Storage Westminster Health and Safety Policy
Storage Westminster is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for employees, customers, contractors and visitors. This policy sets out our approach to managing health and safety risks associated with our storage and removal services, including handling, transporting and storing customers belongings.
Policy Statement and Objectives
Our objective is to prevent injury, ill health, property damage and incidents arising from our activities. We aim to continually improve our health and safety performance through effective planning, implementation, monitoring and review of our procedures.
Senior management accepts overall responsibility for health and safety and ensures that appropriate resources are provided. Everyone working for or with Storage Westminster is expected to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions.
Legal and Regulatory Compliance
Storage Westminster will comply with all relevant health and safety legislation and associated guidance applicable to storage and removal operations. We will keep our procedures under review to reflect any changes in legal requirements or industry standards.
Responsibilities
Management is responsible for establishing safe systems of work, providing appropriate equipment and personal protective equipment, arranging training and supervision, and ensuring that risk assessments are carried out and reviewed regularly.
Supervisors are responsible for implementing this policy on a day to day basis, communicating safe working procedures, monitoring compliance, reporting hazards and incidents, and supporting staff in working safely.
Employees are responsible for following company procedures, using equipment correctly, wearing any required personal protective equipment, reporting hazards and incidents promptly, and cooperating with management to maintain a safe workplace.
Contractors and visitors are required to comply with our safety guidance while on our premises or engaged in our activities.
Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work
We conduct risk assessments for all significant activities, including lifting and handling, vehicle operations, loading and unloading, storage of goods, working in confined or restricted spaces such as storage units, and working in customers premises during removals and deliveries.
Control measures are implemented to reduce identified risks so far as is reasonably practicable. These measures may include mechanical aids for lifting, planning of vehicle movements, segregation of pedestrians and vehicles where possible, use of appropriate storage racking, and clear procedures for access to and from storage areas.
Safe systems of work are documented and communicated to employees. These are reviewed following any incident, change in working practices, or introduction of new equipment or materials.
Manual Handling and Lifting Operations
Manual handling is a core part of our removal and storage services. To minimise the risk of musculoskeletal injury, we provide training on safe lifting techniques, team lifting, and the use of trolleys, dollies and other handling aids.
Loads are assessed for weight, size, shape and stability before they are moved. Staff are instructed not to lift items that are excessive or beyond their capability and to seek assistance or use appropriate equipment. Particular care is taken when moving large furniture, appliances, and items in and out of vehicles and storage units.
Vehicles, Driving and Loading
Drivers are required to hold the appropriate licences and to follow safe driving practices at all times. Vehicles are maintained and inspected in line with manufacturer recommendations and applicable regulations.
Loading and unloading are controlled to prevent falls, crush injuries and load shifts. Loads are secured using suitable restraints, and weight is distributed appropriately within vehicles. Access areas around vehicles are kept as clear as reasonably possible to minimise slip, trip and collision risks.
Workplace Safety in Storage Areas
We aim to maintain clean, well lit and orderly storage facilities. Aisles, stairways, access routes and emergency exits are kept unobstructed. Housekeeping routines are in place to manage waste, packing materials and other potential hazards.
Storage units and racking are used in accordance with their design limits. Heavy items are stored at appropriate levels to reduce the risk of falls and overreaching. Signage is provided where necessary to highlight hazards and emergency information.
Equipment, Tools and Personal Protective Equipment
All equipment, including handling aids, lifting devices and tools used in removals and storage operations, is maintained in a safe condition. Defective equipment is taken out of use and reported immediately.
Where risks cannot be eliminated by other means, suitable personal protective equipment is provided, such as safety footwear and gloves. Employees are instructed on the correct use, maintenance and storage of this equipment.
Training, Information and Supervision
Storage Westminster provides induction and ongoing training appropriate to each role. Training includes general health and safety awareness, manual handling, use of equipment, emergency procedures and any specific risks related to particular tasks.
Information about hazards, procedures and precautions is communicated clearly to staff and, where relevant, to customers and contractors. Levels of supervision are appropriate to the nature of the work and the competence of the individuals involved.
Incident Reporting and Emergency Procedures
All accidents, near misses and dangerous occurrences must be reported promptly to management. Incidents are investigated to identify underlying causes and to implement corrective and preventive actions.
Emergency procedures are in place for fire, medical emergencies and other foreseeable events. These include clear evacuation routes, assembly points and arrangements for contacting emergency services. Fire safety equipment is provided and maintained, and drills are carried out periodically where appropriate.
Health, Welfare and Occupational Health
We recognise the importance of employee wellbeing. Reasonable measures are taken to manage fatigue, stress and other factors that may affect health and safety. Welfare facilities are provided so far as is reasonably practicable for the nature of our operations.
Consultation and Communication
Storage Westminster encourages open communication on health and safety matters. Employees are consulted on changes that may affect their safety and are encouraged to raise concerns or suggestions for improvement without fear of reprisal.
Monitoring, Audit and Review
Compliance with this policy is monitored through inspections, audits, incident reviews and feedback from staff and customers. Findings are used to improve our systems and to address any areas of non compliance.
This policy is reviewed regularly and whenever there are significant changes to our activities, premises or applicable legislation. Updated versions are communicated to all relevant parties to ensure continuing awareness and compliance.
By following this Health and Safety Policy, Storage Westminster aims to provide a reliable, professional and safe storage and removal service, protecting people, property and the wider community.
