Newsletter – 28th October
In the removals industry, both staff and clients face potential risks if health and safety measures are not prioritised. Lifting heavy furniture, navigating tight spaces, and working under time pressure can lead to accidents or injuries if the correct precautions are not taken. At Approved Movers, we understand that ensuring the safety of your employees and clients is not just a regulatory requirement—it’s essential for building a trusted, professional service.
Below is a comprehensive health and safety checklist to help removals companies meet industry standards, protect their team, and ensure the safety of clients and their property.
1. Proper Lifting Techniques and Training
One of the most common injuries in the removals industry is back strain or muscle injury due to poor lifting techniques. Ensuring your staff are trained in proper lifting techniques can reduce the risk of injury.
- Provide regular training on how to lift heavy objects using the legs, not the back.
- Encourage teamwork for large or awkward items—two or more people should handle oversized items.
- Use equipment such as trolleys, sliders, or moving straps to aid in lifting.
- Avoid twisting movements while carrying heavy loads. Pivot your feet instead of rotating your spine.
2. Protective Equipment and Tools
Using the correct tools and protective equipment (PPE) is crucial for preventing injuries. Invest in the right gear to keep your staff safe and efficient on the job.
- Back braces or support belts can reduce strain on the lower back during heavy lifting.
- Heavy-duty gloves protect hands from cuts, scrapes, or splinters while handling sharp or rough surfaces.
- Steel-toe boots offer protection from heavy objects that may fall or slip during the move.
- Knee pads for kneeling or lifting on hard surfaces can reduce discomfort and long-term strain.
- Furniture sliders and trolleys reduce the amount of force needed to move bulky items, minimising the risk of muscle strain.
3. Vehicle Safety Checks
Your removal vehicles are the backbone of your business, but they also need to be safe for both drivers and passengers. Regular vehicle maintenance ensures the safety of everyone on the road and protects client belongings.
- Conduct daily vehicle inspections to check tyres, brakes, lights, and mirrors.
- Ensure proper load securing to prevent items from shifting during transport, which could lead to accidents.
- Provide staff with driving training if they are operating larger vehicles. Many accidents can be prevented with improved driving skills and awareness of vehicle limitations.
- Implement a no-rush policy to reduce accidents caused by speeding or unsafe driving under time pressure.
4. Client Safety
It’s easy to forget that while focusing on the safety of your team, the safety of your clients and their property is equally important. Ensuring a safe working environment during a move not only prevents accidents but also leaves a positive impression on the client.
- Clear paths and walkways in both the loading and unloading areas to reduce the risk of trips or falls.
- Securely pack fragile items to avoid breakages that could cause injury later.
- Communicate with clients about moving large or heavy furniture and encourage them to step aside during these moments.
- Use door stoppers and corner guards to prevent damage to property while manoeuvring furniture through doorways and tight spaces.
5. Safe Use of Tools and Equipment
When moving house, using tools and equipment improperly can lead to accidents or injuries. Make sure your team is trained on the safe use of all moving tools.
- Train staff to use lifting straps correctly. Incorrect usage can lead to accidents and injuries.
- Teach proper handling of tools such as drills, spanners, or screwdrivers if dismantling furniture is part of the service.
- Keep tools and equipment in good condition to prevent malfunctions or accidents.
6. Personal Health and Wellness
Beyond physical safety measures, protecting the overall health of your staff is key to long-term productivity and satisfaction.
- Promote hydration throughout the day, especially during hot weather or strenuous moves.
- Schedule breaks to prevent exhaustion. Overworked staff are more likely to make mistakes or get injured.
- Encourage fitness and flexibility training to ensure your team is physically prepared for the demands of the job.
- Mental health awareness: Ensure a supportive environment where staff can speak up if they feel overworked, stressed, or in need of assistance.
7. Accident and Injury Reporting
Despite the best precautions, accidents can happen. Having a clear reporting and resolution process ensures that injuries are dealt with promptly and legally.
- Implement an injury reporting procedure so that any incident, no matter how small, is logged and addressed.
- Have a first-aid kit available in every vehicle and at job sites. All team members should know how to use it.
- Provide first-aid training to key staff so they can respond appropriately in case of an emergency.
- Review and analyse accidents to prevent them from recurring, adjusting procedures if needed.
8. Compliance with Health and Safety Regulations
Finally, ensure your removals company is fully compliant with all relevant health and safety regulations. Not only does this protect your staff, but it also safeguards your business from potential legal issues.
- Stay updated on industry regulations by consulting with a health and safety expert or regulator to ensure compliance.
- Display safety notices in your workplace and vehicles so that staff are regularly reminded of best practices.
- Conduct regular health and safety audits to ensure standards are being met and identify any areas for improvement.
Prioritise Safety to Build Trust and Efficiency
Meeting health and safety standards is not just a legal requirement, it’s a key component of running a successful removals business. When you protect your staff and your clients, you build trust and demonstrate professionalism. Plus, a safe and well-protected team works more efficiently, reducing the risk of accidents and improving overall productivity – and almost as importantly, demonstrating a safe environment for your team and clients is vital for maintaining a stellar reputation.
At Approved Movers, we encourage all removals companies to take these precautions seriously. By adhering to this comprehensive health and safety checklist, you’ll not only protect your team and clients but also ensure your business thrives in a safe, efficient, and trustworthy environment.