Health and Safety policy
Elephant and Castle Movers Health and Safety Policy
Elephant and Castle 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 removal activities. This policy sets out our approach to managing health and safety across all moving, packing, loading, transportation, and unloading operations.
Health and Safety Policy Statement
Our objective is to prevent accidents, injuries, and work-related ill health by identifying hazards, assessing risks, and implementing effective control measures. We will comply with all applicable health and safety legislation and recognised industry standards relevant to the removals sector.
Health and safety considerations are central to how we plan and deliver each move, from residential removals to larger-scale relocations. We aim to continually improve our performance through consultation, training, supervision, and regular review of our procedures.
Responsibilities and Management Commitment
Overall responsibility for health and safety within Elephant and Castle Movers rests with senior management. They are responsible for ensuring that this policy is implemented, communicated, and reviewed regularly to remain suitable and effective.
Managers and supervisors are responsible for:
Ensuring that risk assessments are completed and that appropriate control measures are in place and followed at all times. Providing employees with adequate information, instruction, training, and supervision. Planning removal work so that health and safety risks are minimised. Monitoring compliance with safe systems of work and addressing any shortcomings promptly.
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. Employees are required to follow company procedures, use equipment safely, report hazards or incidents without delay, and cooperate fully in creating a safe working environment.
Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work
We undertake risk assessments for our removal activities, including packing, lifting, carrying, loading and unloading vehicles, driving, and working at different types of premises. These assessments identify potential hazards such as manual handling, slips and trips, falls from height, vehicle movements, and environmental conditions.
On the basis of these assessments, we implement safe systems of work which may include:
Planning routes and access points before a move begins. Using appropriate lifting techniques and team lifting for heavy or awkward items. Using trolleys, barrows, ramps, and other aids to reduce manual handling. Ensuring adequate lighting, clear walkways, and safe stacking of goods. Establishing clear communication between team members during complex moves.
Manual Handling and Safe Lifting
Manual handling is a core element of our removals service and is managed carefully to prevent musculoskeletal injuries. All staff receive training on safe lifting and carrying methods, including posture, load assessment, and use of handling aids.
Where loads are too heavy or bulky for safe single-person handling, we use team lifting or mechanical aids. No employee is expected to lift or carry a load that they consider unsafe. Items are packed and wrapped in a way that allows for secure gripping and balanced handling wherever possible.
Vehicles, Equipment and Maintenance
Our vehicles, lifting aids, and equipment are inspected and maintained in safe working condition. Faulty or damaged equipment must be reported immediately and taken out of use until it has been repaired or replaced.
Drivers must carry out pre-use vehicle checks before each journey, report any defects, and operate vehicles in line with road safety requirements and company procedures. Loads are secured correctly to prevent movement during transit and to protect both staff and other road users.
Site Safety and Protection of Customers
When working at customer premises, we take care to protect the health and safety of customers, visitors, and other contractors on site. This includes maintaining clear access routes, minimising trip hazards such as loose packing materials, and coordinating activities to avoid unnecessary congestion or conflict between people and vehicles.
Protective coverings, ramps, and warning signs are used where appropriate to protect property and reduce the risk of slips, trips, and falls. Our teams are instructed to be especially vigilant in homes where children, older people, or pets may be present.
Personal Protective Equipment
Suitable personal protective equipment is provided where necessary, such as gloves, safety footwear, and high-visibility garments. Employees must use this equipment properly, keep it in good condition, and report any defects so that replacements can be arranged.
Training, Awareness and Communication
All employees receive induction training covering the main health and safety risks associated with removals work and the control measures in place. Ongoing training and refresher sessions are provided to maintain and improve competence, especially in areas such as manual handling, vehicle safety, and use of specialist equipment.
Health and safety information is communicated through briefings, toolbox talks, and team meetings. Staff are encouraged to raise concerns, suggest improvements, and participate actively in improving workplace safety.
Incident Reporting and Emergency Procedures
All accidents, near misses, injuries, and dangerous occurrences must be reported promptly so that they can be recorded, investigated, and used to prevent recurrence. We review each incident to identify root causes and implement corrective actions where necessary.
Emergency procedures are in place for foreseeable situations such as fire, serious injury, or road traffic incidents. Employees are trained to follow these procedures, including safe evacuation, contacting emergency services, and providing accurate information about the location and nature of the incident.
Wellbeing and Occupational Health
We recognise the physical demands of removals work and the importance of staff wellbeing. Work is planned, where possible, to avoid excessive fatigue, and employees are encouraged to report any health concerns that may affect their ability to work safely. We aim to provide a supportive environment in which health issues can be discussed and reasonable adjustments considered.
Monitoring, Review and Continuous Improvement
Elephant and Castle Movers regularly monitors health and safety performance through inspections, incident analysis, and feedback from staff and customers. This policy and associated procedures are reviewed periodically and whenever there are significant changes in legislation, operations, or risk profile.
By working together and maintaining a strong safety culture, we seek to ensure that all removal activities are carried out as safely as reasonably practicable, protecting our teams, our customers, and the public at every stage of the moving process.
