Health and Safety Policy for Storage East Barnet
Storage East Barnet is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for employees, contractors, customers and visitors. This policy sets out our approach to managing health and safety in all storage and removal activities, from handling goods and operating vehicles to maintaining our facilities.
We recognise our duty to identify hazards, assess risks and implement practical measures to prevent injury, ill health, damage to property and disruption to our services.
Policy Aims and Objectives
The aims of this health and safety policy are to:
Promote a positive health and safety culture in all storage, handling and removal operations.
Prevent accidents, incidents and work-related ill health by identifying and controlling risks.
Provide safe systems of work, safe equipment and a well-maintained working environment.
Ensure that all staff and contractors are competent for their roles through training and supervision.
Comply with relevant health and safety legislation and recognised industry best practice.
Continuously review and improve our health and safety performance.
Responsibilities for Health and Safety
The overall responsibility for health and safety at Storage East Barnet rests with senior management, who ensure that appropriate resources, systems and support are in place.
Managers and supervisors are responsible for:
Implementing this policy and associated procedures in their areas.
Carrying out, reviewing and updating risk assessments for tasks and areas under their control.
Ensuring staff receive suitable information, instruction, training and supervision.
Investigating accidents, incidents and near misses and ensuring corrective actions are taken.
Employees and contractors are responsible for:
Taking reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions.
Following company safety procedures, instructions and safe systems of work.
Using equipment, vehicles and personal protective equipment correctly and reporting any defects.
Reporting hazards, unsafe conditions, accidents and near misses promptly.
Cooperating with the company on all health and safety matters.
Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work
Storage East Barnet carries out risk assessments for key tasks and areas, including warehousing, storage units, removal services, vehicle loading and unloading, and office activities.
These risk assessments are used to develop safe systems of work that set out the correct methods and controls for tasks such as lifting and carrying, use of handling equipment, stacking and racking, and driving or reversing vehicles.
Risk assessments and safe systems of work are reviewed regularly and whenever there are significant changes to operations, equipment or premises.
Manual Handling and Use of Equipment
Manual handling is a significant part of storage and removal activities. To reduce the risk of injury, we:
Provide staff with manual handling training, including correct lifting techniques and team handling methods.
Encourage the use of mechanical aids such as trolleys, pallet trucks and other handling equipment wherever possible.
Plan lifting tasks to avoid unnecessary carrying, awkward loads and poor posture.
Ensure that storage areas are organised to reduce the need for reaching, twisting or lifting above shoulder height.
All equipment used in storage and removal activities is selected, maintained and inspected to ensure it is safe and suitable. Defective equipment is taken out of use immediately and reported to management.
Vehicle and Driving Safety
Where removal vehicles or other company vehicles are used, Storage East Barnet ensures that:
Drivers hold the correct licences and are competent for the type of vehicle operated.
Vehicles are maintained in a roadworthy condition and subject to regular checks and servicing.
Loads are planned, packed and secured safely to prevent shifting or damage in transit.
Safe routes, parking and loading arrangements are used whenever possible.
Drivers follow safe driving practices, observe speed limits and comply with road traffic law.
Storage, Housekeeping and Fire Safety
Good housekeeping and safe storage are essential to minimise the risk of slips, trips, falls and other incidents. We:
Keep walkways, fire exits and access routes clear of obstructions.
Ensure goods are stacked safely and within the safe working limits of racking and shelving.
Label storage areas clearly and avoid unstable or overhanging loads.
Provide adequate lighting in storage units, loading bays and external areas.
Fire safety arrangements include appropriate fire detection and warning systems, clearly marked escape routes and fire-fighting equipment suitable for the environment. Staff are informed about fire procedures and evacuation arrangements.
Training, Information and Supervision
Storage East Barnet provides employees with health and safety training appropriate to their roles, including induction training for new starters and refresher training when required.
Training may cover topics such as manual handling, working at height where relevant, vehicle and equipment use, emergency procedures and hazard awareness.
Supervisors monitor working practices to ensure that training is applied and that safety standards are maintained. Additional guidance is given where unsafe practices are identified.
Accident Reporting and Incident Investigation
All accidents, near misses and hazardous occurrences must be reported as soon as possible to a manager or supervisor. Records of such events are maintained and reviewed.
Incidents are investigated to identify root causes and to determine what actions are needed to prevent recurrence. Lessons learned are communicated to staff and, where necessary, procedures are updated.
Consultation and Continuous Improvement
Storage East Barnet encourages open communication on health and safety matters. Employees are invited to raise concerns, suggestions or ideas for improving safety.
The company regularly reviews health and safety performance, policies and procedures to ensure they remain effective and reflect changes in operations, regulations and industry practice.
Policy Review
This health and safety policy is reviewed periodically and whenever there are significant changes to our activities, premises or organisational structure. Updated versions of the policy are communicated to employees and made available to customers and visitors on request.
By working together and following this policy, Storage East Barnet aims to maintain a safe, efficient and professional storage and removal service for all.
