Health and Safety Policy for Storage Winchmore Hill
This Health and Safety Policy explains how Storage Winchmore Hill manages health, safety and welfare for employees, contractors, visitors and customers. Our goal is to provide safe storage facilities and a safe removals service, controlling risks associated with handling, transporting and storing goods.
Policy Statement and Objectives
Storage Winchmore Hill is committed to preventing injury, ill health and damage to property. We will identify and control health and safety risks, provide clear information and training, and continually improve our systems. This policy applies to our storage premises, vehicles and any locations where we undertake removal or delivery activities.
We will comply with all relevant health and safety legislation and accepted industry standards for storage and removals. Health and safety responsibilities form an integral part of management and day-to-day operations.
Responsibilities for Health and Safety
Overall responsibility for health and safety rests with the company management, who will ensure that resources are available to implement this policy. Managers and supervisors must:
Plan work so that it can be carried out safely, conduct risk assessments, implement control measures, and ensure staff follow procedures and use equipment correctly.
All employees, including drivers, porters, warehouse staff and office staff, must:
Take reasonable care for their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their work, co-operate with management on health and safety matters, and report hazards, accidents, near misses and unsafe conditions without delay.
Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work
We carry out regular risk assessments for storage operations, removals work, vehicle use and office activities. These assessments identify hazards such as manual handling, slips and trips, falling objects, vehicle movements and working at height.
Based on these assessments, we implement safe systems of work, including method statements for removals, vehicle loading and unloading, use of handling equipment and storage of customer goods. Assessments are reviewed periodically and whenever there are significant changes in work activities, equipment or premises.
Manual Handling and Lifting
Manual handling is a key element of storage and removals work. To reduce the risk of injury, we:
Assess loads and routes before lifting or moving items, use mechanical aids such as sack trucks, dollies and pallet trucks where reasonably practicable, avoid lone handling of heavy or awkward items, and use team lifting techniques where required.
All staff involved in lifting and carrying receive manual handling training that covers posture, lifting techniques, use of equipment and identification of loads that are too heavy or unsafe to move manually.
Storage Safety and Warehouse Practices
We manage our storage facilities to ensure that aisles, stairways and exits are kept clear, lighting is adequate and floors are kept in good condition. Racking and storage areas are inspected regularly, and loads are stacked securely to prevent collapse or falling items.
Customers visiting storage areas are supervised when necessary and are expected to follow staff instructions, remain within designated areas and avoid climbing on racking or handling heavy items without assistance.
Vehicle Safety and Removals Operations
Our vehicles are maintained on a planned schedule, including regular safety checks, servicing and defect reporting. Drivers must complete pre-use checks and report any faults.
During removals, we plan routes and stops to reduce risks associated with traffic, loading and unloading. Parking and access are assessed for each job so that loading areas are as safe as reasonably practicable. Vehicle loading is carried out to maintain stability, prevent load movement and avoid overloading.
Where work takes place at customer premises or other sites, staff must assess local hazards such as uneven surfaces, steps, narrow access, other trades and members of the public, and adjust work methods accordingly.
Equipment, PPE and Maintenance
We provide appropriate equipment for storage and removals activities, including handling aids, lifting straps, blankets and securing devices. All equipment is selected, used and maintained in accordance with manufacturer guidance and relevant standards.
Where required, we provide personal protective equipment such as safety footwear, gloves and high-visibility clothing. Staff must use this equipment as instructed and report damage or defects immediately.
Training, Information and Supervision
Health and safety training is provided as part of induction and updated periodically. This includes manual handling, safe use of vehicles and equipment, warehouse safety, fire safety and emergency procedures.
Supervisors monitor working practices to ensure procedures are followed and to identify additional training needs. Information on risks and control measures is communicated through briefings, signage and written instructions where appropriate.
Accident, Incident and Near Miss Reporting
All accidents, incidents and near misses must be reported promptly so that investigations can identify root causes and corrective actions. We maintain records of incidents and use this information to improve our systems and reduce the likelihood of recurrence.
Fire Safety and Emergencies
We maintain suitable fire detection and firefighting equipment in our premises. Escape routes are kept clear, emergency exits are clearly signed and emergency lighting is provided where necessary.
Staff are instructed on fire evacuation procedures, assembly points and how to raise the alarm. Emergency procedures also cover events such as serious accidents, spillages and vehicle incidents. Drills and reviews are carried out as appropriate.
Health, Welfare and Wellbeing
We aim to protect both physical and mental health. Workloads are managed reasonably and breaks are encouraged, particularly for staff carrying out physically demanding removals work or long-distance driving. Suitable welfare facilities, including toilet and rest areas, are provided at our premises.
We take steps to identify and manage stress and fatigue risks, especially in relation to driving and manual work. Staff are encouraged to raise any health concerns that may affect their ability to work safely.
Review of this Policy
This Health and Safety Policy is reviewed regularly to ensure it remains effective and appropriate to the nature and scale of our storage and removals operations. Reviews also take place following accidents, changes in legislation, introduction of new equipment or significant changes to our services.
By following this policy, Storage Winchmore Hill seeks to maintain a safe environment for employees, customers and all others who may be affected by our activities.
