site Safety
Our teams work in customers homes, offices, storage facilities and shared spaces. Each site can present different risks, including confined spaces, steps and staircases, uneven surfaces, restricted parking and shared access with other users.
Prior to starting work, the team leader will consider site-specific hazards and take reasonable steps to manage them, such as planning safe access routes, checking floors, stairs and handrails, keeping walkways clear of trip hazards like boxes and packing materials, using warning signs or verbal warnings when moving large items through shared areas, and coordinating with customers to agree safe loading and unloading locations.
Equipment and Personal Protective Equipment
Highbury Movers provides suitable equipment to help perform removals safely, including moving aids, blankets, straps and protective materials. All equipment is inspected regularly and maintained in safe working order. Faulty or damaged equipment must not be used and must be reported immediately.
Where necessary, personal protective equipment such as safety footwear and gloves is provided. Staff are required to use this equipment as instructed and to take care of it. Replacement of worn or damaged protective items is arranged promptly.
Health, Welfare and Training
We are committed to supporting the physical and mental wellbeing of our staff. Work schedules are planned, so far as reasonably practicable, to reduce excessive fatigue, particularly on long or complex moves. Breaks are encouraged, and staff are expected to report if they feel unfit for work due to illness, injury or any other factor that could compromise safety.
Induction and ongoing training include health and safety awareness, safe lifting and handling, vehicle safety and customer site conduct. Additional training is provided when new equipment, vehicles or procedures are introduced, or when risk assessments highlight a need.
Accident Reporting and Emergency Procedures
All accidents, incidents and near misses, however minor, must be reported as soon as possible to a supervisor or manager. Highbury Movers records these events and investigates them to understand causes and implement improvements.
Team members are briefed on basic emergency procedures, including how to respond to injuries, fires, vehicle incidents and other unexpected events. At customer premises, our staff will follow the site specific emergency arrangements where applicable, including evacuation routes and assembly points.
Monitoring, Review and Continuous Improvement
Highbury Movers regularly reviews its health and safety performance through inspections, feedback from staff and customers, monitoring of incidents and periodic policy reviews. Where improvements are identified, procedures and training are updated accordingly.
This Health and Safety Policy is reviewed at least annually, or sooner if there are significant changes in our operations, relevant legislation or industry best practice. Updated versions are communicated to all employees to ensure continued understanding and compliance.
Through these measures, Highbury Movers aims to provide a safe, professional removals service that protects our team, our customers and the wider community.
