Health and Safety policy
Bermondsey Movers Health and Safety Policy
Bermondsey Movers is committed to maintaining the highest standards of health, safety, and welfare for our employees, customers, visitors, contractors, and members of the public. This Health and Safety Policy sets out our approach to managing risks associated with domestic and commercial removals, packing, loading, transport, unloading, and any related services we provide.
Policy Aims and Responsibilities
The aim of this policy is to prevent injury, protect health, and ensure that all removal and relocation activities are carried out safely and responsibly. Senior management has overall responsibility for health and safety within Bermondsey Movers and for ensuring that adequate resources, training, and supervision are provided.
Managers and supervisors are responsible for implementing this policy in day-to-day operations, carrying out and reviewing risk assessments, and promoting a positive safety culture throughout the company. Every employee has a duty to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions, and to cooperate fully with all safety procedures and instructions.
Legal Compliance and Standards
Bermondsey Movers will comply with all relevant health and safety legislation, codes of practice, and industry standards applicable to the removals and transport sector. We will periodically review legal requirements and update our working practices and this policy as necessary to reflect changes in regulations, guidance, and best practice.
Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work
We identify and manage risks associated with moving and handling furniture, appliances, and other items, as well as operating vehicles and working in customers' homes, offices, and other premises. Formal risk assessments are carried out for typical moving activities and for any non-routine or higher-risk tasks.
Based on these assessments, we develop safe systems of work, including methods for lifting and carrying, use of trolleys and lifting aids, loading and unloading procedures, and arrangements for working in confined spaces, stairways, and shared access areas. These systems are communicated to staff and reviewed regularly to ensure they remain effective.
Manual Handling and Personal Safety
Manual handling is a core part of removal activities, and poor technique can lead to serious injury. Bermondsey Movers provides training in safe lifting, carrying, and team handling techniques tailored to the removals environment. Employees are instructed to use appropriate equipment, to work in teams where loads are heavy or awkward, and to stop work and seek assistance if they consider a task unsafe.
We set clear limits on the size and weight of items that may be lifted by a single person and promote the use of trolleys, straps, sliders, and other aids. Staff must follow guidance on posture, lifting routes, and communication with colleagues during complex moves, such as navigating narrow staircases or restricted access areas.
Vehicles, Driving, and Road Safety
Our vehicles are maintained in a safe and roadworthy condition through regular inspections and servicing. Only trained and authorised drivers may operate company vehicles. Drivers must follow all road traffic laws, drive responsibly, and plan routes to minimise stress and risk.
We recognise the risks associated with driver fatigue and distractions. Drivers are required to take appropriate breaks, avoid the use of handheld devices while driving, and report any health or mechanical issues that may affect safe vehicle operation. Loads must be secured correctly to prevent movement during transport and to protect both our staff and other road users.
Work Equipment and Personal Protective Equipment
All work equipment, including trolleys, ramps, lifting straps, and other tools, must be suitable for the task and maintained in good condition. Defective or damaged equipment must be taken out of service immediately and reported to a manager.
Where necessary, personal protective equipment is provided, such as safety footwear, gloves, and high-visibility clothing. Staff are required to use and care for this equipment correctly and to report any defects or shortages without delay.
Customer Premises and Public Safety
When working in or around customers' premises, Bermondsey Movers takes reasonable steps to protect both occupants and members of the public. This includes maintaining clear walkways, using warning signs or barriers where appropriate, and managing access points to vehicles and loading areas.
We aim to minimise disruption, noise, and obstruction while carrying out removal services. Particular care is taken in shared buildings, busy streets, and communal areas, where cooperation with building management or neighbours may be required to maintain safety.
Training, Communication, and Supervision
Health and safety training is provided to all employees during induction and updated as necessary through refresher sessions and toolbox talks. Training covers manual handling, safe use of equipment, vehicle safety, incident reporting, and emergency procedures.
Supervisors and team leaders ensure that safety instructions are followed on-site, that new or less experienced staff receive appropriate guidance, and that any unsafe practices are corrected promptly. Regular communication encourages staff to raise concerns, suggest improvements, and participate actively in maintaining safe operations.
Incident Reporting and Investigation
All accidents, injuries, near misses, and dangerous occurrences must be reported as soon as possible to a manager or supervisor. Bermondsey Movers records and investigates such incidents to identify root causes and implement corrective actions.
We use incident data to improve risk assessments, working methods, and training content. Lessons learned are shared with relevant staff to help prevent recurrence and to strengthen our overall safety performance.
Health, Welfare, and Fitness for Work
Bermondsey Movers recognises the physical demands of removal work and the importance of general health and fitness. Employees are encouraged to report any health concerns that may affect their ability to work safely, including musculoskeletal problems or conditions that may impair driving or lifting.
We promote sensible workloads, rest breaks, and hydration, particularly during demanding moves or in challenging weather conditions. Where adjustments are needed to support an employee's health and safety, we will consider reasonable modifications to duties or working methods.
Continuous Improvement and Policy Review
This Health and Safety Policy is reviewed regularly and whenever there are significant changes to our operations, legal requirements, or industry best practice. Feedback from employees, customers, and other stakeholders is welcomed as part of our commitment to continuous improvement.
Bermondsey Movers expects all staff, contractors, and partners to support and comply with this policy so that every move is carried out with safety, care, and professionalism at its core.
