Storage Worcester Park Health and Safety Policy
Storage Worcester Park is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for our customers, employees, contractors and visitors. This Health and Safety policy sets out our approach to managing risks associated with storage facilities, handling of goods and removals-related activities carried out on or from our premises.
Policy Statement and Objectives
Our objective is to prevent injury, ill health and damage to property by identifying hazards, assessing risks and implementing effective controls. We aim to maintain a culture where safety is a shared responsibility and everyone is encouraged to raise concerns and suggest improvements.
Senior management is responsible for providing the resources, information and support necessary to implement this policy and to review its effectiveness on a regular basis. All employees and contractors are expected to cooperate fully with this policy and follow the procedures in place.
Management Responsibilities
Management at Storage Worcester Park will ensure that:
Health and Safety responsibilities are clearly defined, communicated and monitored within the business. Risk assessments are carried out for key activities, including storage operations, removals and handling of customer belongings. Safe systems of work are developed, documented where appropriate and kept up to date. Employees receive suitable information, instruction, training and supervision to perform their roles safely. Plant, equipment and vehicles used in storage and removal activities are maintained in a safe condition. The workplace, including storage areas, loading bays and access routes, is kept in a safe and tidy state as far as is reasonably practicable.
Employee Responsibilities
All employees must:
Take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions or omissions. Follow all safety rules, instructions and procedures issued by Storage Worcester Park, particularly in relation to lifting, handling and use of equipment. Use any safety equipment or personal protective equipment provided and report any defects without delay. Immediately report accidents, near misses, unsafe conditions or concerns to their supervisor or manager. Avoid horseplay or any behaviour that could put themselves or others at risk, especially in storage aisles, loading areas or when handling items for removals.
Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices
We will undertake regular risk assessments covering typical activities such as moving and storing goods, operating handling equipment, vehicle loading and unloading, and day to day access within the facility. The findings of risk assessments will be used to implement suitable control measures, which may include revised procedures, training, use of appropriate equipment and housekeeping standards.
Safe working practices will be reviewed whenever operations change, new equipment is introduced, or following any incident that suggests current controls may be inadequate.
Manual Handling and Removals Activities
Manual handling is a significant part of storage and removals work. To reduce the risk of injury, Storage Worcester Park will:
Provide guidance and training on safe lifting techniques, correct posture and team lifting methods. Use appropriate handling aids where practical, such as trolleys or dollies, especially for bulky or heavy items. Plan removals related tasks to minimise the need for awkward lifting, carrying over long distances or working in confined spaces. Encourage staff to assess the weight, shape and stability of loads before attempting to move them and to seek assistance when necessary.
Customers using the facility are encouraged to adopt safe handling practices when loading or unloading their belongings and to ask staff for guidance if unsure.
Storage Areas, Access and Housekeeping
To maintain safe conditions within the storage facility, we will:
Keep aisles, stairways, emergency exits and loading areas free from obstruction. Ensure storage units and access routes are adequately lit. Maintain floors in good condition and deal with spills promptly to reduce the risk of slips, trips and falls. Ensure that items are stacked in a stable manner and that maximum load limits for units, shelves and equipment are respected.
Signs and notices will be used where necessary to indicate hazards, restricted areas or specific safety requirements.
Equipment and Vehicle Safety
Any equipment or vehicles used in connection with storage or removal of goods will be selected, operated and maintained with safety in mind. This includes routine checks, servicing in line with manufacturer recommendations and prompt action if defects are reported.
Only trained and authorised personnel will operate equipment such as pallet trucks or similar devices. Where vehicles are used for collection or delivery associated with storage or removals, drivers must follow relevant road safety rules and company procedures for loading, securing and unloading items.
Fire Safety and Emergency Procedures
Storage Worcester Park will maintain appropriate fire detection and alarm arrangements and will ensure emergency exits are clearly marked and accessible. Staff will be trained in fire safety, including evacuation procedures and assembly points.
Emergency procedures will cover fire, serious accidents, hazardous spills and any incident requiring prompt response. These procedures will be communicated to employees and, where relevant, to customers and contractors while they are on site.
Accident Reporting and Investigation
All accidents, incidents and near misses occurring on the premises or in connection with our storage and removals operations must be reported as soon as possible. An accident record will be maintained and reviewed to identify trends and opportunities for improvement.
Where necessary, incidents will be investigated by management to determine root causes and to implement corrective actions designed to prevent recurrence.
Training, Consultation and Communication
Health and Safety training will be provided on induction and refreshed periodically or when work practices change. This may include manual handling, use of equipment, fire safety and site-specific procedures relating to storage and removals.
We will consult with employees on Health and Safety matters and encourage feedback to improve our arrangements. Safety information, updates and reminders will be communicated through briefings, notices or other suitable means.
Monitoring, Review and Continuous Improvement
Storage Worcester Park will monitor its Health and Safety performance through inspections, incident reviews and staff feedback. This policy and associated procedures will be reviewed at regular intervals and whenever significant changes occur in our operations, facilities or legal requirements.
We are committed to the continuous improvement of our Health and Safety management so that everyone using our storage services, including those involved in removals activities, can do so in a safe and well managed environment.
