Health and Safety policy
Merton Man and Van Health and Safety Policy
Merton Man and Van 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 transport activities. This Health and Safety Policy sets out the principles and procedures we follow to prevent accidents, protect property and minimise risks associated with our man and van and removal services.
Our Health and Safety Objectives
Our primary objectives are to prevent injury and ill health, protect the environment in which we work and maintain high safety standards across all moving and transport operations. We aim to achieve this by continually assessing risks, implementing effective control measures and promoting a culture of safety and responsibility throughout the business.
Management Responsibilities
Senior management at Merton Man and Van has overall responsibility for health and safety within the company. Management will provide clear direction, adequate resources and competent supervision to ensure this policy is implemented and maintained. This includes ensuring that suitable and sufficient risk assessments are carried out for removal jobs, that staff receive appropriate training and that all work equipment and vehicles are regularly inspected and maintained in a safe condition.
Management will review this policy periodically and following any significant changes in legislation, working practices or incident investigations to ensure that it remains effective and relevant to our operations.
Employee Responsibilities
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 must follow the safety procedures set out by Merton Man and Van, use equipment correctly and cooperate fully with risk control measures.
Employees are expected to report hazards, defects, near misses and accidents to their supervisor without delay. They must not undertake tasks for which they have not been trained or authorised, and they must use any personal protective equipment provided for the job.
Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices
Before starting removal or transport work, we will assess the specific risks involved, taking into account the items being moved, access routes, parking arrangements, manual handling demands and any special customer requirements. Where risks are identified, we will implement controls such as using additional staff, mechanical aids, revised methods of work or alternative routes.
Safe systems of work are developed for tasks such as lifting and carrying, loading and unloading vehicles, securing loads and working in confined or shared spaces such as communal hallways or loading bays. These procedures are communicated to staff and, where relevant, to customers on site so that everyone understands how the work will be carried out safely.
Manual Handling and Lifting Safety
Manual handling activities are a core part of our man and van and removal services, and therefore present a significant potential risk. Merton Man and Van minimises this risk by training staff in safe lifting techniques, team lifting and the correct use of equipment such as trolleys, dollies and moving straps.
Heavy, bulky or awkward items are assessed individually to decide whether they can be moved safely with the available manpower and equipment. If an item cannot be moved safely, the work will be stopped until additional resources or specialist assistance can be arranged. Staff must never attempt to move loads that exceed their individual capability.
Vehicle Safety and Load Security
Our vehicles are maintained in a roadworthy and safe condition through regular checks and servicing. Drivers are responsible for conducting basic pre-use inspections, such as checking lights, tyres, mirrors and load securing points, before starting a journey.
All goods and equipment must be loaded and secured in a way that prevents movement during transit. This includes using straps, blankets, padding and other protective materials to safeguard both the load and the vehicle. Drivers must comply with all road traffic laws and drive in a manner that reflects the weight, size and characteristics of the loaded vehicle.
Customer Premises and Public Safety
Merton Man and Van recognises that removal work often takes place in shared or public areas. We take care to protect customer premises and the wider public by using appropriate barriers or signage where necessary, keeping access routes as clear as possible and managing vehicle movements safely.
Care is taken to avoid damage to property, fixtures and fittings. Where risk of damage is identified, additional protection measures such as floor coverings, corner guards or wrapping may be used. Our staff will act courteously at all times and will take reasonable steps to reduce disturbance to neighbours and other users of shared spaces.
Training, Supervision and Competence
All employees receive induction training that includes health and safety responsibilities, safe working practices, incident reporting and the correct use of tools and equipment. Additional task-specific training is provided for activities such as manual handling, use of lifting aids and driving company vehicles.
Supervisors monitor working practices to ensure procedures are followed and standards maintained. Where necessary, refresher training or corrective instruction will be given to address unsafe behaviour or gaps in understanding.
Accident Reporting and Incident Investigation
All accidents, injuries, near misses and dangerous occurrences must be reported promptly so that appropriate action can be taken. Details of incidents are recorded, and where required, reported to the relevant authorities in line with legal requirements.
Incidents are investigated to identify root causes and to determine what corrective or preventive measures should be implemented. Lessons learned from investigations are shared with staff and may result in updated procedures, additional training or changes to equipment and resources.
Wellbeing, Fitness for Work and Substance Misuse
Removals and van driving can be physically demanding. Employees are expected to present themselves fit for work and to advise management of any health conditions that may affect their ability to carry out tasks safely. Where appropriate, duties may be adjusted to enable safe working.
Merton Man and Van operates a zero tolerance approach to working under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Any employee found to be impaired by substances while at work will be removed from duty and subject to appropriate management action.
Continuous Improvement and Policy Review
This Health and Safety Policy reflects the current arrangements and standards within Merton Man and Van. We are committed to continuously improving our performance by reviewing risk assessments, learning from feedback and keeping up to date with changes in health and safety guidance relevant to removal and transport services.
The policy will be reviewed regularly and revised where necessary to ensure that it continues to support safe, efficient and professional man and van operations for our customers and our staff.
