Storage Sidcup Health and Safety Policy
Storage Sidcup is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for all employees, contractors, visitors and customers. This policy sets out our approach to managing health and safety in our storage facilities and throughout our removal and transportation operations. Our objective is to prevent accidents, injuries and ill health by identifying hazards, assessing risks and implementing effective control measures.
Policy Statement and Commitment
Storage Sidcup recognises that high standards of health and safety are essential to the wellbeing of people, the protection of property and the continuity of our storage and removal services. We will comply with all relevant health and safety legislation and approved codes of practice, and we will apply best practice wherever reasonably practicable.
We are committed to continual improvement in health and safety performance by regularly reviewing our procedures, investing in appropriate equipment and training, and encouraging a positive safety culture across the organisation. Health and safety considerations form an integral part of our planning and operational decision making.
Responsibilities
Overall responsibility for health and safety within Storage Sidcup rests with senior management, who will ensure that adequate resources are provided to implement this policy and that clear leadership is given on safety matters. Management is responsible for setting objectives, monitoring performance and ensuring that effective systems are in place to manage risks associated with storage and removal operations.
Supervisors and team leaders are responsible for day to day implementation of this policy in their areas of control. This includes conducting or supporting risk assessments, providing instruction to staff, enforcing safe systems of work and promptly addressing any unsafe acts or conditions.
All employees have a duty to take reasonable care for their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions or omissions. Employees must cooperate with management in implementing this policy, follow all safety instructions and training, correctly use equipment and protective measures provided, and report hazards, accidents or near misses without delay.
Contractors and visiting removal crews working on our premises are required to follow Storage Sidcup safety rules and procedures as well as any legal requirements relevant to their activities. They must ensure that their employees are competent, properly supervised and equipped to work safely.
Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work
Storage Sidcup will identify significant hazards relating to storage units, loading areas, vehicle movements, handling of customer goods and associated activities. We will carry out suitable and sufficient risk assessments and implement safe systems of work to control those risks.
Risk assessments are reviewed regularly and whenever there are significant changes to work practices, equipment, layout or type of goods being handled. Findings from risk assessments will be communicated to relevant staff, and any required control measures will be implemented as a priority.
Manual Handling and Safe Lifting
The handling of furniture, personal belongings and commercial items is central to our removal and storage services. To minimise the risk of injury, all staff involved in lifting, carrying and loading will receive manual handling training appropriate to their role.
Storage Sidcup will provide equipment such as sack trucks, trolleys and lifting aids where these can reduce manual handling risks. Employees must assess the weight, size and stability of loads before attempting to move them and should seek assistance or use mechanical aids when required. Unsafe lifting techniques and excessive loads are not permitted.
Vehicles, Driving and Traffic Management
Our removal and delivery vehicles will be maintained in a roadworthy condition and inspected at appropriate intervals. Drivers must hold the correct licence, follow company driving standards and comply with road traffic legislation at all times.
On our sites, vehicle and pedestrian movements will be managed to minimise risk. This may include designated loading areas, speed limits, one way systems, clear signage and marked walkways where appropriate. Reversing manoeuvres will be controlled as far as reasonably practicable, and where necessary the use of a trained banksman will be required.
Premises Safety and Storage Units
Storage Sidcup will maintain its premises to provide a safe environment for employees, customers and visitors. This includes ensuring that access routes, corridors, stairways and loading bays are kept clear and in good condition, and that lighting is adequate in all working and customer areas.
Storage units will be designed and managed to minimise risks such as slips, trips, falls and falling objects. Racking, shelving and stacking methods will be assessed to ensure stability and safe load limits. Customers will be encouraged to pack and stack their goods safely, and staff will provide guidance where required.
Work Equipment and Personal Protective Equipment
All work equipment used in our storage facilities and removal operations, including trolleys, lifting devices and tools, will be suitable for its purpose, maintained in good condition and inspected at regular intervals. Employees will receive training in the safe use of equipment before operating it.
Where risks cannot be fully eliminated by other means, appropriate personal protective equipment will be provided, such as safety footwear, gloves or high visibility clothing. Employees must use such equipment as instructed and report any damage or defects immediately.
Fire Safety and Emergency Procedures
Storage Sidcup will implement fire safety measures appropriate to the nature of the premises and the goods stored. This includes maintaining fire detection and alarm systems where installed, providing suitable fire extinguishers and clearly marking escape routes and exits.
Emergency procedures will be in place for fire and other serious incidents. Employees will receive instruction on evacuation routes, assembly points and the actions to take in an emergency. Fire drills and tests of alarm systems will be carried out at appropriate intervals.
Health, Welfare and First Aid
Reasonable welfare facilities will be provided on our premises, including access to toilet and washing facilities and rest areas where appropriate. The working environment, including temperature, lighting and ventilation, will be monitored and maintained so far as reasonably practicable.
First aid arrangements will be made to ensure that injured or unwell persons can receive prompt attention. Trained first aiders and first aid equipment will be available as appropriate to the size and nature of operations. All accidents, incidents and near misses must be reported and recorded so that they can be investigated and any necessary corrective actions identified.
Information, Instruction, Training and Supervision
Storage Sidcup will provide employees with information and training relevant to their role and the risks they may encounter. This may include induction training, manual handling, use of equipment, vehicle safety, fire procedures and specific training for higher risk activities.
Training will be reviewed and refreshed periodically, and whenever changes occur in equipment, procedures or legislation. Adequate supervision will be provided to ensure that safe systems of work are followed and that less experienced staff receive appropriate guidance.
Consultation and Continuous Improvement
We encourage open communication on health and safety matters. Employees are invited to raise concerns, suggest improvements and participate in discussions about safe working practices. Issues reported will be taken seriously, investigated where necessary and addressed promptly.
This Health and Safety Policy will be reviewed regularly to ensure it remains effective and appropriate to the scale and nature of Storage Sidcup operations. Revisions will be communicated to all relevant parties, and updated procedures will be implemented without undue delay.
By working together and following the principles set out in this policy, Storage Sidcup aims to maintain a safe environment for everyone involved in our removal and storage services.
