Health and Safety Policy for Storage South Hackney
Storage South Hackney is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for all employees, customers, visitors, contractors and any other persons who may be affected by our activities. This policy applies to all storage, handling, removal and associated services carried out on our premises and at customer locations.
We recognise our duty to manage health and safety risks systematically and to integrate safe working practices into all aspects of our operations, including the movement, loading, unloading and transportation of goods and personal belongings.
Policy Aims
The aims of this Health and Safety Policy are to prevent injury and ill health, to comply with all relevant health and safety legislation and guidance, and to promote a culture of continuous improvement. We will provide appropriate resources to maintain safe working conditions and will encourage open communication on health and safety matters.
Management Responsibilities
Senior management has overall responsibility for implementing and reviewing this policy. They will ensure that:
Clear health and safety objectives are established and reviewed regularly. Adequate resources, including time, equipment and training, are made available to support safe working practices. Risk assessments are carried out and control measures are implemented, monitored and updated as necessary. Procedures are in place for the safe operation of storage facilities, vehicles and handling equipment used for removals and related services. All accidents, incidents and near misses are recorded, investigated and used to improve safety performance.
Managers and supervisors are responsible for day-to-day implementation of this policy within their areas of control and for ensuring that staff follow agreed procedures and safe systems of work.
Employee Responsibilities
Every employee has a legal and moral duty to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions or omissions. Employees are required to:
Follow all safety instructions, procedures and training provided. Use equipment, vehicles and personal protective equipment correctly and report any defects immediately. Co-operate with managers and supervisors on all health and safety matters. Report hazards, unsafe conditions, accidents and near misses without delay. Refrain from misusing or interfering with anything provided for health, safety or welfare.
Failure to observe health and safety requirements may result in disciplinary action where appropriate.
Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work
We will identify and assess risks arising from our activities, including but not limited to storage operations, manual handling, use of vehicles, loading and unloading, working in customers premises and general workplace activities.
Risk assessments will be documented and reviewed periodically, or sooner if there is a significant change in work practices, equipment or premises. Control measures may include engineering controls, safe systems of work, training, supervision, and the use of suitable equipment and protective measures.
Manual Handling and Lifting
Manual handling is a significant part of storage and removal services. To reduce the risk of musculoskeletal injury, we will:
Provide training in safe lifting and carrying techniques, including team lifting and the use of handling aids. Plan removal and storage tasks to minimise unnecessary lifting, twisting and carrying over long distances. Supply appropriate manual handling equipment, such as trolleys, dollies and lifting straps, and ensure it is maintained in safe condition. Encourage staff to assess each lift individually and to seek assistance where loads are heavy, bulky or difficult to handle.
Use of Vehicles and Driving Safety
Where vehicles are used for collection, delivery or removal activities, we will ensure that:
Vehicles are maintained in a roadworthy and safe condition. Drivers are competent, appropriately licensed and given suitable instruction on safe loading, securing of goods and route planning. Loading and unloading activities are planned to reduce the risk of falls, collisions and damage to goods or property. Parking and maneuvering are carried out with care, especially in residential streets, shared yards and confined spaces.
Workplace Safety and Storage Areas
Our storage facilities and associated areas will be managed to ensure they are safe and fit for purpose. This includes:
Maintaining clear walkways and access routes, free from obstruction and trip hazards. Ensuring racking, shelving and storage units are suitable, stable and not overloaded. Providing suitable lighting, ventilation and, where necessary, temperature control. Managing fire risks through appropriate housekeeping, emergency routes, fire detection and firefighting equipment, and regular drills where appropriate.
Equipment, Maintenance and Personal Protective Equipment
All tools, plant, lifting aids and other equipment used in storage and removal activities will be selected, inspected and maintained so that they remain safe for use. Defective equipment must be taken out of service and reported.
Where hazards cannot be eliminated or adequately controlled by other means, appropriate personal protective equipment will be provided. Employees must use such equipment correctly and store it properly when not in use.
Training, Information and Supervision
We are committed to providing employees with the information, instruction, training and supervision necessary to work safely. This may include induction training, task-specific training for storage and removal operations, refresher training and briefings on new or changed procedures.
Supervision will be proportionate to the level of risk and the experience and competence of employees. Additional guidance will be given to new starters or those taking on unfamiliar tasks.
Health, Welfare and Wellbeing
We recognise the importance of general health and wellbeing in maintaining a safe working environment. Reasonable welfare facilities will be provided and maintained in a clean and hygienic condition.
We will encourage employees to raise any health concerns that may affect their ability to carry out storage or removal tasks safely. Where appropriate and reasonably practicable, adjustments or alternative duties may be considered.
Emergency Procedures and First Aid
Emergency procedures, including those relating to fire, serious incidents and evacuation, will be established, communicated and tested periodically. Clear instructions will be provided on what to do in an emergency, both in our facilities and when working at customer locations.
Suitable first aid arrangements will be made, including trained personnel and appropriate first aid supplies. All employees must know how to summon assistance in the event of an accident or medical emergency.
Consultation and Communication
We will consult with employees on matters affecting their health and safety and will encourage feedback and suggestions for improvement. Health and safety information will be communicated through briefings, notices and other appropriate means.
Monitoring, Review and Continuous Improvement
Compliance with this Health and Safety Policy and related procedures will be monitored through inspections, audits, incident investigations and performance reviews. The policy will be reviewed regularly and updated when necessary to reflect changes in legislation, guidance, work practices or the nature of our services.
By working together and maintaining a proactive approach to managing risks, Storage South Hackney aims to ensure that storage, handling and removal activities are carried out safely and responsibly at all times.
