Health and Safety policy
Docklands Movers Health and Safety Policy
Docklands Movers is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for our employees, customers, contractors and members of the public who may be affected by our removal and relocation services. This Health and Safety Policy sets out our objectives, responsibilities and working practices to prevent accidents, injuries and damage to property during all moving and handling activities.
Policy Objectives
The primary objectives of this Health and Safety Policy are to prevent injury and ill health, comply with relevant health and safety legislation, promote safe working practices in all removal operations, and protect property and the environment while we carry out moving, packing, loading, transport and delivery services.
We recognise that removal work involves physical handling, vehicle use, and activity in a variety of premises, and we are committed to managing these risks in a structured and proactive way.
Management Responsibilities
Senior management at Docklands Movers has overall responsibility for health and safety. Management will provide appropriate resources to implement this policy, maintain clear procedures and safe systems of work for all removal tasks, ensure that risk assessments are carried out and reviewed regularly, and monitor performance through inspections, incident reviews and staff feedback.
Managers and supervisors are responsible for planning work to minimise risks, ensuring that equipment and vehicles are suitable and maintained, making sure team members are competent and trained for their tasks, and stopping any job that cannot be completed safely.
Employee Responsibilities
All employees have a duty of care to themselves, their colleagues, our customers and the public. Every member of staff working on removals must follow training and safe working procedures, use provided equipment correctly, report hazards, near misses, damage and accidents immediately to their supervisor, cooperate with management in implementing this policy, and avoid taking shortcuts that could compromise safety.
Employees are expected to present themselves fit for work at all times and must not work under the influence of alcohol, drugs or any substance that may impair their ability to work safely.
Risk Assessment and Planning
Before each removal, we assess the specific risks associated with the job. This includes the layout of the premises, the nature and weight of items to be moved, access routes, staircases and lifts, parking and loading arrangements, and any special items requiring additional control measures, such as pianos, safes or fragile goods.
Where risks are identified, we implement appropriate controls such as additional staff, specialist equipment, revised routes, or adjusted timings. Complex jobs may require a pre-move site visit and a written plan of work to ensure that health and safety considerations are fully integrated into the service.
Training and Competence
Docklands Movers provides ongoing training to ensure that all staff are competent to carry out their roles safely. Training covers manual handling techniques suitable for removal work, safe use of trolleys, lifting aids and protective equipment, loading and securing items in vehicles, hazard awareness in different types of premises, and emergency procedures for accidents, fire or injury.
New employees receive induction training before taking part in active removal work. Additional training is provided when new equipment, vehicles or procedures are introduced.
Manual Handling and Use of Equipment
Manual handling is a core part of our services and is managed carefully to reduce the risk of strain and injury. Staff are instructed to assess every lift before starting, use team lifting for heavy or awkward items, keep loads close to the body and avoid twisting, take regular short breaks during sustained lifting tasks, and use appropriate equipment such as dollies, sack trucks, straps and sliders where possible.
All moving and lifting equipment is inspected regularly and removed from use if any defect is found. Only trained staff may operate specialist equipment.
Vehicle and Driving Safety
Our vehicles are essential to removal operations and are maintained in safe working condition. Drivers are responsible for conducting basic pre-use checks of tyres, lights, mirrors and restraints before starting work, ensuring that loads are evenly distributed and properly secured, and following all road safety regulations, including speed limits and restrictions near residential areas and job sites.
Drivers must not operate vehicles if fatigued or unfit to drive. Rest breaks are scheduled in line with safe driving practices, particularly on longer journeys.
Customer and Public Safety
We plan our work to minimise disruption and risk to customers and members of the public. Where necessary, we will signpost hazards, such as trailing leads or open vehicle doors, restrict access to loading areas as far as reasonably practicable, keep pathways and exits clear of packing materials and equipment, and communicate clearly with customers about any short-term risks while work is underway.
Staff are expected to respect customer property at all times and to report any damage promptly, so that appropriate steps can be taken.
Work Environment and Welfare
We take practical steps to manage environmental conditions that may affect safety, such as slippery surfaces in wet weather, poor lighting in access routes, and temperature extremes during busy periods. Where required, we will adapt methods of work or provide additional equipment such as lighting or protective coverings.
Suitable rest breaks, drinking water and access to welfare facilities are planned, especially during physically demanding removal work.
Incident Reporting and Investigation
All accidents, incidents and near misses must be reported to management as soon as possible. We investigate each event to understand the causes, record the findings and implement any necessary improvements to procedures, training or equipment.
Information from incident investigations is shared with staff, so that lessons learned can help prevent recurrence and support continuous improvement in our health and safety performance.
Monitoring and Review
This Health and Safety Policy is monitored and reviewed regularly to ensure it remains effective and relevant to our removal and relocation services. Reviews take into account changes in legislation, guidance from regulators and industry bodies, feedback from employees and customers, the results of audits and inspections, and any significant changes in our operations or service areas.
Docklands Movers is committed to continual improvement in health and safety standards. All staff are encouraged to contribute ideas for safer working methods and to raise any concerns so that they can be addressed promptly and constructively.
