Health and Safety Policy for Storage Enfield Town
Storage Enfield Town is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for all employees, contractors, customers and visitors. This policy sets out our approach to managing health and safety risks associated with storage, handling, and removal activities, including packing, loading, transport, unloading and secure storage of goods.
Our Health and Safety Objectives
We aim to prevent accidents, injuries and work-related ill health through effective planning, supervision and continuous improvement. We will maintain safe workplaces, safe systems of work and appropriate welfare facilities, and foster a positive safety culture where everyone understands their responsibilities.
Management Responsibilities
Senior management holds overall responsibility for health and safety within Storage Enfield Town. Management will provide clear leadership, resources, information and training to ensure that health and safety requirements are met in all areas of our storage and removal operations.
Management will ensure that:
Risk assessments are carried out and kept up to date for key tasks, including manual handling, vehicle operations, loading and unloading, working at height, use of lifting equipment and operation within storage facilities.
Safe systems of work are developed, documented, communicated and implemented for all identified risks.
Employees are competent to perform their roles through appropriate induction, instruction, training and supervision.
All equipment, vehicles and storage areas are maintained in a safe condition and inspected at appropriate intervals.
Accidents, incidents and near misses are recorded, investigated and used to improve our controls and procedures.
Health and safety performance is monitored and this policy is reviewed regularly and updated when required.
Employee Responsibilities
All employees, including those involved in packing, moving, driving, warehouse operations and administration, have a duty to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions.
Employees must:
Follow all safety procedures, training and instructions issued by Storage Enfield Town.
Use equipment, vehicles and personal protective equipment correctly and report any defects immediately.
Cooperate with management to enable compliance with legal and company health and safety requirements.
Report hazards, unsafe conditions, accidents, near misses, and any concerns related to health and safety as soon as possible.
Refrain from tampering with or misusing any safety equipment or devices provided for protection.
Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices
We carry out systematic risk assessments for all significant hazards that may arise during our storage and removal activities. These assessments consider the nature of the goods being handled, access to properties, stairways, external grounds, vehicle access, traffic routes, and conditions within storage units and warehouses.
Control measures include, but are not limited to:
Use of appropriate lifting and handling techniques, equipment such as sack trucks, dollies and lifting aids, and team lifting where necessary.
Pre-move surveys to identify access issues, parking and loading constraints, and any particular risks associated with a customer’s premises.
Safe loading and securing of goods in vehicles to prevent movement during transit and reduce the risk of manual handling injuries.
Clear housekeeping standards within storage and loading areas to reduce slips, trips and falls.
Procedures for handling heavy, bulky, fragile or hazardous items, ensuring that any specific regulations or guidance are followed.
Manual Handling and Ergonomics
Manual handling is a key part of our removal and storage operations. We are committed to minimising the risk of injury by:
Assessing manual handling tasks and avoiding high-risk activities where reasonably practicable.
Providing training on correct lifting techniques, load assessment and use of handling aids.
Planning moves to reduce unnecessary carrying, twisting or reaching and encouraging team handling of large or heavy items.
Adjusting work practices where possible to reduce repetitive or awkward movements that may contribute to musculoskeletal disorders.
Vehicles, Driving and Road Safety
Vehicles used in our removal and storage operations are maintained in safe working order and are subject to regular checks and servicing. Drivers must hold the appropriate licence, follow all road traffic laws and comply with company procedures for safe driving and loading.
We will:
Ensure vehicles are loaded within their permitted capacity and that loads are evenly distributed and properly secured.
Provide guidance on route planning, parking and unloading to minimise risks to staff, customers and the public.
Encourage safe driving behaviours, including compliance with speed limits, avoidance of distractions and adherence to rest breaks where applicable.
Workplace Safety and Welfare
Our storage facilities and offices will be kept in a safe, clean and orderly condition. This includes maintaining good lighting, ventilation and temperature control where reasonably practicable, as well as providing adequate welfare facilities such as toilets, washing and rest areas.
We will ensure that fire safety arrangements are in place, including clear emergency escape routes, appropriate fire detection and firefighting equipment, and regular drills where required. Staff are informed of fire procedures and the location of emergency exits and assembly points.
Hazardous Substances and Restricted Items
Customers and employees must not store or transport prohibited or hazardous items in our facilities or vehicles unless expressly agreed and controlled. Such items may include flammable substances, explosives, corrosive materials, compressed gases or any substance that may present a significant risk to people or property.
Where hazardous substances are used for cleaning or maintenance, suitable assessments will be carried out and appropriate controls, training and protective equipment will be provided.
Consultation, Training and Communication
We believe that effective communication and consultation are essential to maintaining high health and safety standards. Storage Enfield Town will consult with employees on matters affecting their health and safety and encourage suggestions for improvement.
Training will be provided on induction and refreshed as necessary, covering topics such as manual handling, safe use of equipment, emergency procedures, accident reporting and any specific risks associated with individual roles.
Monitoring, Review and Continuous Improvement
This Health and Safety Policy will be reviewed at regular intervals, and whenever there are significant changes to our operations or relevant legislation. We will monitor our performance through inspections, audits, incident reports and feedback from staff and customers, and we will implement improvements where necessary.
By working together and following this policy, Storage Enfield Town aims to ensure that all activities related to storage and removals are carried out safely and responsibly, protecting the wellbeing of everyone who may be affected by our work.
