Health and Safety policy
Merton Movers Health and Safety Policy Statement
Merton Movers is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for all employees, contractors, customers and members of the public who may be affected by our removal and relocation activities. This Health and Safety Policy sets out our approach to managing risks associated with moving, handling, transport, storage and related services.
We recognise our responsibility to comply with relevant health and safety legislation and industry best practice. Our aim is to prevent accidents, injuries and work-related ill health by identifying hazards, assessing risks and implementing effective control measures.
Management Responsibilities
The senior management of Merton Movers has overall responsibility for health and safety within the company. Management will provide clear leadership, allocate appropriate resources and ensure that health and safety considerations are integrated into planning and decision-making for all removal operations.
Managers and supervisors are responsible for implementing this policy on a day-to-day basis, including ensuring that safe working procedures are followed, risk assessments are carried out, and staff receive the training and equipment they need to work safely.
Employee Responsibilities
Every employee of Merton Movers has an individual responsibility to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions. Staff must follow all safety instructions, use equipment correctly, and co-operate fully with the company in meeting its health and safety obligations.
Employees must report any hazards, incidents, near misses, defects in equipment or unsafe practices to their supervisor as soon as possible. No employee will be disciplined for raising genuine health and safety concerns.
Risk Assessment and Safe Working Procedures
Merton Movers will conduct suitable and proportionate risk assessments for all significant hazards associated with our moving and transport activities. These may include manual handling, loading and unloading vehicles, working at height when accessing vehicles or storage areas, vehicle movements, and working in and around customers premises.
On the basis of these assessments, we will develop and maintain safe systems of work and method statements, ensuring that control measures are practical, understood and followed by all relevant staff. Risk assessments will be reviewed regularly and whenever there are significant changes to work processes, equipment or locations.
Manual Handling and Use of Equipment
Manual handling is a core part of our removal operations, and we acknowledge the increased risk of strains, sprains and musculoskeletal injuries. We will minimise manual lifting where reasonably practicable by using appropriate handling aids such as trolleys, dollies, lifting straps and ramps.
All staff involved in manual handling activities will receive training in safe lifting techniques, team lifting, assessing loads, using equipment and recognising personal limitations. We will ensure that handling equipment is suitable, maintained and inspected at appropriate intervals, and that defective equipment is taken out of use promptly.
Vehicle and Driving Safety
Our vehicles are central to our moving services, and their safe operation is a priority. Merton Movers will maintain all vehicles in a roadworthy condition, with regular servicing, checks and inspections in line with legal requirements and industry standards.
Drivers will be competent, appropriately licensed and trained in safe driving, defensive driving techniques, loading and securing loads, and safe access to vehicle bodies. Loads will be secured to prevent movement during transit, and vehicles will never be overloaded.
Customer Premises and Public Safety
Our teams frequently work in customers homes, offices and other premises, as well as in public areas. Merton Movers will take reasonable steps to protect customers, visitors and the public from risks arising from our work.
This includes planning safe access routes, using warning signs where appropriate, managing trip hazards from packing materials and equipment, controlling vehicle movements in congested areas, and working considerately in shared spaces. Staff will be trained to conduct dynamic risk assessments on arrival at new sites and to adapt working methods to local conditions.
Training, Information and Supervision
Merton Movers will provide employees with appropriate health and safety information, instruction and training relevant to their roles. This may include induction training, manual handling, vehicle safety, use of equipment, hazard awareness and emergency procedures.
Supervisors will monitor working practices, correct unsafe behaviour, and provide guidance to less experienced staff. Additional training or refresher training will be provided where necessary, including when introducing new equipment, vehicles or work methods.
Work Equipment and Personal Protective Equipment
All work equipment used in our removal operations will be selected for suitability, maintained in good condition and inspected at appropriate intervals. Employees must use equipment only for its intended purpose and in accordance with training and instructions.
Where risks cannot be adequately controlled by other means, appropriate personal protective equipment will be provided, such as safety footwear, gloves, and high-visibility clothing. Employees are expected to use this equipment correctly, keep it in good condition and report any defects or losses.
Incident Reporting and Investigation
Merton Movers encourages prompt reporting of all accidents, incidents, near misses and dangerous occurrences. This helps us identify underlying causes and prevent recurrence. All incidents will be recorded and, where appropriate, investigated to determine corrective and preventive actions.
Findings from investigations will be shared with relevant staff, and any necessary changes to procedures, equipment or training will be implemented as part of our commitment to continuous improvement.
Emergency Preparedness
We will maintain appropriate arrangements for responding to emergencies that may arise during our moving and transport activities. This includes procedures for fire, first aid, vehicle breakdowns, spills, and other foreseeable incidents.
Staff will be made aware of emergency procedures, both within company premises and when working at customer locations, and will be expected to co-operate with site-specific emergency arrangements.
Monitoring, Review and Continuous Improvement
Merton Movers will regularly monitor compliance with this Health and Safety Policy through inspections, audits, incident reviews and feedback from employees and customers. Performance indicators will be used to identify trends and areas for improvement.
This policy will be reviewed periodically and updated as necessary to reflect changes in legislation, industry standards, our operations or lessons learned from experience. Our objective is to continually improve our health and safety performance and to embed a positive safety culture throughout the company.
This Health and Safety Policy applies to all employees and operations of Merton Movers and is communicated to all staff and made available to customers and other interested parties on request.
