Health and Safety Policy for Storage New Eltham
Storage New Eltham is committed to providing and maintaining a safe and healthy environment for all employees, customers, visitors, contractors and members of the public who may be affected by our storage and removal activities. This Health and Safety Policy sets out our aims, responsibilities and procedures to prevent accidents, work-related ill health and damage to property.
Our Health and Safety Commitments
We are dedicated to managing health and safety as an integral part of our storage and removal services. We will identify, assess and control risks arising from our work, equipment and premises. Management will provide clear direction, adequate resources and competent supervision to ensure safe working practices are followed at all times.
We will review and, where necessary, update this policy regularly to reflect changes in legislation, industry standards, our operations and any significant incidents or near misses. All staff are expected to cooperate fully in implementing this policy and in maintaining high standards of health and safety.
Responsibilities for Health and Safety
Overall responsibility for health and safety rests with senior management, who ensure that effective arrangements are in place for planning, implementing, monitoring and reviewing safety performance. Managers and supervisors are responsible for day-to-day implementation of this policy, including communicating requirements, arranging training and enforcing safe systems of work.
Employees are required to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions or omissions. All staff must follow site rules and safe working procedures, use equipment correctly, report hazards, accidents and near misses, and cooperate with any investigation or remedial action.
Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work
We will carry out regular risk assessments covering all key aspects of our storage and removals operations, including manual handling, lifting and carrying, loading and unloading vehicles, operation of mechanical handling equipment, use of storage areas, office activities and customer interactions on site. Findings from these assessments will be used to develop safe systems of work and to implement appropriate control measures.
Method statements and operating procedures will be provided for tasks where there is a significant risk, especially those involving heavy or bulky items, restricted spaces, use of ladders or steps, and vehicle movements. These safe systems of work are mandatory and must be followed by all employees and contractors working on our behalf.
Manual Handling and Lifting Safety
Manual handling is a central part of our storage and removal activities and is a key focus of our safety arrangements. We aim to reduce manual handling wherever reasonably practicable by using handling aids, trolleys, dollies, pallet trucks and appropriate lifting equipment. Where manual lifting is unavoidable, loads will be assessed for weight, size, stability and route conditions before handling.
All staff involved in lifting, carrying and moving items will receive suitable training in correct techniques, team lifting, communication during lifts and the importance of not exceeding personal capability. Employees must seek assistance with heavy or awkward items and are not permitted to carry out lifting tasks that they believe are unsafe.
Safe Use of Vehicles and Site Traffic Management
Vehicle movements, loading and unloading are managed to minimise the risk of collision, falls from height and impact injuries. Designated loading bays, clearly marked traffic routes and restricted pedestrian areas will be used where available. Drivers and warehouse staff must follow site traffic rules at all times.
Vehicles must only be driven by authorised, competent individuals. Loads must be secured properly to prevent movement during transit. When reversing or manoeuvring in tight spaces, use of a banksman or spotter is required where visibility is restricted. Engines should be switched off and parking brakes applied before loading or unloading begins.
Storage Areas and Housekeeping
Storage areas will be organised, tidy and well maintained to support safe access and handling. Items must be stacked securely, with heavy and bulky goods stored at lower levels to reduce the risk of falls and crush injuries. Aisles and emergency exits must remain clear of obstructions at all times.
Regular inspections will be carried out to identify damaged racking, unstable stacks, spills, trip hazards and other unsafe conditions. Any defects must be reported immediately and affected areas made safe until repairs or corrective actions have been completed.
Use of Equipment and Maintenance
All equipment used in connection with our storage and removal services, including trolleys, lifting devices and any mechanical handling equipment, must be suitable for its intended task and maintained in a safe condition. Pre-use checks will be carried out by operators, and any defects must be reported promptly and the equipment taken out of service if necessary.
Only trained and authorised employees may operate specialist equipment. Safe operating instructions will be provided, and personal protective equipment will be supplied where required by risk assessments. Equipment maintenance and inspection records will be kept and reviewed regularly.
Training, Information and Supervision
We will ensure that all employees receive appropriate health and safety induction training when they start work and further task-specific training relevant to their role. This includes training on manual handling, hazard awareness, emergency procedures, correct use of equipment and safe driving or handling practices where applicable.
Information on site rules, risk assessments and procedures will be communicated clearly to staff, contractors and, where relevant, to customers using our facilities. Supervision will be provided to check that safe methods are understood and followed, particularly for new or inexperienced workers.
Incident Reporting and Emergency Procedures
All accidents, incidents, near misses and dangerous occurrences must be reported as soon as possible so that they can be investigated, and appropriate action taken to prevent recurrence. We will keep records of incidents and use this information to monitor trends and improve our safety performance.
Emergency procedures will be in place covering fire, evacuation, first aid and other foreseeable emergencies. Employees will be informed of alarm points, assembly areas and the actions they should take in an emergency. Fire exits and escape routes will be clearly signed and kept unobstructed at all times.
Consultation and Continuous Improvement
We recognise that effective health and safety management depends on the involvement and cooperation of everyone. We will consult with employees on matters that affect their health and safety and encourage suggestions for improving working practices and conditions. Feedback from staff, customers and contractors will be considered when reviewing this policy and our procedures.
By following this Health and Safety Policy, Storage New Eltham aims to maintain a safe, secure and professionally managed environment that supports our storage and removal services and protects all those who work with us or use our facilities.
