Storage Hampton Wick Health and Safety Policy
Storage Hampton Wick is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for all employees, customers, contractors and visitors. This policy sets out our approach to managing health and safety in our storage facilities and during removal, handling and transport activities associated with our services.
We aim to prevent accidents, injuries and work-related ill health by identifying hazards, assessing risks and implementing effective controls. Health and safety is an integral part of how we plan and deliver our storage and removal services.
Policy Objectives
The objectives of this Health and Safety Policy are to:
Promote a strong safety culture where everyone understands their responsibilities. Comply with applicable health and safety legislation and recognised industry standards. Reduce risks associated with storage, handling, lifting and transport of goods. Provide appropriate training, information and supervision so that work is carried out safely. Maintain safe premises, plant and equipment for staff and customers. Continuously review and improve our health and safety performance.
Management Responsibilities
Senior management at Storage Hampton Wick has overall responsibility for health and safety within the business. Management will:
Ensure this policy is implemented, communicated and regularly reviewed. Provide adequate resources to manage health and safety effectively. Set clear expectations for safe working practices across storage and removal operations. Monitor performance, investigate incidents and act on findings. Consult with employees on health and safety matters and encourage feedback.
Managers and supervisors are responsible for day-to-day implementation of this policy within their areas of control. They must ensure that safe systems of work are followed, risk assessments are completed and reviewed, and that staff are competent and supervised.
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 must:
Follow all safety instructions, procedures and training. Use equipment and vehicles only as authorised and in a safe manner. Report hazards, near misses, incidents and unsafe conditions promptly. Cooperate with managers and colleagues on health and safety matters. Wear any required personal protective equipment and maintain it properly. Refrain from any behaviour that could put themselves or others at risk.
Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work
We carry out risk assessments for all significant activities, including storage, loading and unloading, manual handling, use of lifting equipment and vehicle movements. These assessments inform our safe systems of work, which are designed to minimise risk to an acceptable level.
Risk assessments are reviewed regularly and whenever there are changes in equipment, processes, layout or legislation. Control measures are communicated to staff through training, signage and written procedures.
Manual Handling and Lifting Operations
Manual handling and lifting are key elements of our storage and removal services. To reduce the risk of injury:
Loads are assessed for weight, size and stability before being moved. Mechanical aids such as trolleys and lifting equipment are used wherever reasonably practicable. Staff receive training in correct lifting techniques and safe handling of bulky or fragile items. Team lifting is used for heavy or awkward items. Work is planned to avoid unnecessary carrying and to maintain clear access routes.
Workplace and Storage Safety
We maintain our storage facilities and offices to ensure they are safe and suitable for use by staff and customers. This includes:
Keeping walkways, stairways and access points clear of obstruction. Ensuring storage units and racking systems are used within their designed capacity. Managing fire safety through alarms, detection systems and clearly marked evacuation routes. Maintaining good housekeeping standards to reduce slips, trips and falls. Providing adequate lighting and ventilation in work and customer areas.
Vehicles, Driving and Transport
Where vehicles are used for removal and transport services, the following principles apply:
Vehicles are maintained in a roadworthy condition with regular inspections. Drivers must hold the appropriate licences, be medically fit and follow safe driving practices. Loads are secured properly to prevent movement during transit. Vehicle movements in and around our premises are controlled to protect pedestrians. Parking, loading and unloading are planned to minimise risk to people and property.
Training, Information and Supervision
Storage Hampton Wick provides employees with appropriate health and safety training relevant to their role. This may include induction training, manual handling, use of equipment, emergency procedures and specific training for removal and transport tasks.
Information on hazards and control measures is communicated clearly, and refresher training is provided when necessary. Supervisors monitor work activities to ensure safe practices are followed and standards are maintained.
Contractors, Customers and Visitors
Contractors working on our premises are required to meet our health and safety standards. They must follow site rules, cooperate with our staff and use safe methods of work. We provide relevant safety information and expect contractors to manage risks arising from their activities.
Customers and visitors are given appropriate guidance to ensure their safety while on site, including directions, access arrangements and emergency information. Areas with restricted access or higher risk are clearly identified.
Emergency Preparedness
We maintain procedures for responding to emergencies, including fire, accidents and other incidents. Staff are trained in evacuation procedures and the use of basic emergency equipment provided on site.
Emergency routes and exits are kept clear at all times and are clearly signed. Drills may be carried out periodically to confirm that procedures are effective and understood.
Monitoring, Review and Continuous Improvement
This Health and Safety Policy is reviewed regularly to ensure it remains effective, suitable for our operations and aligned with legal requirements and best practice. We monitor performance through inspections, audits, incident reporting and feedback from staff and customers.
Where opportunities for improvement are identified, we implement changes to policies, procedures, equipment or training. Storage Hampton Wick is committed to continual improvement in health and safety as an essential part of delivering reliable storage and removal services.
