Safe Lifting and Moving Policy

Last Updated: 03/15/2025

1. Overview

At Muvr Technologies, Inc. (“Muvr”), the safety and well-being of service providers, customers, and the general public are a top priority. Lifting and moving heavy or bulky items pose physical risks, including injuries and property damage. This Safe Lifting and Moving Policy establishes mandatory safety protocols that all Movers and Haulers must follow when handling items on the Muvr platform.

By accepting jobs through Muvr, service providers acknowledge that they are responsible for their own safety and must adhere to these industry-standard safety guidelines.

Failure to comply with this policy may result in account suspension, deactivation, or liability for damages or injuries.

2. Proper Lifting Techniques

Movers and Haulers must follow these proper lifting techniques to minimize the risk of injuries:

• Assess the Load Before Lifting 
  • Determine if the item is too heavy to lift alone and request assistance if necessary.
  • Check for loose parts or unstable items that may shift during movement.
• Use Proper Body Mechanics 
  • Keep your back straight and bend at the knees, not the waist.
  • Use your legs to lift, not your back.
  • Hold the object close to your body to reduce strain.
  • Move in a controlled, smooth motion rather than jerking or twisting.
• Avoid Twisting and Overreaching 
  • Pivot with your feet instead of twisting your torso.
  • Keep movements slow and deliberate when adjusting your grip.
• Team Lifting Protocol 
  • Always communicate before lifting when working with a second person.
  • Use clear verbal cues, such as “Lift on three.”
  • Ensure equal weight distribution to prevent one person from overexerting.
• Set Items Down Safely 
  • Lower items slowly and with control, bending at the knees.
  • Do not drop items or place them on unstable surfaces.

3. Required Equipment and Tools

To enhance safety and reduce strain, Movers and Haulers are required to use the appropriate lifting and moving equipment for jobs involving heavy, large, or fragile items.

3.1. Mandatory Equipment for All Moves

• Furniture Dollies – For moving large or bulky items with minimal lifting.
• Lifting Straps – For securing and evenly distributing the weight of heavy loads.
• Work Gloves – To improve grip and prevent hand injuries.
• Moving Blankets/Pads – To protect items from damage and reduce sliding.
• Anti-Slip Shoes – Closed-toe, non-slip footwear is required to prevent slipping or falling.

3.2. Recommended Equipment for Certain Jobs

• Forearm Forklifts – For lifting oversized or awkwardly shaped objects.
• Hand Trucks – For stacking and transporting multiple boxes.
• Ramps – When loading/unloading from a vehicle without a liftgate.
• Protective Eyewear – When handling debris, glass, or sharp-edged materials.

Failure to use the appropriate equipment may result in liability for damages or personal injury.

4. Handling Specialty Items

Certain items require special handling procedures to prevent damage or injury.

• Appliances (Refrigerators, Washers, Dryers, etc.) 
  • Secure all loose parts, including doors and power cords before moving.
  • Keep the item upright whenever possible.
  • Use appliance dollies with straps for safe transport.
• Large Furniture (Couches, Dressers, Tables, etc.) 
  • Remove drawers or detachable components to lighten the load.
  • Tilt furniture at an angle when navigating tight spaces.
  • Protect door frames and walls with moving blankets or corner guards.
• Glass and Fragile Items 
  • Wrap in moving blankets or padding before lifting.
  • Carry vertically instead of horizontally to reduce stress on the glass.
• Heavy Boxes and Containers 
  • Avoid stacking boxes too high, which could lead to falling hazards.
  • Stack heavier boxes at the bottom and lighter ones on top.

Failure to follow handling guidelines for specialty items may result in loss of access to certain job types or liability for damages.

5. Vehicle Loading and Unloading Safety

Proper loading and unloading techniques are essential for preventing injuries, accidents, and damage to property.

5.1. Safe Loading Practices

• Secure heavy items first – Heavier items should be placed against the walls of the vehicle to prevent shifting.
• Distribute weight evenly – Avoid placing all weight on one side of the vehicle.
• Use straps or tie-downs – Secure loose items to prevent movement during transport.

5.2. Safe Unloading Practices

• Confirm clear access before unloading items (check for obstacles, uneven ground, or traffic hazards).
• Unload heavier items first to prevent tipping or imbalance.
• Move items in stages rather than attempting to lift everything at once.

6. Environmental and Site Safety

6.1. Customer Location Assessment

• Identify potential hazards, such as stairs, uneven floors, wet surfaces, or limited entry points.
• Communicate with the customer regarding accessibility issues before starting the move.

6.2. Weather Conditions and Outdoor Moves

• Rain or Snow – Wear weather-resistant gear and ensure surfaces are dry and slip-resistant.
• Extreme Heat – Take frequent breaks, stay hydrated, and avoid overexertion.
• High Winds – Secure lightweight materials that may be blown away.

If conditions are unsafe for service, providers may request job rescheduling through Muvr’s support team.

7. Injury Prevention and Emergency Response

Muvr expects all service providers to prioritize their physical health and follow industry best practices for injury prevention.

7.1. Avoiding Common Injuries

• Back Strain – Use lifting equipment and proper techniques to reduce back injuries.
• Finger and Hand Injuries – Wear work gloves and keep fingers clear of pinch points.
• Slips and Falls – Use non-slip footwear and be cautious of wet or uneven surfaces.

7.2. Handling Emergencies

• If an injury occurs, seek medical attention immediately and report the incident to Muvr.
• In the event of a serious accident or emergency, call 911 first before notifying Muvr.

Service providers are not required to complete a job if they believe it poses a serious risk to their safety.

8. Consequences for Violating This Policy

Failure to adhere to Muvr’s Safe Lifting and Moving Policy may result in:

1. Warnings or retraining requirements for minor safety violations.
2. Job cancellations and financial penalties for negligence leading to damages.
3. Account suspension or permanent deactivation for repeated violations or unsafe practices.

Muvr reserves the right to deny access to high-risk job categories for providers with a history of unsafe practices.

9. Additional Provisions

• Policy Updates – Muvr reserves the right to modify this policy at any time.
• No Waiver – Failure to enforce any part of this policy does not waive Muvr’s rights.
• Governing Law – This policy is governed by the laws of the State of Delaware.

By accepting jobs through Muvr, service providers acknowledge and agree to abide by this Safe Lifting and Moving Policy.