Health and Safety policy
Sutton Movers Health and Safety Policy
This Health and Safety Policy sets out how Sutton Movers manages and controls health and safety risks arising from its removal and transportation activities. Our aim is to provide a safe and healthy working environment for our employees, contractors, customers, visitors and members of the public who may be affected by our work.
Our Commitment to Health and Safety
Sutton Movers is committed to high standards of health and safety throughout all moving, packing, loading, transport and unloading operations. We will take all reasonably practicable steps to prevent injury and ill health, protect property and minimise disruption to our customers and the wider community.
Health and safety considerations are integral to our planning, decision making and daily operations. All employees are expected to cooperate in implementing this policy and to ensure that their own work, and that of others, is carried out safely.
Management Responsibilities
Senior management at Sutton Movers is responsible for providing clear leadership on health and safety matters. This includes setting objectives, monitoring performance and ensuring that adequate resources are available to implement and maintain safe systems of work.
Management will:
Regularly review and update risk assessments for removal activities, including packing, lifting, carrying, use of lifting aids and vehicle movements.
Ensure that suitable safety procedures are in place for domestic and commercial moves, long-distance relocations, storage handling and any specialist item removal.
Provide employees with appropriate training, instruction and supervision so that tasks are completed safely and competently.
Ensure that all work equipment, vehicles, tools and lifting devices are properly maintained, inspected and used in accordance with manufacturer guidelines and legal requirements.
Investigate accidents, incidents and near misses to identify root causes and implement corrective actions.
Employee Responsibilities
Every employee of Sutton 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 at work. Employees are expected to:
Follow all safety procedures, site rules, instructions and training provided by the company.
Use equipment, vehicles, tools and personal protective equipment correctly and report any defects immediately.
Adopt safe manual handling techniques and use lifting aids whenever appropriate.
Report all accidents, incidents, near misses and unsafe conditions to their supervisor without delay.
Refrain from any deliberate misuse or interference with safety arrangements or equipment.
Cooperate fully with investigations, audits and training sessions.
Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices
Sutton Movers identifies and assesses risks associated with removal operations and implements control measures designed to reduce these risks as far as reasonably practicable. Typical areas of assessment include:
Manual handling of furniture, appliances, boxes and other items.
Working in confined spaces such as stairwells, narrow corridors and loft areas.
Use of trolleys, sack trucks, ramps and other handling aids.
Vehicle loading, securing of loads, reversing and access to properties.
Slips, trips and falls, particularly during adverse weather conditions.
Working in shared or public spaces, including pavements, car parks and communal entrances.
For each task, appropriate methods of work are established, communicated and, where necessary, documented in method statements. Staff are trained to adapt their approach to the specific layout and constraints of each property while maintaining safe standards.
Manual Handling and Use of Equipment
Manual handling is a significant part of removals work, and Sutton Movers takes steps to minimise the risk of injury. As part of our approach:
Employees receive training in safe lifting techniques, team lifts and use of mechanical aids.
Heavy or awkward items are assessed before movement and appropriate equipment or additional personnel are used where needed.
Protective materials such as blankets, straps and corner protectors are used to safeguard both people and property.
All equipment used for lifting, moving and securing loads is inspected regularly and taken out of service if found to be defective.
Vehicles and Driving Safety
Safe operation of vehicles is essential to our work. Sutton Movers ensures that:
Drivers are competent, appropriately licensed and familiar with the vehicles they operate.
Vehicles are maintained, serviced and inspected at suitable intervals.
Loads are distributed and secured to prevent movement during transit.
Drivers plan routes to allow sufficient time for safe travel, taking account of traffic and weather conditions.
Reversing and manoeuvring are conducted with care, using banksmen where necessary to protect pedestrians, property and other road users.
Customer Premises and Public Safety
When working on customer premises or in shared spaces, Sutton Movers will take reasonable steps to protect customers, neighbours, visitors and the public. This includes:
Planning access routes and keeping them as clear as reasonably possible.
Using warning signs or verbal communication to alert people to moving operations.
Taking care to prevent damage to floors, walls, doors and fixtures through the use of protective coverings and careful handling techniques.
Managing temporary obstructions caused by furniture and equipment to reduce trip hazards.
Ensuring that doors, gates and communal areas are left secure on completion of the work.
Training, Information and Supervision
Sutton Movers provides training and information to employees to ensure they are competent to carry out their duties safely. Training may include induction training, task-specific instruction, refresher courses and toolbox talks covering topics such as manual handling, vehicle safety, use of equipment and emergency procedures.
Supervisors monitor working practices, provide on-the-job guidance and address unsafe behaviours promptly. Employees are encouraged to raise any health and safety concerns or suggestions for improvement.
Accidents, Incidents and First Aid
All accidents, injuries and near misses must be reported to a supervisor as soon as possible. Sutton Movers keeps records of such events and investigates them to prevent recurrence. Where required, incidents are reported to relevant authorities in line with applicable regulations.
First aid provisions are maintained in vehicles and at base locations. Trained first aiders are available or accessible, and all staff are informed of the arrangements for obtaining first aid assistance.
Policy Review and Continuous Improvement
This Health and Safety Policy is reviewed regularly and updated as necessary to reflect changes in legislation, industry best practice or the nature of our operations. Sutton Movers is committed to continuous improvement in health and safety performance and will consult with employees to identify opportunities for better working practices.
All employees, contractors and others working on behalf of Sutton Movers are required to familiarise themselves with this policy and to cooperate in its effective implementation.
