Health and Safety policy
Finchley Movers Health and Safety Policy
Finchley Movers is committed to providing a professional removals service that protects the health, safety and welfare of our employees, contractors, customers and members of the public. This policy sets out our approach to managing health and safety risks across all moving, packing, loading, transport and storage activities.
Our Health and Safety Commitment
We aim to prevent accidents, injuries and work-related ill health by identifying and managing risks associated with removals work, including manual handling, vehicle use, working in customers homes and premises, and operating in public areas. We will comply with all relevant health and safety legislation and recognised industry best practice.
Management is responsible for ensuring that appropriate resources, training and supervision are provided so that safe systems of work are implemented and maintained. All employees are expected to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions.
Responsibilities and Management
Directors and managers at Finchley Movers have overall responsibility for implementing this policy and ensuring that health and safety considerations are integrated into everyday planning and decision making. This includes allocating responsibilities, monitoring performance and reviewing procedures to achieve continuous improvement.
Supervisors and team leaders are responsible for the day-to-day application of safe working practices on site, during loading and unloading, and throughout transit. They ensure staff are briefed on risks, use the correct equipment, and follow written procedures and instructions.
Every member of staff must cooperate with health and safety arrangements, report hazards, near misses and incidents, and follow the training and guidance provided. Failure to comply with safe working practices may be treated as a disciplinary matter.
Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work
We carry out risk assessments for all key activities related to removal services, including packing, lifting and carrying, stair work, use of trolleys and lifting equipment, vehicle loading, driving, and working in confined or cluttered spaces. These assessments are reviewed regularly and whenever there are significant changes to work practices, equipment or locations.
From these assessments, we develop and implement safe systems of work. These include methods for lifting and moving furniture and household goods safely, restrictions on the maximum weights to be carried manually, safe use of ramps and lifting aids, and procedures for working in shared areas such as hallways, car parks and pavements.
Training, Instruction and Supervision
All employees receive health and safety induction training, including information on their responsibilities, accident reporting, emergency procedures and safe manual handling techniques. Additional role-specific training is provided for drivers, supervisors and staff using any mechanical aids or specialist equipment.
We ensure that staff are competent to perform their tasks safely and are provided with clear instructions and supervision, particularly when working on complex or heavy moves, high-value items, or unusual access arrangements such as narrow stairways or upper floors without lift access.
Manual Handling and Use of Equipment
Manual handling is a key risk in the removals sector. Finchley Movers takes all reasonable steps to reduce manual handling risks by planning work carefully, breaking down loads where possible, using appropriate handling aids, and ensuring adequate team sizes for each job.
Staff are trained in safe lifting techniques, team lifting, and the correct use of equipment such as sack trucks, dollies, straps, blankets, and ramps. All equipment is inspected regularly and maintained in a safe condition. Damaged or defective equipment is taken out of use immediately and reported.
Vehicles, Driving and Road Safety
We recognise our duty to operate all company vehicles safely and responsibly. Only authorised and competent drivers are permitted to drive company vehicles. Drivers must carry out basic safety checks before use and report any defects or concerns promptly.
Vehicles are maintained in line with manufacturer recommendations and legal requirements. Loads are secured to prevent movement during transit, and weight limits are respected. Drivers are expected to plan routes sensibly, allow adequate rest breaks, and drive in accordance with road traffic laws and company guidance.
Customer Premises and Public Safety
Our teams work in homes, offices and shared spaces, and we take care to protect customers, visitors and the public from harm. This includes controlling trip hazards from equipment and packing materials, using clear walkways, and communicating with customers about any temporary restrictions or hazards.
We take reasonable measures to protect property from damage, such as using floor coverings, corner protectors and appropriate wrapping. Where access is difficult or conditions present additional risks, our teams will pause work and seek guidance before proceeding.
Personal Protective Equipment
Where risks cannot be eliminated through other means, appropriate personal protective equipment is provided and its use is enforced. This may include safety footwear, gloves, high-visibility clothing and other items as required by the task and risk assessment. Employees are responsible for looking after issued equipment and reporting any loss or damage.
Accidents, Incidents and Emergency Procedures
All accidents, incidents and near misses must be reported as soon as possible so that they can be investigated, and appropriate remedial action taken. Finchley Movers maintains records of incidents to help identify trends and areas for improvement.
Emergency procedures for fire, first aid and other foreseeable situations are in place and communicated to staff. Vehicles and depots are equipped with appropriate fire extinguishers and first aid kits, which are checked regularly.
Monitoring, Review and Continuous Improvement
We monitor health and safety performance through inspections, incident reports, staff feedback and management review. This Health and Safety Policy is reviewed at regular intervals, or sooner if there are changes in legislation, company structure, work practices or identified risks.
Finchley Movers is committed to continuous improvement in health and safety. We encourage constructive feedback from employees and customers and will use this information to enhance our procedures and the safety of our removal services.
