Health and Safety policy
Queen's Park Movers Health and Safety Policy
Queen's Park Movers is committed to maintaining the highest standards of health and safety in all removal and relocation activities. This policy sets out our approach to protecting employees, contractors, customers, visitors, and the general public while our work is being carried out. Our aim is to prevent accidents, reduce risks, and promote a positive safety culture throughout our moving operations.
Policy Objectives
The objectives of this Health and Safety Policy are to ensure that health and safety considerations are fully integrated into the planning and execution of all removals and associated services. We seek to identify and control hazards, comply with relevant health and safety legislation, and continually improve our performance. Every employee is expected to take responsibility for working safely and supporting these objectives.
Management Responsibilities
Senior management at Queen's Park Movers has overall responsibility for implementing and maintaining this policy. Management will allocate appropriate resources to manage health and safety risks and will ensure that systems are in place to assess work activities, provide training, monitor performance, and investigate incidents. We will review this policy periodically to reflect changes in law, guidance, and business operations.
Employee Responsibilities
All employees have a duty to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions or omissions. Employees must follow company procedures and safe working practices, use equipment correctly, wear any required personal protective equipment, report hazards or unsafe conditions, and cooperate with management in achieving a safe workplace.
Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices
Queen's Park Movers carries out risk assessments for typical removal activities, including packing, loading, transporting, unloading, and handling items at residential and commercial premises. These assessments inform our safe systems of work, such as safe lifting techniques, use of handling equipment, vehicle loading procedures, and property protection measures. Where specific risks are identified at a particular location, a site-specific assessment will be completed before work begins where reasonably practicable.
Manual Handling and Lifting
Manual handling is a key element of removal work and is carefully controlled to reduce the risk of injury. Employees receive guidance on correct lifting and carrying techniques, including team lifting for heavy or awkward items. We use suitable handling aids where possible, such as trolleys, dollies, straps, and ramps, and we plan routes to avoid unnecessary carrying and to minimise the need to negotiate stairs and tight spaces with heavy loads.
Use of Equipment and Vehicles
All equipment and vehicles used by Queen's Park Movers must be suitable for their intended purpose and maintained in a safe condition. Vehicles are inspected regularly for roadworthiness, load security, and general safety. Handling equipment and tools are checked before use, and any defects must be reported immediately and taken out of service when unsafe. Only trained and authorised personnel may operate company vehicles and specialised equipment.
Protection of Customers and the Public
We recognise our responsibility to safeguard customers, their property, and members of the public during removal operations. Work areas are organised to minimise obstruction and trip hazards. Where necessary, access is restricted or clearly indicated while loading and unloading. We take care to protect floors, walls, doors, and fixtures from damage by using covers, padding, and appropriate handling techniques.
Working in and Around Premises
When carrying out work inside homes, offices, and shared spaces, our teams will act with consideration for others on site. This includes controlling noise where possible, keeping walkways clear, and storing tools and materials safely. In multi-occupancy buildings, extra care is taken in corridors, lobbies, and stairwells to reduce risks to other occupants and visitors.
Training, Information, and Supervision
Queen's Park Movers provides appropriate health and safety training and information to all employees based on their roles and responsibilities. This may include induction training, manual handling instruction, vehicle and equipment familiarisation, and ongoing toolbox talks on specific topics. Supervisors and team leaders are responsible for monitoring work activities, giving guidance, and ensuring that procedures are followed.
Personal Protective Equipment
Personal protective equipment will be provided where risks cannot be adequately controlled by other means. This may include safety footwear, work gloves, high visibility clothing, and other protective items as required by the task. Employees are expected to use protective equipment correctly, look after it properly, and report any loss or damage without delay.
Incident Reporting and Investigation
All accidents, near misses, and hazardous occurrences must be reported promptly so they can be recorded, investigated, and used to improve our safety measures. Investigations will focus on identifying root causes and learning lessons rather than placing blame. Where appropriate, new controls or adjustments to procedures will be introduced to prevent recurrence.
Health, Welfare, and Fitness for Work
Queen's Park Movers acknowledges the importance of general health and wellbeing in maintaining a safe workforce. Employees are expected to present themselves fit for duty, not under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and capable of performing their tasks safely. Reasonable steps will be taken to support employees with health issues that may affect their work, provided this can be done without compromising safety.
Consultation and Communication
We encourage open communication on health and safety matters and welcome suggestions for improvement from all staff. Where appropriate, consultation will take place on significant changes to working practices or equipment that may affect safety. Key elements of this policy and any relevant procedures will be communicated to employees and made available for reference.
Continuous Improvement and Policy Review
This Health and Safety Policy will be reviewed regularly and updated as necessary to reflect changes in legislation, best practice, or the nature of our services. Queen's Park Movers is committed to continual improvement in health and safety performance and to providing a safe environment in which our removal teams can work efficiently and our customers can feel confident and protected.
