Health and Safety policy
Harrow Movers Health and Safety Policy
Harrow Movers is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for all employees, contractors, visitors, and customers. This policy sets out our approach to managing health and safety risks associated with domestic and commercial removals, packing, loading, transport, and storage activities. Our aim is to prevent injury, protect property, and minimise disruption while delivering a professional removals service.
Policy Aims and Scope
This policy applies to all Harrow Movers operations, including work carried out at customer premises, in our vehicles, and at any storage or operating sites we use. It covers permanent and temporary staff, subcontractors working on our behalf, and any other persons who may be affected by our activities. The key aims of this policy are to identify and control hazards, comply with relevant health and safety legislation, and promote a positive safety culture throughout the company.
Management Responsibilities
Senior management at Harrow Movers has overall responsibility for implementing and reviewing this health and safety policy. Management duties include providing appropriate resources, setting clear safety standards, and ensuring that risk assessments and safe systems of work are in place for all removal and related services. Managers must lead by example, communicate safety expectations, and take prompt action to address any safety concerns or incidents.
Employee Responsibilities
Every employee has a duty to work safely and to protect themselves, colleagues, customers, and the public from harm. Staff must follow company procedures, use equipment correctly, wear any required personal protective equipment, and report hazards, near misses, or incidents without delay. Employees must not undertake tasks for which they have not been trained or authorised, and they must cooperate fully with any health and safety instruction, investigation, or improvement action.
Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices
Harrow Movers conducts risk assessments for typical removal activities, including manual handling, use of trolleys and lifting equipment, vehicle loading and unloading, working in confined or awkward spaces, and operating on public roads. Site-specific risks at customer addresses or commercial premises are identified before or on arrival, and work is planned to minimise hazards. Where necessary, additional control measures or equipment will be introduced before work proceeds.
Manual Handling and Use of Equipment
Manual handling is a core part of removals, and it presents significant risk of injury if not managed properly. All staff receive guidance on safe lifting techniques, team lifting, and the correct use of moving aids such as dollies, sack trucks, furniture straps, and protective covers. Loads are assessed for weight, size, and stability before being moved, and items that are too heavy or awkward for safe manual handling are handled using appropriate equipment or additional personnel. Staff must never attempt to move items beyond their capability.
Vehicle and Driving Safety
Our vehicles are maintained regularly, and drivers must complete pre-use checks to ensure that vehicles are roadworthy before starting work. Drivers are responsible for securing loads safely, respecting speed limits, planning routes to minimise risk, and driving in a manner that protects passengers, other road users, and customer property. Fatigue management and breaks are planned so that drivers remain alert and able to perform their duties safely.
Customer Property and Site Safety
Harrow Movers is committed to carrying out work in a way that protects customer property and minimises disruption. Walkways and work areas are kept as clear as practicable, and protective materials may be used to safeguard floors, banisters, and doorways. Where there are steps, narrow access points, or shared spaces, the team will take additional care to avoid slips, trips, and falls. Customers and other occupants may be asked to keep clear of work areas while heavy items are being moved.
Training, Information, and Supervision
All staff receive suitable induction and ongoing training relevant to their role, including manual handling, use of equipment, vehicle safety, and emergency procedures. Supervisors and team leaders monitor working practices on site, provide guidance, and intervene if unsafe behaviour is observed. Information about specific risks on a job, such as difficult access, fragile items, or time pressures, is shared with the team so they can work safely and efficiently.
Accidents, Incidents, and Near Misses
All accidents, injuries, property damage, and near misses must be reported to management as soon as possible. An internal investigation will be carried out to determine the causes and identify any lessons learned. Where appropriate, procedures, training, or equipment will be reviewed and improved to prevent recurrence. Records of incidents are retained and reviewed to track performance and support continuous improvement.
Emergency Preparedness
Harrow Movers prepares for foreseeable emergencies that may arise during removals, such as fire, personal injury, road incidents, or sudden structural issues at a property. Staff are instructed on how to respond, including raising the alarm, calling emergency services where necessary, and following any site-specific procedures. First aid provisions are maintained, and at least one person on each team will be trained to provide basic first aid support until professional help arrives.
Consultation and Continuous Improvement
The company encourages feedback from employees and customers on health and safety matters. Staff are consulted on changes that affect their work and are invited to suggest improvements to equipment, processes, or training. This policy and associated procedures are reviewed regularly and updated when necessary to reflect changes in legislation, industry best practice, or the nature of our services. By working together, Harrow Movers aims to maintain high standards of safety and protect everyone involved in our removal operations.
