Storage Harmondsworth Health and Safety Policy
Storage Harmondsworth is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for all employees, customers, contractors, visitors, and members of the public who may be affected by our activities. This policy applies to all storage operations, removals and associated services carried out by Storage Harmondsworth.
We recognise our responsibilities under applicable health and safety legislation and industry best practice, and we are dedicated to preventing accidents, injuries and work-related ill health through effective planning, monitoring and continuous improvement.
Health and Safety Objectives
Our objectives are to:
Identify and manage risks associated with storage facilities, handling of goods, vehicle movements and removal activities.
Maintain safe working conditions, equipment and systems of work.
Provide appropriate training, information and supervision so that employees can carry out their duties safely and competently.
Protect the health, safety and welfare of customers and visitors while on our premises or in contact with our services.
Promote a positive safety culture where everyone accepts their responsibilities and contributes to continual improvement.
Management Responsibilities
The management of Storage Harmondsworth has overall responsibility for ensuring that this Health and Safety Policy is implemented and maintained. Management will:
Ensure that suitable and sufficient risk assessments are carried out for all significant activities, including storage operations, manual handling, packing, loading, unloading and transport associated with removals.
Provide and maintain safe equipment, including vehicles, lifting aids, trolleys, and storage systems, and ensure that they are regularly inspected and properly maintained.
Ensure that the workplace environment, including access routes, storage areas and loading bays, is safe and kept in a clean and orderly condition.
Provide appropriate personal protective equipment where necessary and ensure its correct use and maintenance.
Allocate adequate resources to meet health and safety requirements and to support training, supervision and improvements.
Review this policy at regular intervals and whenever there are significant changes to our operations or legislation.
Employee Responsibilities
Employees at Storage Harmondsworth share responsibility for maintaining a safe workplace. All employees are expected to:
Take reasonable care for their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their acts or omissions.
Follow all safety instructions, safe systems of work and company procedures, particularly in relation to lifting, carrying, stacking goods, operating vehicles and using equipment.
Use machinery, vehicles, tools and protective equipment correctly and for their intended purpose only.
Report hazards, defects, near misses, accidents and unsafe practices immediately to their line manager or supervisor so that appropriate action can be taken.
Participate in health and safety training and apply the knowledge and skills gained to their day-to-day tasks.
Cooperate fully with any investigation, inspection or audit conducted to improve safety performance.
Customer and Visitor Safety
Storage Harmondsworth is committed to safeguarding the health and safety of customers and visitors using our storage facilities or removals services. We will:
Provide clear guidance on site safety rules, including designated access routes, loading zones and restricted areas.
Ensure that customer areas, including reception, corridors, stairways and lifts, are maintained in a safe condition and kept free from obstructions where reasonably practicable.
Manage traffic movements in and around the premises to reduce the risk of collisions and ensure safe loading and unloading.
Advise customers on safe packing, lifting, and stacking practices when they are preparing items for storage or removal.
Take reasonable steps to ensure that visitors are supervised or provided with suitable information to help them stay safe on site.
Safe Handling, Storage and Removals
Due to the nature of storage and removal activities, particular emphasis is placed on manual handling, loading and vehicle movements. Storage Harmondsworth will:
Conduct manual handling assessments and implement safer methods of work to reduce the risk of musculoskeletal injuries.
Provide appropriate handling aids, such as trolleys and lifting equipment, and ensure employees are trained in their correct use.
Ensure that goods are stacked and stored in a stable and secure manner, taking account of weight, size and access requirements.
Plan routes, loading and unloading for removals to minimise risks to staff, customers and the public.
Ensure that drivers and porters involved in removals are competent, medically fit to drive where applicable, and aware of relevant road safety regulations.
Training, Information and Supervision
Storage Harmondsworth recognises that effective training and supervision are essential to a safe working environment. We will:
Provide induction training for all new employees, covering key health and safety policies, emergency procedures and site-specific rules.
Provide task-specific training, including manual handling techniques, safe operation of vehicles and lifting equipment, and correct use of personal protective equipment.
Ensure that refresher training is provided at appropriate intervals and when job roles or equipment change.
Communicate relevant safety information through briefings, signage and written procedures, ensuring it is understandable to all employees.
Ensure that supervisors and managers are equipped to monitor safe working practices and provide clear guidance and feedback.
Accident Reporting and Emergency Procedures
All accidents, incidents and near misses, whether involving employees, customers or visitors, must be reported promptly. Storage Harmondsworth will:
Maintain an internal system for recording and investigating accidents and incidents to identify root causes and prevent recurrence.
Provide suitable first aid facilities and ensure that trained first aiders are available where required.
Develop and communicate emergency procedures covering fire, evacuation, and other foreseeable emergencies relevant to storage premises and removal operations.
Conduct regular checks of fire detection, alarm and firefighting equipment, and ensure that escape routes are clearly marked and unobstructed.
Carry out drills and practice scenarios where appropriate, reviewing performance and making improvements where needed.
Continuous Improvement and Policy Review
Storage Harmondsworth is committed to continuously improving its health and safety performance. We will:
Regularly review risk assessments, incident records and inspection findings to identify trends and opportunities for improvement.
Consult with employees on health and safety matters and encourage suggestions that could enhance safety and wellbeing.
Update this Health and Safety Policy to reflect changes in legislation, guidance, or our operational activities.
This policy is made available to all employees, customers and stakeholders and represents the ongoing commitment of Storage Harmondsworth to maintaining high standards of health and safety in all storage and removal services.
