Health And Safety Policy For Storage South Tottenham
This Health and Safety policy sets out how Storage South Tottenham manages health, safety and welfare across its storage and removal operations. Our aim is to provide a safe, clean and well managed environment for customers, visitors, contractors and employees, and to prevent accidents, injuries and damage to property.
Policy Statement
Storage South Tottenham is committed to maintaining high standards of health and safety in all activities, including storage, removals, loading, unloading and office-based work. We work to identify, assess and control risks so far as is reasonably practicable, and we expect all staff and visitors to cooperate with these arrangements.
This policy applies to all areas of our premises, external loading zones, vehicles used in connection with our services, and any location where our employees are working on behalf of the company, such as at customers homes or business premises during removal or delivery tasks.
Management Responsibilities
Senior management is responsible for implementing this policy and providing the resources needed to manage health and safety effectively. This includes ensuring that:
Suitable risk assessments are carried out and reviewed regularly. Safe systems of work are developed, communicated and supervised. Employees receive appropriate information, instruction, training and supervision. Equipment and vehicles are maintained in safe working condition. Incidents, accidents and near misses are recorded, investigated and used to improve safety.
Managers and supervisors must lead by example, follow all safety procedures and encourage a positive safety culture throughout the business.
Employee Responsibilities
All employees have a legal and moral 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 are required to:
Follow all safety instructions, procedures and training provided. Use equipment, trolleys, lifting aids and personal protective equipment correctly. Report hazards, defects, near misses, accidents or unsafe practices as soon as possible. Keep walkways, stairways, corridors and loading bays clear and tidy. Refrain from horseplay, dangerous behaviour or misuse of equipment. Cooperate with management in meeting health and safety obligations.
Failure to follow health and safety rules may result in disciplinary action where appropriate.
Risk Assessment And Safe Systems Of Work
We carry out risk assessments for key activities such as handling goods, operating in storage units, vehicle loading and unloading, working at height for shelving or racking tasks, and customer access to the site. The findings of these assessments are used to define safe working procedures that staff are trained to follow.
Risk assessments are reviewed periodically, and whenever there are significant changes to processes, equipment, layout or legislation, or following any serious incident.
Manual Handling And Use Of Equipment
Manual handling is a core part of storage and removal services, and poor technique can lead to injury. Storage South Tottenham provides training in safe lifting and carrying methods, including team lifting and the use of mechanical aids such as sack trucks or trolleys.
Employees and customers must not attempt to lift or move loads that are beyond their capability. Heavy, awkward or bulky items must be carried by more than one person or moved using appropriate equipment. Equipment is to be inspected before use and taken out of service if damaged or defective.
Vehicle And Traffic Safety
Our removal and delivery vehicles, as well as customer vehicles visiting the site, can present significant risk if not managed properly. We aim to:
Control vehicle movements in loading areas and car parks through clear markings and instructions. Ensure that loading and unloading is supervised, that loads are secured, and that vehicles do not move while loading is in progress. Maintain company vehicles in line with manufacturer guidance and relevant regulations. Require drivers to follow safe driving practices and comply with road safety laws at all times.
Pedestrians should use designated walkways wherever possible and remain alert to vehicle movements, particularly in loading zones.
Visitor And Customer Safety
Customers and visitors are expected to follow any safety instructions given by staff and to observe signage displayed on site. This includes restrictions on smoking, use of equipment, access to non-public areas and emergency evacuation procedures.
Children must be supervised at all times and are not permitted to operate equipment or move heavy items. Pets brought onto the premises must be controlled so that they do not create hazards.
Housekeeping, Fire Safety And Emergency Procedures
Good housekeeping is essential for reducing slips, trips and falls. Floors must be kept as dry as possible, spillages cleaned promptly, and packing materials or waste disposed of correctly. Aisles, exits, stairways and fire routes must remain unobstructed at all times.
We maintain fire detection and firefighting equipment appropriate to the premises and services provided. Staff are trained in emergency procedures, including evacuation routes, assembly points and the use of alarms. Evacuation drills are carried out periodically, and any issues identified are addressed.
Health, Welfare And First Aid
We aim to provide adequate welfare facilities such as toilets, hand washing facilities and rest areas for employees and, where appropriate, for visiting customers and contractors.
First aid arrangements are in place, including trained first aid personnel and suitable first aid supplies. All accidents and injuries, however minor, must be recorded in the accident book so that trends can be monitored and improvements made.
Hazardous Substances And Restricted Items
Storage South Tottenham does not permit the storage or handling of items that are hazardous, illegal or likely to present unreasonable risk, including flammable, explosive, corrosive or toxic substances, gas cylinders, and other dangerous goods. Customers must comply with our terms and conditions regarding restricted items and must declare any goods that may require special handling or conditions.
Consultation And Training
We consult with employees on health and safety matters and encourage feedback on improving safety arrangements. Training needs are reviewed regularly, particularly for roles involving lifting, driving, use of equipment or supervision of others.
Induction training is provided for new employees, with refresher training delivered when procedures change or at suitable intervals to maintain competence.
Monitoring, Review And Continuous Improvement
Storage South Tottenham monitors health and safety performance through inspections, audits, incident reports and staff feedback. This Health and Safety policy is reviewed at least annually, and sooner if there are significant changes in operations, legislation or following any major incident.
Through ongoing assessment and improvement, we aim to ensure that our storage and removal services are delivered in an environment that protects the health, safety and welfare of everyone involved.
