Storage South Norwood Health and Safety Policy
Storage South Norwood is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for employees, contractors, customers and visitors. This policy sets out our approach to managing health and safety across our storage and removal related activities, including handling, lifting, transport, loading and unloading of goods.
We recognise our duty to protect people who may be affected by our operations and to comply with all relevant health and safety legislation. Everyone on site is expected to cooperate with this policy and to take reasonable care of their own safety and that of others.
Health and Safety Objectives
Our main objectives are to prevent accidents and work related ill health, to provide and maintain safe working conditions and systems of work, and to promote a positive safety culture. We aim to continually improve our standards through regular review of risks, procedures and performance.
We will integrate health and safety into the planning and delivery of all storage and removal related services, including packing, moving, loading, unloading and storage of items for domestic and commercial clients.
Management Responsibilities
Senior management has overall responsibility for health and safety at Storage South Norwood. Management will provide leadership, appropriate resources and clear direction to ensure this policy is implemented and maintained.
Management responsibilities include assessing significant risks, maintaining suitable control measures, ensuring equipment is safe and properly maintained, providing relevant information, instruction and training, investigating incidents and near misses, and reviewing this policy at regular intervals or when operations change.
Employee Responsibilities
All employees have a duty to work safely and to cooperate with Storage South Norwood in meeting legal and policy requirements. Employees must 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 safe systems of work and site rules, use equipment and protective measures correctly, report hazards, defects, accidents and near misses without delay, attend training and safety briefings, and avoid horseplay or unsafe behaviour.
Customer and Visitor Responsibilities
Customers and visitors are expected to comply with site safety instructions, signage and directions from staff. All persons entering operational areas must take care when moving around the premises, particularly near vehicles, loading bays and storage aisles.
Customers are responsible for packing their items safely where they handle their own packing, including avoiding overweight boxes and sharp or unsecured contents. Dangerous, illegal or prohibited items must not be stored or presented for removal.
Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work
Storage South Norwood carries out risk assessments for key activities, including manual handling, operation of vehicles, use of lifting and handling equipment, stacking and storage of goods, and cleaning and maintenance of facilities.
Findings from risk assessments are used to develop safe systems of work and procedures. These are communicated to staff and reviewed periodically or following any incident, change of process or introduction of new equipment.
Manual Handling and Lifting
Manual handling risks are significant in storage and removal related services. We monitor the size, weight and shape of items handled by staff and encourage the use of mechanical aids where reasonably practicable.
Employees receive guidance on safe lifting techniques, team lifting and load assessment. Loads must be assessed before lifting, kept within acceptable weight limits, and moved using approved trolleys, sack trucks or lifting equipment when necessary.
Vehicles, Loading and Transport
Where removal vehicles or transport are used, we maintain them in a safe and roadworthy condition and ensure only authorised and competent drivers operate them. Vehicles must not be overloaded and loads must be secured to prevent movement during transit.
Loading and unloading are carried out in designated areas, using appropriate equipment. Staff are trained to avoid working under suspended loads, prevent falls from vehicles, and manage reversing and manoeuvring operations safely.
Workplace Safety and Housekeeping
Good housekeeping is essential for safe storage and removal operations. Aisles, emergency exits and access routes are to be kept clear at all times. Spills, obstacles and waste materials must be reported and removed promptly.
Storage units and racking are to be used within safe load limits and arranged to prevent collapse or falling items. Stacking height and stability are monitored, and staff are instructed not to climb on racking or use makeshift platforms.
Personal Protective Equipment
Where hazards cannot be fully controlled by other means, appropriate personal protective equipment may be provided, such as safety footwear, gloves, high visibility garments or other items relevant to the task.
Employees must use such equipment as instructed and report any loss, damage or defect so that it can be replaced or repaired. Personal protective equipment is considered a last line of defence and does not replace safe working practices.
Fire Safety and Emergency Procedures
Storage South Norwood maintains fire safety arrangements appropriate to its premises and operations. This includes fire detection and alarm systems where applicable, clearly marked escape routes, fire fighting equipment, and emergency lighting where required.
Staff are instructed in emergency procedures, including evacuation routes, assembly points and communication arrangements. Fire exits and equipment must not be obstructed. Customers and visitors must follow guidance from staff during any emergency.
Health, Welfare and First Aid
Suitable welfare facilities are provided for employees, including access to drinking water, rest areas and sanitary facilities. We promote safe working hours, adequate breaks and measures to reduce fatigue during demanding physical tasks.
First aid arrangements are in place in accordance with risk levels and staffing. Employees know how to access first aid assistance and where first aid supplies are located. All accidents and injuries must be reported and recorded so that causes can be investigated.
Training, Communication and Consultation
All employees receive induction training which covers site rules, safe practices, emergency procedures and their responsibilities. Additional task specific training is provided for roles involving manual handling, driving, equipment operation and other specialist activities.
We consult with employees on health and safety matters and encourage suggestions for improvement. Safety information, updates and procedures are communicated through briefings and internal notices.
Monitoring, Incident Reporting and Continuous Improvement
Storage South Norwood monitors health and safety performance through inspections, incident reports and feedback from staff and customers. All accidents, near misses and dangerous occurrences are investigated to identify causes and prevent recurrence.
This policy is reviewed regularly to ensure it remains effective and reflects the nature and scale of our storage and removal related activities. Changes in legislation, best practice or operational processes will be incorporated into updated procedures and communicated to relevant parties.
By following this Health and Safety Policy, Storage South Norwood aims to provide a safe and reliable service for all users of our storage and removal facilities.
