Health and Safety policy
Bromley Movers Health and Safety Policy
This Health and Safety Policy sets out the commitment of Bromley Movers to protect the health, safety and welfare of our employees, contractors, customers and members of the public who may be affected by our removal and relocation activities. We comply with all relevant health and safety legislation and good practice guidance for the removals and transportation sector.
Policy Statement and Objectives
Bromley Movers aims to conduct all activities in a way that prevents injury, ill health, property damage and environmental harm. Our objectives are to provide safe systems of work, safe equipment and vehicles, competent staff and clear information so that every move is carried out as safely as reasonably practicable.
We recognise that removal work can involve manual handling, driving, working in customers homes and business premises, and operating in varied environments. Through careful planning and control, we seek to identify and reduce the risks associated with these activities.
Management Responsibilities
Senior management at Bromley Movers has overall responsibility for implementing this Health and Safety Policy and for ensuring that adequate resources are made available. Management will regularly review performance, investigate incidents and near misses, and update procedures when required.
Management duties include ensuring that:
Risk assessments are completed and kept up to date for common tasks such as lifting and carrying, loading and unloading vehicles, and driving between locations.
Employees receive appropriate training, information and supervision to carry out their duties safely.
All vehicles, lifting aids and other equipment are maintained in a safe condition and inspected at suitable intervals.
Safe work procedures are communicated clearly and reinforced on site.
Any concerns raised by staff or customers regarding safety are taken seriously and addressed promptly.
Employee Responsibilities
Every employee of Bromley 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 are expected to cooperate fully with this policy and follow all company procedures and instructions.
Employees must:
Use safe manual handling techniques at all times and make use of equipment provided, such as sack trucks, dollies and straps.
Wear appropriate clothing and personal protective equipment provided for specific tasks.
Inspect vehicles and equipment before use and report any defects immediately.
Drive in a safe and considerate manner, comply with road traffic laws and follow journey plans and rest requirements.
Report all accidents, incidents, near misses and hazards to management without delay.
Not misuse or interfere with any equipment or measures put in place for safety purposes.
Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices
Bromley Movers carries out risk assessments for its core removal and moving services. These assessments help us understand the hazards associated with lifting heavy or awkward items, navigating stairs and tight spaces, working in unfamiliar properties and loading vehicles securely.
Based on these assessments, we develop and maintain written procedures for key tasks, including house removals, office moves, packing services, and the handling of delicate or high value items. Staff are trained to follow these procedures and to adapt them suitably where conditions at a particular property require extra care.
Where necessary, additional site-specific assessments are carried out, for example when dealing with restricted access, long carrying distances, unusual loads or specific customer requirements.
Manual Handling and Use of Equipment
Manual handling is a significant part of removal work. Bromley Movers is committed to minimising manual lifting where possible by using mechanical aids, team lifting techniques and careful planning of routes and loading sequences.
We provide training in correct lifting, carrying and team handling methods to reduce the risk of strains, sprains and other injuries. Heavy or bulky items are moved using appropriate equipment such as trolleys, skates, ramps and lifting straps where practicable.
All equipment is subject to regular checks to ensure it remains fit for purpose. Employees must use equipment only for its intended purpose and follow all training and instructions.
Vehicles and Driver Safety
Our vehicles are maintained to a high standard and inspected at appropriate intervals by competent persons. Pre-use checks are carried out by drivers before each journey to ensure that brakes, lights, tyres and load restraints are in good condition.
Drivers are required to:
Comply with driving hours rules and take adequate breaks to prevent fatigue.
Secure loads properly so that items do not shift in transit and do not create hazards when doors are opened.
Adjust driving style to suit the vehicle, the road conditions and the nature of the load.
Report all collisions, however minor, so that appropriate follow up can be completed.
Customer Premises and Public Safety
Bromley Movers recognises that our operations often take place in or around customer homes, offices, communal areas and public spaces. We plan moves to minimise disruption and maintain safe access routes.
Where necessary, we use warning signs or barriers to alert customers and the public to moving activities, especially when large items are being carried through shared or public areas. Team members are instructed to be alert to other people in their work area and to stop work temporarily if a situation becomes unsafe.
Training, Communication and Consultation
We provide health and safety induction training for all new employees, covering safe lifting techniques, vehicle safety, site behaviour and emergency arrangements. Ongoing refresher training is delivered as needed, and additional instruction is provided when new equipment or procedures are introduced.
Bromley Movers encourages open communication about health and safety. Employees are invited to raise suggestions for improvement and to report any concerns. Where appropriate, toolbox talks and briefings are held to discuss specific issues identified from risk assessments, incidents or changes in work practices.
Accidents, Incidents and Continuous Improvement
All accidents, near misses and dangerous occurrences are recorded and investigated as appropriate. The purpose of each investigation is to identify underlying causes and to implement measures that prevent recurrence. Findings may lead to updates to risk assessments, changes to procedures or additional training.
This Health and Safety Policy is reviewed regularly and whenever there are significant changes in our operations or relevant legislation. Bromley Movers is committed to continual improvement in health and safety performance as an integral part of providing reliable and professional removal services.