Health and Safety policy

Merton Man and Van Health and Safety Policy

Merton Man and Van is committed to maintaining the highest standards of health and safety for our employees, customers and members of the public. This policy sets out our approach to managing health and safety risks in all aspects of our removal and transport services, including packing, loading, moving and unloading items for domestic and commercial clients.

We aim to provide a working environment that prevents injury, ill health, damage to property and adverse impact on the environment. Health and safety is an integral part of our day-to-day operations and decision-making. Every member of the team is responsible for upholding this policy and following established procedures.

Responsibilities and Management Commitment

The management of Merton Man and Van accepts overall responsibility for health and safety within the company. Management will allocate appropriate resources, provide guidance and ensure that effective controls are in place to minimise the risk of accidents and incidents.

Supervisors and team leaders are responsible for implementing this policy on site and when carrying out removal work. This includes checking that equipment is suitable and maintained, ensuring that staff are trained and competent, and that safe working methods are followed at all times.

Every employee has a duty to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions. All staff are required to co-operate with management, follow instructions and training, report hazards and near misses, and use protective equipment correctly.

Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices

Merton Man and Van conducts risk assessments for typical removal activities and for specific jobs where particular risks are identified. These assessments consider hazards such as manual handling, working in confined or restricted spaces, operating in busy streets, using lifting equipment, and moving bulky or fragile items.

From these assessments we develop safe systems of work which are communicated to all staff. Where necessary, method statements are prepared and followed for specialist moves, such as heavy furniture, awkward loads, or items requiring extra care. Procedures are reviewed regularly and updated when improvements are identified or when changes in operations occur.

Training, Competence and Supervision

We ensure that all staff receive appropriate training for their roles. This includes induction training, role-specific instruction and, where relevant, refresher training to keep skills and knowledge up to date. Key training areas include manual handling techniques, safe lifting practices, use of trolleys, ramps and lifting aids, vehicle loading and unloading, and the use of personal protective equipment.

Only trained and authorised employees may operate company vehicles and any specialised handling equipment. New or less experienced team members are supervised by competent staff until they can demonstrate a suitable level of skill and understanding of our safety procedures.

Manual Handling and Use of Equipment

Manual handling is a core aspect of removal work and is a major focus of our safety arrangements. Staff are trained to assess the weight, size and shape of items before attempting to lift or move them and to use appropriate lifting aids such as sack barrows, dollies, straps and sliders whenever possible.

Two-person or team lifting is required for heavy, bulky or unstable items. Staff are instructed not to exceed their individual capabilities and to request assistance if there is any doubt. Pathways and loading areas must be kept clear of obstructions, trip hazards and spillages to allow safe movement of items and equipment.

All tools and equipment are inspected regularly and maintained to ensure they remain in safe working order. Defective equipment is taken out of service immediately and reported to management.

Vehicle Safety and Driving Standards

The safe operation of vehicles used in our removal services is essential to the safety of staff, customers and other road users. Only drivers with the necessary licence, training and authorisation may drive company vehicles.

Drivers must carry out basic pre-use checks on vehicles, including tyres, lights, brakes and securing points, and report any defects to management. Loads must be evenly distributed and securely fastened to prevent movement during transit. Doors, ramps and tailgates must be operated in accordance with instructions and kept locked or secured when not in use.

Drivers are expected to comply with road traffic laws, speed limits and parking requirements at all times. Routes and schedules are planned as far as practicable to minimise unnecessary risks, such as tight access points or unsafe stopping locations.

Customer Premises and Public Safety

During removals, our staff work in and around customers premises and public areas. We take particular care to protect customers, visitors and passers-by from potential harm arising from our activities.

Where necessary, we will cordon off work areas, use warning signs or station team members to guide people safely around loading zones. Staff are trained to move items carefully through doorways, corridors, staircases and communal areas to avoid contact with people, fixtures and fittings.

We take reasonable steps to prevent slips, trips and falls, including the prompt management of packaging materials, tools, straps and any loose items. Corridors, pathways and access routes are kept as clear as reasonably practicable while work is in progress.

Accident Reporting and Emergency Procedures

All accidents, incidents, near misses and health and safety concerns must be reported to management as soon as possible. This allows us to take prompt corrective action, provide support where needed and review our procedures to prevent recurrence.

Details of incidents are recorded and investigated to identify underlying causes. Lessons learned are shared with staff and incorporated into training, risk assessments and working methods.

Employees are briefed on what to do in the event of fire, serious injury, sudden illness or other emergencies that may occur while working on site or at customer premises. This includes contacting the emergency services where necessary and following any local safety instructions at customer locations.

Wellbeing and Occupational Health

Merton Man and Van recognises that health and safety covers both physical and mental wellbeing. We aim to manage workloads sensibly, encourage regular breaks where appropriate and promote safe working hours for drivers and removal staff.

Employees are encouraged to inform management of any health conditions that could affect their ability to perform certain tasks safely. Adjustments to duties or working methods will be considered where reasonably practicable to support the wellbeing of our team.

Review and Continuous Improvement

This Health and Safety Policy is reviewed regularly and whenever there are significant changes to our operations, relevant legislation or industry best practice. Staff feedback, incident reports and customer comments are all taken into account when assessing the effectiveness of our arrangements.

Merton Man and Van is committed to continuous improvement in health and safety performance. By working together, we can provide a safe, reliable and professional removal service that protects our staff, our customers and the wider community.