Storage Hampstead Health and Safety Policy Statement
Storage Hampstead is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for all employees, contractors, customers and visitors. This policy sets out our approach to managing health and safety within our storage facilities and removal operations, including packing, handling, loading, transportation and unloading of goods.
We recognise that effective health and safety management is an integral part of running a professional storage and removal service. We aim to prevent injury, ill health, damage to property and disruption to operations by identifying hazards, assessing risks and implementing suitable control measures.
Our Health and Safety Responsibilities
Storage Hampstead accepts overall responsibility for ensuring that, so far as is reasonably practicable, our activities are conducted safely and without risks to health. Management is responsible for implementing this policy, providing appropriate resources and reviewing performance.
We will ensure that all work equipment, vehicles, plant and tools used for storage and removal activities are safe, properly maintained and suitable for the tasks undertaken. We will provide safe systems of work for manual handling, lifting, stacking, use of trolleys and other equipment associated with moving and storing items.
Supervisors and managers are responsible for ensuring that safe procedures are followed in day-to-day operations, that staff are properly trained and that any concerns about health and safety are addressed promptly.
Employee Responsibilities
Every employee has a duty to take reasonable care for their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions or omissions. All staff must co-operate with Storage Hampstead in implementing this policy, follow safety instructions and use equipment correctly.
Employees must report hazards, near misses, accidents, damage to equipment or unsafe practices as soon as they become aware of them. They must not intentionally misuse or interfere with anything provided for health and safety purposes, including personal protective equipment, safety barriers, fire safety equipment or first aid supplies.
Staff involved in removal and storage activities must comply with agreed manual handling techniques, loading procedures, vehicle safety rules and access controls in storage areas.
Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work
Storage Hampstead will carry out risk assessments for key tasks, including lifting and carrying items, loading and unloading vehicles, operating within storage units, use of access equipment and driving activities connected with removal services. The findings of risk assessments will be communicated to relevant staff and used to develop safe systems of work.
We will review risk assessments regularly and whenever there is a significant change to work practices, equipment, layout of storage areas or type of items handled. Control measures will be implemented to reduce risks to an acceptable level and may include training, supervision, physical safeguards, personal protective equipment and changes to procedures or equipment.
Training, Information and Supervision
All employees will receive appropriate induction training on health and safety, emergency procedures, safe use of equipment and specific risks associated with storage and removal operations. Additional training will be provided where necessary, including manual handling, safe loading, driving and working in customers premises.
Information about safe working methods, company rules and emergency arrangements will be clearly communicated and, where appropriate, displayed in work and storage areas. Supervision will be provided to ensure that procedures are followed, particularly for new staff, temporary workers and those undertaking unfamiliar tasks.
Manual Handling and Safe Use of Equipment
Due to the nature of storage and removal work, manual handling is a significant focus of our health and safety arrangements. We aim to minimise manual lifting wherever possible by planning tasks, using mechanical aids and ensuring adequate staffing levels for heavy or awkward items.
Employees must follow safe lifting techniques, avoid over-reaching, twisting or carrying loads beyond their capability and request assistance with bulky or heavy objects. Trolleys, dollies, lifting straps and other aids must be used correctly and inspected regularly for defects.
All tools, equipment and machinery used in connection with storage and removal services will be selected, maintained and used in accordance with manufacturer guidance and relevant safety standards.
Vehicle, Driving and Site Safety
Our vehicles used for removal and transport operations will be maintained in a safe and roadworthy condition. Drivers will hold appropriate licences and follow all road safety laws and internal vehicle safety procedures.
Loading and unloading of vehicles will be carried out on suitable surfaces wherever possible, with attention given to preventing falls, slips, trips and vehicle movement incidents. Loads will be secured appropriately to prevent shifting during transit, and access to vehicles will be controlled during these operations.
Within storage areas, we will maintain clear walkways, appropriate lighting, safe stacking heights and secure access controls to reduce risks to staff, customers and visitors.
Welfare, First Aid and Emergency Arrangements
Storage Hampstead will provide appropriate welfare facilities for employees, including access to rest areas, washing and toilet facilities. Adequate first aid provision will be maintained, and trained first aiders will be available where required.
Emergency procedures will be developed and communicated for fire, accidents, spillages and other foreseeable incidents. Fire exits will be clearly marked, escape routes kept clear and fire safety equipment maintained and regularly checked.
Customers and visitors to our storage facilities and removal sites will be made aware of relevant safety information and any restrictions necessary to protect their health and safety.
Consultation, Monitoring and Policy Review
We recognise the value of consulting with employees about health and safety matters, including changes to working practices, introduction of new equipment and improvements to working conditions. Feedback from staff will be encouraged and considered in the development and review of safety procedures.
Our health and safety performance will be monitored through inspection, incident reporting, investigation of accidents and near misses, and regular review meetings. Where deficiencies are identified, corrective and preventive actions will be implemented without undue delay.
This Health and Safety Policy will be reviewed periodically, and whenever there are significant changes in our operations, to ensure that it remains current, effective and aligned with the nature of our storage and removal services.
