Health and Safety policy
Movers Merton Health and Safety Policy
Movers Merton is committed to maintaining the highest standards of health and safety for our employees, customers, contractors, and members of the public who may be affected by our removal services. This policy sets out our approach to managing risks associated with moving, lifting, transport, and related activities carried out in homes, offices, and commercial premises within our service area.
Our Commitment to Health and Safety
We recognise that professional removal work involves manual handling, vehicle use, and working in varied environments. We are committed to preventing accidents, injuries, and ill health by identifying hazards, assessing risks, and putting suitable control measures in place. Health and safety considerations form an integral part of our planning and decision making for every move.
Senior management accepts overall responsibility for health and safety performance and ensures that adequate resources, equipment, and training are provided. Every employee, from office staff to front-line movers, shares responsibility for maintaining a safe working environment and following this policy.
Legal Responsibilities
Movers Merton complies with all applicable health and safety laws and regulations relevant to the removals and transport sector. Where industry best practice exceeds minimum legal standards, we aim to meet or surpass those higher expectations. We review changes in legislation and guidance and update our procedures, training, and documentation accordingly.
Risk Assessment and Planning
All removal projects are planned with health and safety in mind. Before work begins, we conduct risk assessments that consider the nature of the property, access routes, the items to be moved, and any specific customer requirements. Particular attention is given to stairways, tight spaces, heavy or fragile items, parking and loading arrangements, and interaction with other contractors or building users.
Where necessary, we implement site-specific controls such as assigning additional staff, using specialised lifting equipment, scheduling work at less busy times, or adapting the planned route through a property. These assessments are reviewed if conditions change or new information becomes available during the move.
Manual Handling and Lifting Safety
Manual handling is a core part of removal work and is one of the main sources of potential injury. Movers Merton provides training to all staff in safe lifting techniques, team lifting procedures, and the correct use of handling aids such as trolleys and furniture sliders. Employees are instructed to assess each item before lifting, taking into account weight, shape, and stability.
Where an item is too heavy, awkward, or risky to move manually, mechanical aids or additional personnel are used. Staff are required to avoid unsafe shortcuts and to report any item that cannot be moved safely so that alternative arrangements can be made. Protecting the health of our team and the safety of our customers’ property takes priority over speed.
Use of Vehicles and Driving Safety
Our vehicles are maintained in a safe and roadworthy condition in line with legal requirements and manufacturer recommendations. Routine checks are carried out on tyres, lights, brakes, securing points, and loading areas. Only trained and authorised personnel are permitted to drive company vehicles.
Drivers must follow all road traffic laws, adhere to safe loading limits, and ensure that loads are properly secured before departure. Journey planning takes into account realistic travel times, congestion, and access restrictions. We promote safe driving practices, including the avoidance of fatigue, distraction, and excessive speed.
Safe Use of Equipment and Protective Gear
Movers Merton provides appropriate tools and equipment to carry out removal work safely. This may include lifting straps, dollies, ramps, and protective coverings for furniture and property. Equipment is inspected regularly and removed from service if any defect is found.
Where the nature of the work requires it, staff are issued with personal protective equipment such as safety footwear and gloves. Employees are responsible for using this equipment correctly and reporting any damage or faults. Training is given in the safe handling of tools and in recognising when additional protection or alternative methods are needed.
Customer and Public Safety
Our teams take care to protect customers, visitors, and members of the public from risks created by our work. Access routes are kept as clear as practicable, and trip hazards such as packing materials, straps, and tools are controlled and removed when no longer required. Where appropriate, our staff may restrict access to certain areas temporarily while heavy items are being moved.
We aim to minimise disruption around properties and loading areas, paying attention to pavements, entrances, shared hallways, and communal spaces. Our crews are instructed to act courteously, to communicate clearly with customers about any safety concerns, and to respond promptly if a risk is identified during a move.
Training, Competence, and Supervision
All employees receive induction training that covers core health and safety principles, emergency procedures, and company policies. Additional role-specific training is provided for drivers, team leaders, and staff who use specialist equipment. Training is refreshed periodically and when new procedures or equipment are introduced.
Supervisors and managers are responsible for monitoring working practices, correcting unsafe behaviour, and reinforcing the importance of following instructions. We encourage staff to ask questions, raise concerns, and suggest improvements related to health and safety.
Incident Reporting and Continuous Improvement
All accidents, near misses, and dangerous occurrences must be reported as soon as possible to a responsible person within Movers Merton. Incidents are investigated to identify root causes and to determine whether additional control measures, training, or equipment changes are necessary.
We keep appropriate records of incidents, risk assessments, and training to help us track performance and identify trends. Lessons learned are shared with relevant staff to prevent recurrence and to promote continuous improvement in our safety culture.
Health and Wellbeing
The physical and mental wellbeing of our employees is important to the long-term success of our business. We aim to organise workloads realistically, avoid excessive manual strain, and promote safe working hours. Where an employee reports a health issue that may affect their ability to carry out removal tasks safely, we will consider adjustments or alternative duties where feasible.
Review of this Policy
This Health and Safety Policy is reviewed regularly and whenever there are significant changes in our operations, legal requirements, or industry guidance. Updates are communicated to all employees, and the latest version is made available to customers on request.
By working together and following the principles set out in this document, Movers Merton strives to provide a safe, efficient, and professional removal service across our operating area.
