Health and Safety Policy for Storage Woodford Green
This Health and Safety Policy sets out how Storage Woodford Green manages health, safety, and welfare risks in our storage and removal related activities. Our aim is to provide a safe and healthy environment for employees, customers, contractors, visitors, and members of the public who may be affected by our operations.
Policy Statement
Storage Woodford Green is committed to conducting all activities in a manner that prevents injury, ill health, and damage to property. We will comply with all relevant health and safety legislation and recognised industry standards. Health and safety is an integral part of our storage and removal services and is considered in every operational decision.
We will continually review and improve our health and safety arrangements to ensure they remain suitable, effective, and proportionate to the risks associated with handling, moving, and storing goods.
Responsibilities
The management of Storage Woodford Green has overall responsibility for ensuring that this policy is implemented and maintained. Management will provide the leadership, resources, and support necessary to uphold high health and safety standards throughout our storage facilities and during removal related activities.
Managers and supervisors are responsible for:
Ensuring that safe systems of work are developed, communicated, and followed in all areas, including goods handling, loading, unloading, and storage allocation.
Ensuring that employees are properly trained, instructed, and supervised to carry out their work safely.
Regularly monitoring health and safety performance and addressing any unsafe practices or conditions promptly.
Employees are responsible for:
Taking reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions or omissions.
Following all health and safety instructions, training, signage, and procedures provided by Storage Woodford Green.
Using equipment and personal protective equipment correctly and reporting any defects or concerns.
Reporting accidents, near misses, hazards, or unsafe conditions immediately to a manager or supervisor.
Customers and visitors are responsible for:
Complying with site rules, safety signage, and instructions from staff at all times.
Ensuring that goods brought to or removed from the facility are packed and lifted safely and that any hazardous items are declared and managed in accordance with our terms and conditions.
Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work
Storage Woodford Green will identify and assess hazards associated with our storage and removal related services, including manual handling, vehicle movements, use of equipment, slips and trips, and fire safety.
We will:
Carry out and regularly review risk assessments for all significant hazards.
Implement suitable control measures to reduce risks to an acceptable level.
Develop safe systems of work for tasks such as loading and unloading vehicles, stacking goods, use of trolleys and lifting aids, and working in storage areas.
Ensure that employees are informed of the findings of risk assessments and understand the control measures required.
Training, Information and Supervision
Storage Woodford Green recognises that competent, informed staff are essential to safe operations.
We will provide:
Induction training for all new employees, covering key health and safety procedures, emergency arrangements, and specific risks related to storage and removal activities.
Task specific training for activities such as manual handling, use of mechanical aids, and safe operation within storage facilities.
Ongoing refresher training where required, ensuring that employees remain up to date with safe working practices.
Clear safety information and signage throughout our premises to remind staff, customers, and visitors of site rules and safe behaviours.
Supervision appropriate to the level of risk and competence of staff, especially for new or inexperienced employees.
Safe Handling, Storage and Movement of Goods
Our operations involve the frequent movement and storage of customer goods, including during removals and transfers between units.
To reduce the risk of injury or damage we will:
Encourage safe packing practices, appropriate labelling of heavy or fragile items, and the use of suitable packing materials.
Provide or recommend the use of trolleys, sack trucks, and other handling aids where practicable.
Train staff on correct lifting techniques, team lifting, and planning of routes to avoid obstructions and uneven surfaces.
Ensure that goods are stacked and stored in a stable and secure manner, avoiding overloading and unsafe heights.
Control vehicle access and loading areas to minimise reversing, congestion, and conflict between pedestrians and vehicles.
Plant, Equipment and Premises Safety
Storage Woodford Green will ensure that all plant and equipment used in connection with storage and removal services is suitable, well maintained, and used safely.
We will:
Inspect and maintain equipment in accordance with manufacturer instructions and legal requirements.
Remove from service any equipment that is defective or suspected to be unsafe until it has been repaired or replaced.
Keep storage areas, corridors, stairways, and loading bays clean, well lit, and free from avoidable obstructions.
Manage access controls to ensure that only authorised persons enter storage areas and operational zones.
Fire Safety and Emergency Procedures
We are committed to effective fire prevention and emergency response throughout our premises.
Storage Woodford Green will:
Maintain appropriate fire detection and alarm systems, fire extinguishers, and clearly marked escape routes.
Carry out fire risk assessments and regularly review emergency arrangements.
Ensure that fire exits and escape routes are kept clear at all times.
Provide information to staff and customers on what to do in the event of a fire or other emergency.
Conduct periodic drills and checks to confirm that procedures are effective and understood.
Accident Reporting and Investigation
All accidents, incidents, and near misses that occur on our premises or during work activities must be reported without delay.
Storage Woodford Green will:
Record details of accidents and incidents in an appropriate log.
Investigate incidents to identify root causes and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence.
Comply with any legal reporting duties relating to accidents and dangerous occurrences.
Consultation and Continuous Improvement
We encourage open communication about health and safety. Employees are invited to raise any concerns or suggestions for improvement with their manager.
Storage Woodford Green will review this policy and associated procedures periodically, and whenever significant changes occur in our activities or relevant legislation. Revisions will be communicated to employees and implemented as required.
Customer Responsibilities and Cooperation
For the safety of everyone using our storage facilities and removal related services, we expect customers and visitors to:
Follow all instructions given by Storage Woodford Green staff.
Use equipment and facilities only for their intended purpose and in a safe manner.
Refrain from storing prohibited, hazardous, or illegal goods, in line with our terms and conditions.
Report any hazards, spills, damage, or unsafe conditions they notice while on site.
By working together, we can ensure that Storage Woodford Green remains a safe place to work, store, and move goods.
