Storage West Wickham Health and Safety Policy
Storage West Wickham is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for employees, customers, contractors and visitors. This policy sets out our approach to managing health and safety across our storage facilities and associated removal and handling services.
Our aim is to prevent accidents, injuries and work-related ill health, and to promote a positive safety culture in every aspect of our operations.
Policy Objectives
The objectives of this Health and Safety Policy are to:
Promote safe working practices in all storage, lifting, handling and removal activities. Identify, assess and control significant risks arising from our work. Provide information, instruction, supervision and training so employees can work safely and responsibly. Maintain safe plant, equipment and vehicles, and ensure they are used correctly. Ensure the safe handling and storage of goods, including heavy, bulky or fragile items. Consult with employees on matters affecting their health and safety. Review and improve our health and safety performance on an ongoing basis.
Management Responsibilities
Senior management has overall responsibility for health and safety at Storage West Wickham. Management will:
Ensure this policy is implemented effectively throughout the business. Provide adequate resources for health and safety, including time, funding, personnel and equipment. Set clear roles, responsibilities and lines of reporting for health and safety matters. Ensure that risk assessments are carried out, recorded and regularly reviewed. Monitor safety performance and investigate accidents, incidents and near misses. Review this policy periodically and whenever there are significant changes in operations or legislation.
Employee Responsibilities
All employees share responsibility for maintaining a safe and healthy workplace. Employees are expected 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, safe systems of work and instructions provided. Use equipment, tools, vehicles and personal protective equipment correctly and report any defects. Cooperate with management to enable compliance with legal and policy requirements. Report hazards, incidents, near misses and unsafe conditions immediately. Avoid horseplay, misuse of equipment or any behaviour that could put people or property at risk.
Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work
Storage West Wickham will carry out systematic risk assessments covering storage activities, movement of goods, vehicle loading and unloading, removal operations and related tasks. These risk assessments will:
Identify potential hazards associated with manual handling, trips and falls, falling objects, vehicle movements, use of lifting equipment and working in confined or restricted areas. Evaluate the likelihood and severity of harm arising from these hazards. Implement suitable control measures, including safe systems of work, staff training, supervision and appropriate equipment. Be reviewed regularly and updated when there are changes in processes, equipment or layout.
Safe working procedures will be documented, communicated and enforced, with particular attention to lifting, carrying, stacking, and moving customer items within storage units and during removal services.
Manual Handling and Lifting
Manual handling is a key part of storage and removal operations and can present significant risks if not managed correctly. To minimise these risks:
Employees will receive training in safe manual handling techniques, including how to lift, carry and set down loads. Mechanical aids, such as trolleys, sack trucks and lifting equipment, will be provided where reasonably practicable and used where appropriate. Heavy or awkward loads will be assessed before moving, and team lifts will be used where required. Overloading of trolleys, vehicles or storage areas will be avoided. Tasks will be planned to reduce repeated or sustained lifting, twisting and reaching.
Safe Storage and Stacking
Storage West Wickham will ensure that all stored goods are managed safely. This includes:
Stacking items securely and in a stable manner to prevent collapse or falling objects. Keeping access routes, aisles and fire exits clear at all times. Placing heavy items at lower levels where possible to minimise the need for high lifting. Using suitable shelving, racking and supports in accordance with manufacturer guidance. Clearly marking any designated loading, unloading or restricted areas.
Vehicles, Driving and Site Traffic
Where vehicles are used for removals or for movement of goods and equipment, Storage West Wickham will:
Ensure that vehicles are maintained in a safe and roadworthy condition. Provide suitable training and checks to confirm that drivers are competent. Plan routes and loading patterns to avoid overloading and instability. Enforce safe loading and unloading procedures, including the use of stabilising equipment where necessary. Manage site traffic to reduce the risk of collisions and ensure the safety of pedestrians.
Equipment, Maintenance and Personal Protective Equipment
All work equipment, including lifting aids, tools and safety devices, will be selected, used and maintained to ensure safety. Storage West Wickham will:
Inspect and service equipment at appropriate intervals. Remove defective equipment from use until it is repaired or replaced. Provide suitable personal protective equipment where required, such as gloves or safety footwear. Train employees in the correct use, care and storage of any personal protective equipment provided.
Fire Safety and Emergency Procedures
Fire safety is a priority within all storage areas. Storage West Wickham will:
Maintain suitable fire detection and firefighting equipment. Keep emergency exits and escape routes clear and well signed. Provide information to employees on fire procedures, including evacuation routes and assembly points. Carry out fire drills and review emergency arrangements as needed. Ensure flammable or hazardous materials, if present, are stored appropriately and away from heat sources.
Training, Communication and Consultation
Health and safety training will be provided to all employees on induction and refreshed periodically, with additional training for those involved in higher risk activities such as removal operations and use of lifting equipment.
Storage West Wickham will consult with employees on health and safety issues, encourage feedback and suggestions, and communicate any changes in procedures promptly.
Accident Reporting and Investigation
All accidents, incidents and near misses must be reported as soon as possible. Storage West Wickham will:
Keep accurate records of accidents and incidents. Investigate the causes to identify any underlying issues. Implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence. Review findings as part of ongoing risk management and staff training.
Policy Review
This Health and Safety Policy will be reviewed regularly and amended where necessary to reflect changes in legislation, operations or best practice. The latest version will be made available to employees and customers on request.
By working together and following this policy, Storage West Wickham aims to provide a safe, efficient and professionally managed environment for storage and removal services.
