Health and Safety policy
Richmond Movers Health and Safety Policy
Richmond Movers is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for our employees, contractors, customers and members of the public affected by our removal and relocation activities. This Health and Safety Policy sets out our approach to managing risks associated with moving, handling, transportation and storage of household and commercial goods.
We recognise that professional removals involve manual handling, vehicle movements, work in and around customers premises and the use of equipment that can present hazards if not properly controlled. Our objective is to prevent accidents, injuries and work-related ill health through effective planning, training and supervision.
Health and Safety Responsibilities
Overall responsibility for health and safety rests with the company management, who ensure that adequate resources, time and support are provided to implement this policy. Managers and supervisors are responsible for day-to-day safety arrangements, communicating procedures and monitoring safe working practices.
Every employee of Richmond Movers has 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. Staff must follow all safety instructions, use equipment correctly, report hazards and cooperate fully with health and safety initiatives and investigations.
Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices
We carry out suitable and proportionate risk assessments for our removal and delivery activities. These cover, as appropriate, manual handling, loading and unloading vehicles, access to properties, stairways and lifts, use of tools and equipment, driving for work, and work in changing weather and traffic conditions.
Risk assessments are used to develop safe systems of work and method statements for typical moving tasks. These are communicated to team members through toolbox talks, briefings and documented procedures. Where work presents unusual risks, such as limited access, fragile structures or particularly heavy items, a site-specific assessment is completed before work begins.
Manual Handling and Use of Equipment
Manual handling is a core part of the removals industry and is carefully controlled at Richmond Movers. Staff receive training in safe lifting techniques, team lifting, use of handling equipment and recognition of loads that require additional support or mechanical assistance.
We provide and maintain suitable moving equipment, such as sack trucks, dollies, furniture skates, lifting straps, ramps and protective covers. Employees must inspect equipment before use, use it only for its intended purpose and report any defects immediately so that items can be removed from service and repaired or replaced.
Vehicle Safety and Driving for Work
Our removal vehicles are selected, maintained and operated to a high safety standard. Regular checks and servicing are carried out in line with manufacturer guidance and legal requirements. Drivers conduct pre-use checks on brakes, lights, tyres, securing points and other safety-related components before starting work.
Drivers and crew must follow all road safety rules, drive defensively and adjust routes and speeds to suit traffic, weather and local conditions. Loads are secured to prevent movement during transit, and vehicles are parked and positioned to minimise risk when loading and unloading at customer properties or storage locations.
Customer, Public and Property Protection
We take practical steps to protect customers, visitors and members of the public during removal operations. Where necessary, we use warning signs, barriers or verbal instructions to keep people away from vehicle movements, lifting operations and stacked items.
Inside properties we take care to protect floors, walls, door frames and fixtures, using covers, runners and padding where appropriate. We plan routes through buildings to avoid congestion and unsafe carrying distances, and we maintain clear emergency escape routes at all times.
Training, Competence and Supervision
All employees receive an induction covering our health and safety expectations, emergency procedures and incident reporting. Job-specific training includes manual handling, equipment use, vehicle checks, safe loading and unloading, and dealing safely with challenging site conditions such as narrow staircases or restricted access.
Supervisors and team leaders are responsible for monitoring the competence of staff, providing guidance on site and addressing unsafe behaviours or conditions immediately. Additional training is provided when new equipment or processes are introduced or when risk assessments identify the need for improvement.
Welfare, Wellbeing and Fitness for Work
Richmond Movers recognises the physical nature of removal work and the importance of staff wellbeing. Employees must present themselves fit for work, free from the influence of alcohol or drugs and in a condition that allows them to perform tasks safely.
We encourage staff to report health issues that may affect their ability to carry out manual handling or driving duties safely. Reasonable adjustments, modified duties or alternative tasks may be considered where practicable to support individual health needs while maintaining safe operations.
Housekeeping and Work Environment
Good housekeeping is essential to prevent slips, trips and falls. Work areas, vehicles and storage spaces must be kept tidy, with clear walkways and properly stacked items. Waste materials, packing materials and debris are to be removed promptly and disposed of safely.
Equipment and materials are stored securely to prevent collapse or unauthorised use. Access routes to and from properties must be assessed for hazards such as uneven surfaces, poor lighting or obstructions, and appropriate control measures put in place.
Accident Reporting and Incident Investigation
All accidents, near misses, dangerous occurrences and property damage incidents must be reported as soon as possible to a supervisor or manager. Accurate records are maintained and investigated to identify root causes and implement corrective actions.
We do not apportion blame for genuine mistakes reported in good faith. Our focus is on learning, improvement and preventing recurrence through better training, clearer procedures or changes to equipment and planning.
Emergency Preparedness
Richmond Movers maintains procedures for dealing with emergencies such as fire, serious injury, vehicle collisions and hazardous conditions encountered on site. Staff receive guidance on raising the alarm, contacting the appropriate emergency services and assisting safely within the limits of their training.
Where required, first aid provisions are available and at least one trained person is designated to take charge of first aid arrangements during operations. Evacuation routes and assembly points at customer premises are identified and respected.
Policy Review and Continuous Improvement
This Health and Safety Policy is reviewed regularly and whenever significant changes occur in our operations, equipment, workforce or legal requirements. We welcome feedback from employees and customers regarding safety concerns and improvement opportunities.
By working together and maintaining high standards of planning, communication and care, Richmond Movers aims to deliver safe, efficient and reliable removal services while protecting everyone involved in our activities.
