Storage New Southgate Health and Safety Policy
This Health and Safety Policy sets out the standards and procedures adopted by Storage New Southgate in relation to the safe operation of storage facilities and removal services. The policy aims to protect employees, contractors, visitors and customers from risks to health, safety and welfare arising from our activities.
Our objective is to create and maintain a working environment in which risks are identified, assessed and controlled, and where safe behaviour is actively supported. This policy applies to all areas of our business, including storage units, on-site operations, off-site removal services and transport activities.
Management Responsibility and Commitment
Storage New Southgate is committed to meeting its duties under applicable health and safety legislation and to continuous improvement in safety performance. Senior management accepts overall responsibility for establishing, implementing and reviewing this policy and associated procedures.
Managers and supervisors are responsible for ensuring that safe systems of work are developed and implemented for all tasks, that staff are trained and competent, and that any breaches of safety procedures are addressed promptly. Adequate resources will be made available to support the implementation of this policy, including training, equipment, maintenance and supervision.
Employee Responsibilities
All employees, whether involved in storage operations, removals work, driving, administration or supervision, share responsibility for maintaining a safe working environment. 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 training and instructions, use equipment and vehicles correctly, wear appropriate personal protective equipment where specified, and report hazards, accidents, incidents and near misses without delay. No employee should undertake any task for which they have not been trained or which they consider to be unsafe.
Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work
Storage New Southgate will carry out suitable and sufficient risk assessments for key activities, including manual handling of furniture and goods, loading and unloading vehicles, operating within storage areas, use of ladders and access equipment, and driving and parking of removal vehicles.
The findings of risk assessments will be used to establish safe systems of work and to select appropriate equipment and controls. Risk assessments will be reviewed periodically and after any significant change in working practices, equipment, layout or incident history.
Manual Handling and Lifting Operations
Manual handling is a core part of our removals and storage operations. To reduce the risk of injury, we will provide manual handling training for relevant staff, promote team lifting for heavy or awkward items, and make use of handling aids such as trolleys and dollies where practical.
Employees must assess each lift before carrying it out, considering the load, the individual, the task and the environment. Where an item is too heavy, unstable or difficult to handle safely, staff must seek assistance or use mechanical aids rather than place themselves or others at risk.
Safe Use of Storage Areas
Our storage facilities will be managed to minimise risks associated with access, stacking, housekeeping and emergency arrangements. Aisles, access routes and fire exits must remain unobstructed at all times. Goods should be stacked in a stable and secure manner, with heavy items stored at lower levels where possible.
Only authorised personnel and customers may access storage areas, and they must follow safety notices and instructions displayed on site. Any damage to structures, doors, lighting, fire equipment or security devices must be reported immediately so that prompt remedial action can be taken.
Vehicles, Driving and Transport Safety
Removal vehicles and associated equipment will be maintained in a safe and roadworthy condition, with regular inspections and servicing. Drivers must hold the appropriate licence and be authorised by the company to operate vehicles.
Safe loading and unloading procedures must be followed, ensuring that loads are evenly distributed, properly secured and within permitted weight limits. Drivers are required to comply with traffic regulations, drive defensively, and avoid risky manoeuvres that may endanger pedestrians, other road users or property.
Equipment, Tools and Personal Protective Equipment
All equipment and tools used in storage and removals operations must be suitable for their purpose and maintained in good working order. Defective items must be taken out of service immediately and reported.
Where risk assessments identify a need for personal protective equipment, such as safety footwear or gloves, this will be provided and its use enforced. Employees must take care of the equipment issued to them and report loss or damage promptly.
Fire Safety and Emergency Procedures
Fire safety measures will be implemented and maintained across our premises, including appropriate detection and alarm systems, marked escape routes, fire extinguishers and clear signage. Equipment will be checked periodically and any deficiencies rectified.
Emergency procedures, including evacuation arrangements and assembly points, will be communicated to employees and made available to customers and visitors. Staff will receive training on what to do in the event of a fire or other emergency and may take part in drills where appropriate.
Accident Reporting and Investigation
All accidents, incidents, near misses and cases of work-related ill health must be reported in accordance with company procedures. Details will be recorded and kept for reference and analysis.
Where necessary, incidents will be investigated to determine underlying causes and to identify corrective actions. Lessons learned will be shared within the business to help prevent recurrence and to improve overall safety management.
Training, Information and Supervision
Storage New Southgate will provide employees with appropriate health and safety training and information relevant to their roles. This may include induction training, task-specific instruction for removals and storage work, refresher training and updates when procedures or equipment change.
Supervisors are responsible for monitoring work activities to ensure that safe practices are followed and to provide guidance where needed. Additional training or support will be provided where gaps in knowledge or competence are identified.
Customer and Visitor Responsibilities
Customers and visitors are expected to cooperate with our health and safety measures when on our premises or in contact with our removals teams. This includes following safety instructions, respecting restricted areas, and taking care when moving through storage corridors, driveways and loading bays.
Customers must ensure that goods presented for storage or removal are safe to handle and do not include prohibited, dangerous or leaking items. Any known hazards must be declared in advance so that appropriate precautions can be taken.
Monitoring, Review and Continuous Improvement
Storage New Southgate will monitor its health and safety performance through inspections, maintenance checks, incident analysis and staff feedback. This Health and Safety Policy will be reviewed regularly and updated where necessary to reflect changes in legislation, best practice or business operations.
By working together and following this policy, we aim to ensure that our storage and removals services are delivered in a manner that protects the health, safety and welfare of everyone involved.
