Health and Safety policy
Crystal Palace Movers Health and Safety Policy
Crystal Palace 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 moving and removal operations. This Health and Safety Policy sets out our principles and procedures for managing risks associated with domestic and commercial removals, packing, loading, transportation, and unloading of goods.
We recognise our legal and moral responsibilities and are dedicated to continuous improvement in health and safety performance throughout all aspects of our removal services.
Policy Aims and Objectives
The aims of this policy are to prevent injury and ill health, to comply with applicable health and safety legislation, and to foster a culture where safety is an integral part of every task. We will identify and control risks, provide appropriate training, and ensure that safe systems of work are implemented across all removal activities.
Crystal Palace Movers will regularly review this policy to ensure it remains effective, relevant, and aligned with current legal requirements and industry best practice.
Management Responsibilities
Company management is responsible for establishing and maintaining an effective health and safety management system. This includes setting clear objectives, providing adequate resources, and ensuring that safety considerations are embedded in planning and operational decisions.
Managers and supervisors will ensure that risk assessments are completed for removal tasks, that control measures are followed, and that staff are trained and competent for the work they undertake. Any significant health and safety issues identified during operations will be addressed promptly and recorded for monitoring and review.
Employee Responsibilities
All employees have a duty to take reasonable care for their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions. Staff must follow the company’s procedures, use equipment correctly, and report hazards, near misses, and incidents without delay.
Removal operatives are required to attend training, wear appropriate personal protective equipment when instructed, and cooperate with management in implementing safe systems of work. No employee should undertake a task for which they have not received adequate training or instruction.
Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices
Risk assessments are carried out for key removal activities such as manual handling, working in confined or restricted spaces, loading and unloading vehicles, and operating on client premises including residential buildings and commercial sites. These assessments identify potential hazards and specify measures to reduce risk to an acceptable level.
Safe working practices include planning each move, assessing site access and parking arrangements, checking for trip hazards and structural risks, and ensuring safe stacking and securing of items in vehicles. When circumstances change on site, staff are expected to reassess the situation and adjust methods to maintain safety.
Manual Handling and Lifting Safety
Manual handling is a core part of removal work and is managed carefully to prevent injury. Employees receive training on correct lifting and carrying techniques, use of handling equipment, team lifting, and methods for moving bulky or heavy items such as furniture, appliances, and office equipment.
Where possible, handling aids such as trolleys, dollies, straps, and ramps will be used to reduce strain. Loads must be assessed for weight, shape, and stability before lifting, and items that are too heavy or awkward must not be moved by a single person. Staff are encouraged to speak up if they believe a lift or move cannot be completed safely.
Vehicle, Driving, and Traffic Safety
Crystal Palace Movers maintains its vehicles to a high standard to protect drivers, passengers, and other road users. Regular inspections, servicing, and safety checks are carried out, and any defects are reported and addressed promptly.
Drivers are required to hold valid licences for the vehicles they operate and to follow all road safety regulations. Journey planning takes into account realistic travel times, rest breaks, and safe loading and unloading locations. Loads must be secured correctly to prevent movement during transit, and vehicles must not be overloaded.
Customer, Public, and Property Protection
Our health and safety responsibilities extend to customers, visitors, and members of the public who may be near our operations. When working at client properties, our teams will aim to minimise disruption, maintain clear walkways, and use protective coverings where necessary to prevent slips and property damage.
Access points, stairways, and corridors will be kept as free from obstruction as practicable. Where there is a risk to others, staff will use warning signs or verbal communication to alert people to hazards such as trailing cables, open vehicle doors, and the movement of large items.
Training, Information, and Supervision
Crystal Palace Movers provides appropriate health and safety training for all employees, including induction training for new starters and task-specific instruction for particular roles and equipment. Refresher training will be given when required or when there are changes to procedures, equipment, or legislation.
Supervision levels will be appropriate to the experience and competence of staff and the complexity of the work being undertaken. Safety information and instructions will be communicated clearly, and employees are encouraged to raise any concerns or suggestions for improvement.
Accident Reporting and Emergency Procedures
All accidents, near misses, and hazardous incidents must be reported to management as soon as practicable. Incident details will be recorded and investigated to identify root causes and to put in place preventative measures.
Emergency procedures, including response to fire, injury, or sudden illness, will be briefed to staff and, where appropriate, to clients at the start of a job. Employees must familiarise themselves with exits, assembly points, and any site-specific instructions when working on customer premises.
Health, Welfare, and Wellbeing
We recognise the importance of employee health and wellbeing in maintaining a safe and effective workforce. Crystal Palace Movers endeavours to provide suitable welfare facilities, encourage regular breaks during physically demanding work, and promote reporting of any health concerns that may affect the safe performance of duties.
We do not tolerate the use of alcohol or illegal drugs during working hours or in a way that could impact fitness for work. Any employee who is taking prescribed medication that may affect their ability to work safely must inform management so that suitable adjustments can be considered.
Policy Review and Continuous Improvement
This Health and Safety Policy will be reviewed regularly and following any significant changes in legislation, work practices, or operational scope. Lessons learned from incidents, feedback from staff and clients, and developments in best practice will be used to improve our procedures and standards.
By working together and maintaining a proactive approach to risk management, Crystal Palace Movers aims to deliver high-quality removal services while protecting the health and safety of everyone involved.
