Health and Safety Policy for Storage Stroud Green
Storage Stroud Green is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for our employees, customers, visitors, contractors, and any third parties who use our storage and removal-related services. This policy sets out our approach to managing health and safety risks and maintaining safe working practices across all storage areas, loading zones, vehicles, and offices.
Our Health and Safety Commitment
We will take all reasonably practicable steps to prevent injury and ill health arising from our work activities. This includes activities connected with storage of goods, handling of furniture and personal effects, loading and unloading vehicles, and associated removal services. We aim to continually improve our health and safety performance and to comply with all relevant legislation and industry guidance.
Health and safety is a core management responsibility and an integral part of our day-to-day operations. Everyone working for or with Storage Stroud Green is expected to play an active role in maintaining a safe environment.
Management Responsibilities
Senior management is responsible for implementing this policy and providing adequate resources to manage health and safety effectively. This includes ensuring that:
Clear roles and responsibilities for health and safety are defined and communicated to all staff. Risk assessments are carried out regularly for storage units, access routes, loading areas, vehicles, manual handling operations, and removal tasks. Appropriate control measures are identified, implemented, and reviewed. Staff receive adequate training, information, and supervision to carry out their work safely, including safe lifting techniques, safe stacking of goods, and the correct use of equipment such as trolleys and lifting aids. Suitable equipment, tools, and vehicles are provided and maintained in a safe condition. Emergency procedures are in place and known to all staff and, where appropriate, to customers and contractors. Accidents, incidents, and near misses are recorded, investigated where appropriate, and used to improve safety standards.
Employee Responsibilities
All employees have a duty to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions or omissions. Employees are expected to:
Follow all safety instructions, procedures, and training provided. Use any personal protective equipment and safety equipment supplied for their work. Report hazards, defects, or unsafe conditions to their manager as soon as they become aware of them, including issues in storage units, corridors, stairwells, loading bays, or vehicle access points. Use safe manual handling techniques, avoid unsafe lifting of heavy or awkward items, and request assistance or lifting aids where necessary. Keep work areas, walkways, and loading zones tidy and free from obstructions. Refrain from intentionally interfering with or misusing anything provided in the interest of health and safety.
Customer and Visitor Safety
Storage Stroud Green takes reasonable steps to ensure that customers and visitors can access and use our premises safely. Customers and visitors are expected to:
Observe on-site signage and safety instructions, especially in loading areas, vehicle zones, staircases, and corridors. Park vehicles only in designated areas and follow any site traffic management guidance. Avoid overloading trolleys and equipment, and follow any operational advice given by our staff. Take care when lifting or moving heavy or bulky items and ask for guidance on safe handling when needed. Report any hazards or incidents they observe on site to a member of staff.
Safe Storage and Handling of Goods
Our storage and removal activities involve handling a wide range of items. To reduce the risk of injury, damage, or fire, we will:
Provide guidance on safe stacking and storage of items, including height limits and weight distribution within units. Discourage storage of prohibited or hazardous items and reserve the right to refuse storage or transport of such items. Maintain clear access routes and emergency exits in and around storage units. Monitor loading areas and vehicle access zones to minimise risks associated with vehicle movements, reversing, and loading operations.
Manual Handling and Removal Services
Where we provide assistance with removals or handling of goods, we recognise the particular risk of musculoskeletal injuries. We will:
Assess manual handling tasks and apply suitable controls such as team lifts, mechanical aids, or load reduction. Train staff in safe lifting, carrying, and use of handling equipment. Plan larger removal tasks to reduce risk, including route planning, checking access, and assessing potential hazards at collection and delivery points. Encourage customers to pack items in manageable, well-labelled containers to support safe handling.
Work Equipment and Vehicles
All equipment and vehicles used in connection with storage and removal activities will be maintained and operated safely. We will:
Inspect and maintain trolleys, lifting aids, and other handling equipment at suitable intervals. Ensure that any vehicles used for removals or transport are roadworthy and suitable for the intended load. Provide training to staff who operate vehicles or specialised equipment, and ensure they are competent to do so. Remove faulty equipment from use until it is repaired or replaced.
Fire Safety and Emergency Procedures
We will identify fire risks associated with storage areas, offices, and loading zones and implement appropriate controls. This includes:
Maintaining clear emergency exits and escape routes at all times. Providing and maintaining suitable fire detection and firefighting equipment. Displaying emergency information and ensuring staff are familiar with evacuation procedures. Conducting regular checks to ensure that fire doors, alarms, and extinguishers are in good working order.
Training, Consultation, and Communication
We will provide suitable health and safety induction and refresher training for employees appropriate to their role and responsibilities. Where relevant, we will consult employees on health and safety matters that affect them and encourage suggestions for improvement.
Information on key safety procedures, emergency arrangements, and site rules will be communicated clearly to staff, and made available to customers and contractors where it affects their activities on site.
Monitoring, Review, and Policy Updates
We will monitor our health and safety performance through inspections, incident reports, and feedback from staff and customers. Where shortcomings are identified, corrective actions will be taken promptly.
This Health and Safety Policy will be reviewed regularly, and whenever there are significant changes in our operations, facilities, services, or relevant legislation. Updated versions will be made available to employees and to customers who request information about our health and safety arrangements.
By following this policy and working together, Storage Stroud Green aims to provide a safe, well-managed environment for secure storage and associated removal services.
