Storage West Hampstead Health and Safety Policy
This Health and Safety Policy sets out how Storage West Hampstead manages the safety and wellbeing of employees, contractors, visitors and customers using our storage and removal services. Our aim is to provide a safe, healthy and secure environment, prevent accidents and work-related ill health, and continuously improve our health and safety performance.
Policy Statement and Objectives
Storage West Hampstead is committed to maintaining high standards of health and safety in all storage, loading, unloading and removal activities. We will ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, that our operations do not pose a risk to people, property or the environment.
Our key objectives are to:
Identify, assess and control risks associated with storage units, access areas, vehicles and handling of goods.
Provide and maintain safe premises, equipment and systems of work.
Ensure staff are competent to carry out their duties safely through information, instruction, training and supervision.
Promote a positive safety culture in all storage and removal activities.
Review and improve our safety management on a regular basis.
Responsibilities
Overall responsibility for health and safety rests with the company management, who will ensure appropriate resources are made available to implement this policy. Management will:
Set clear health and safety objectives and monitor performance.
Ensure that risk assessments are carried out and regularly reviewed.
Provide suitable safety equipment and ensure it is properly maintained.
Lead by example and promote safe behaviour at all times.
Employees and regular contractors have a duty to:
Take reasonable care for their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions.
Follow all safety procedures, signage and documented safe systems of work.
Use equipment, personal protective equipment and vehicles in accordance with training and instructions.
Report accidents, incidents, near misses, hazards and defective equipment without delay.
Visitors and customers are expected to:
Follow safety information given by staff and observe all warning signs.
Keep children under close supervision at all times on site.
Refrain from entering restricted areas or operating any equipment.
Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work
We will undertake and maintain suitable and sufficient risk assessments for all significant hazards arising from our storage and removal operations. This includes:
Manual handling of goods and furniture.
Use of trolleys, sack trucks, ramps and lifting aids.
Vehicle movements, loading bays and parking areas.
Use of storage units, stairways, corridors and access routes.
Fire and emergency situations.
Control measures and safe systems of work will be implemented, communicated to staff and reviewed periodically or following any significant change in operations or premises.
Manual Handling and Lifting
Manual handling is a key element of storage and removal activity. To reduce the risk of injury we will:
Provide training in safe lifting techniques and correct use of handling equipment.
Encourage planning of lifts, including assessment of load weight, size and route.
Use mechanical aids wherever reasonably practicable to minimise strain.
Discourage lone handling of heavy, bulky or awkward items.
Vehicles, Loading and Unloading
Safe vehicle movements and loading operations are essential to our service. We will:
Designate safe loading and unloading areas and keep them clear of obstructions.
Ensure drivers and staff are trained in safe loading practices and load securing.
Implement procedures to control reversing and manoeuvring, including the use of a banksman where needed.
Prohibit unauthorised passengers in vehicles and unsafe riding on vehicles or equipment.
Storage Units and Access Areas
We will maintain storage units, corridors, stairs, lifts and access routes in a safe condition. This includes:
Keeping floors, steps and ramps in good repair and free from slip and trip hazards.
Ensuring adequate lighting in all storage and circulation areas.
Maintaining clear emergency exits and routes at all times.
Providing clear signage, including directional signs and hazard warnings.
Fire Safety and Emergency Procedures
Fire safety is a priority for all storage and removal activities. We will:
Carry out fire risk assessments and review them regularly.
Provide and maintain appropriate fire detection and firefighting equipment.
Ensure emergency exits are clearly marked and unobstructed.
Display emergency instructions and ensure staff are trained in evacuation procedures.
Control the storage of flammable, hazardous or prohibited items in accordance with our terms and conditions.
Training, Information and Supervision
All employees will receive appropriate induction and ongoing training relevant to their roles, which may include:
General health and safety awareness.
Manual handling and safe lifting techniques.
Use of handling equipment and vehicles.
Fire safety and emergency procedures.
Accident reporting and incident response.
Training will be refreshed at suitable intervals and whenever there is a change in equipment, procedures or work environment.
Accidents, Incidents and Continuous Improvement
All accidents, incidents and near misses will be recorded and, where necessary, investigated to identify underlying causes and implement corrective actions. We will use these findings to improve our procedures, training and equipment.
This policy will be reviewed regularly to ensure it remains suitable, effective and aligned with the nature and scale of our storage and removal services. Updated versions will be communicated to staff and made available to customers and visitors on request.
