Health and Safety policy

Health and Safety Policy for Removal Companies Merton

This Health and Safety policy sets out how Removal Companies Merton manages the safety and wellbeing of employees, customers, contractors and members of the public during all removal, packing, transportation and related activities. The company is committed to maintaining a safe working environment and preventing injury, ill health and damage to property.

Health and Safety Commitment

Removal Companies Merton will conduct its operations so far as is reasonably practicable in a way that protects the health, safety and welfare of everyone affected by its work. This applies to domestic and commercial removals, packing services, loading and unloading, storage operations, and driving activities throughout the local service area.

The company will comply with relevant health and safety legislation and industry guidance, and will review and improve its arrangements regularly to ensure they remain effective and proportionate to the risks involved in removal work.

Management Responsibilities

Senior management is responsible for implementing this policy and ensuring that suitable resources are provided to manage health and safety. This includes arranging risk assessments, providing appropriate equipment, ensuring training is carried out, and monitoring performance on a regular basis.

Managers and supervisors must lead by example, promote safe working practices on every move, and ensure that agreed procedures are followed. They are responsible for planning work safely, briefing teams, checking vehicles and equipment, and addressing any unsafe behaviour or conditions immediately.

Employee Responsibilities

All employees of Removal Companies Merton have a duty to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions. Staff must follow training and instructions, use equipment correctly, and report any hazards, defects or incidents without delay.

Employees must not misuse or interfere with anything provided for health and safety purposes, such as lifting equipment, personal protective equipment, securing straps, ramps or vehicle safety features. Every team member is expected to co-operate with management in meeting legal and company health and safety requirements.

Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work

Removal Companies Merton will carry out risk assessments for key aspects of its activities, including manual handling, working at height when loading vehicles, driving and parking, handling fragile or heavy items, and operating in shared premises or busy streets. The findings of these assessments will be used to develop safe systems of work and practical controls.

Site-specific risks at client properties will be considered before work begins. This may include access restrictions, stairs, lifts, uneven surfaces, weather conditions and proximity to the public. Where necessary, work will be adapted, additional controls implemented or work postponed if conditions are unsafe.

Manual Handling and Use of Equipment

Because removal work involves regular lifting and carrying, safe manual handling is a core priority. Staff will receive guidance on correct lifting techniques and team lifts for heavy or awkward items. Wherever reasonably practicable, suitable handling aids such as trolleys, skates, dollies and lifting straps will be used to reduce the risk of injury.

All handling equipment must be inspected regularly and taken out of service if any defects are found. Only trained and authorised personnel may operate specialised equipment. Items must be loaded and secured safely inside vehicles to prevent movement and reduce the risk of injury and damage during transit.

Vehicles and Driving Safety

Vehicles used by Removal Companies Merton will be maintained in a safe and roadworthy condition, with regular checks and servicing in line with manufacturer guidance and legal requirements. Daily pre-use checks will be carried out by drivers, who must report any defects promptly.

Drivers must hold the correct licence and follow road traffic laws at all times. They are expected to drive safely, allow sufficient time for journeys, and consider local traffic, parking and access conditions when planning routes. Loads must be evenly distributed and properly secured before departure. No vehicle should be moved while loading or unloading is taking place unless the area has been cleared and checked.

Working at Client Premises

Removal activities often take place in homes, offices and shared buildings. Staff must take particular care to protect clients, visitors and the public, for example by keeping walkways clear, using warning signs where necessary, and controlling access to loading areas.

Floors, stairs and entrances should be kept free from trip hazards such as loose packing materials or trailing straps. Care must be taken to prevent damage to client property and fixtures, and any spills or breakages must be dealt with promptly to avoid further risk.

Personal Protective Equipment

Where risks cannot be eliminated by other means, suitable personal protective equipment will be provided, such as protective gloves, safety footwear and high visibility clothing for work near traffic or in loading areas. Employees must use any equipment provided correctly and look after it with reasonable care.

Training, Information and Supervision

Removal Companies Merton will provide training and information relevant to each role, including induction training for new starters and refresher training as needed. Topics may include manual handling techniques, safe loading and unloading, vehicle safety, accident reporting and emergency procedures.

Supervision will be proportionate to the experience of staff and the risk level of the work being carried out. Less experienced employees will be closely supervised until they are competent to work more independently.

Accident Reporting and Emergency Procedures

All accidents, incidents, near misses and cases of work-related ill health must be reported as soon as possible to management. The company will investigate incidents to identify any underlying causes and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence.

Employees must familiarise themselves with emergency arrangements relevant to the sites where they are working, including fire exits, assembly points and any local building procedures. In the event of an emergency, the safety of people takes priority over property.

Monitoring, Review and Continuous Improvement

This Health and Safety policy will be monitored and reviewed regularly to ensure it remains suitable and effective for the nature and scale of removal services provided. Changes may be made to reflect new legislation, updated guidance, incident findings or improvements in working practices.

Removal Companies Merton encourages feedback from employees and clients on health and safety matters and will consider reasonable suggestions for improvement. By working together, the company aims to deliver professional removal services while maintaining high standards of safety and care.