Storage Barkingside Health and Safety Policy
Storage Barkingside is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for all employees, contractors, visitors, and customers using our storage and removal services. This policy sets out our approach to managing health and safety risks in our storage facilities, offices, and during any collection, loading, transport, and delivery activities carried out as part of our removal operations.
Our Commitment
We will take all reasonably practicable measures to prevent injury, ill health, and damage to property arising from our activities. Health and safety is an integral part of our management and decision‑making processes, and we expect everyone involved in our operations to prioritise safe working practices at all times.
Objectives
To support our commitment, Storage Barkingside aims to:
Promote a positive health and safety culture where everyone understands their responsibilities and feels able to raise concerns without hesitation.
Identify, assess, and control risks associated with storage, lifting, handling, and transportation of goods.
Maintain safe and secure premises, including storage units, loading areas, offices, and vehicle parking zones.
Provide and maintain equipment, vehicles, and tools in a safe and efficient condition.
Ensure employees are trained, competent, and supervised to carry out their tasks safely.
Consult with employees on matters affecting their health and safety and encourage feedback to improve our systems.
Review and update this policy on a regular basis and whenever our operations or relevant regulations change.
Management Responsibilities
Senior management at Storage Barkingside is responsible for the overall implementation of this policy. This includes:
Setting clear health and safety standards and ensuring adequate resources are available to meet them.
Ensuring that risk assessments are carried out for all significant activities, including storage procedures, manual handling, vehicle movements, and removal services carried out at customer properties.
Ensuring that appropriate control measures, safe systems of work, and emergency procedures are established and maintained.
Monitoring health and safety performance, investigating incidents, and taking corrective action where necessary.
Leading by example in promoting safe behaviour and compliance with this policy.
Employee Responsibilities
All employees, whether based in our storage facilities, offices, or working on removal teams, must:
Take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions or omissions.
Follow all instructions, training, and safe systems of work provided by Storage Barkingside.
Use equipment, tools, and vehicles only as instructed and never misuse or interfere with safety devices.
Report any hazards, near misses, accidents, or unsafe practices to management as soon as possible.
Wear any required personal protective equipment and ensure it is used and stored correctly.
Cooperate fully with any health and safety investigation, inspection, or training activity.
Customer and Visitor Safety
Storage Barkingside aims to ensure that customers and visitors to our premises can conduct their business safely. To support this:
Access routes, corridors, stairways, and loading bays will be kept clear and in good condition.
Signage will be provided to guide customers safely around the site and highlight any restricted or staff-only areas.
Customers using trolleys, lifts, loading areas, and parking spaces will be encouraged to follow posted guidance and any instructions from staff.
We will take reasonable steps to supervise any areas where removal activities are in progress to reduce the risk of collisions, trips, or manual handling injuries.
Safe Storage and Handling
The nature of storage and removal work means there are particular risks associated with lifting, moving, and stacking goods. To manage these risks we will:
Provide guidance and training to staff on safe manual handling techniques and correct use of lifting aids, trolleys, and moving equipment.
Discourage storage practices that create unstable or unsafe stacks within units or common areas.
Manage maximum load levels for lifts, floors, and vehicles, and ensure these are clearly communicated.
Take steps to prevent unauthorised access to staff-only equipment such as powered lifting devices and loading machinery.
Vehicles, Transport, and Removal Operations
When carrying out removal services, collection, or delivery, Storage Barkingside will:
Ensure that vehicles used are suitable, regularly inspected, and maintained in a safe condition.
Train drivers and porters in safe driving, loading, and unloading procedures, including securing loads correctly.
Assess potential access issues and risks at customer addresses, including parking, lifting, and carrying routes.
Plan work to minimise the need for hazardous manual handling, using additional staff or equipment where required.
Emergency Preparedness
We are committed to providing a prompt and effective response to emergencies. To support this we will:
Develop and maintain procedures for fire, evacuation, first aid, and other foreseeable emergencies.
Provide appropriate fire detection and firefighting equipment, and maintain clear escape routes in all occupied areas.
Ensure that employees receive appropriate training in emergency procedures and know their roles and responsibilities.
Periodically test and review emergency arrangements and take action to address any weaknesses identified.
Training, Communication, and Review
Storage Barkingside will provide information, instruction, and training to ensure that employees understand this policy and the procedures that support it.
Health and safety requirements and updates will be communicated through inductions, briefings, and ongoing training relevant to specific roles, including storage staff and removal teams.
This policy will be reviewed regularly and updated as necessary to reflect changes in our operations, best practice, or relevant health and safety requirements. The latest version will be made available to employees and to customers on request.
By working together and following the principles outlined in this policy, Storage Barkingside aims to maintain a safe, healthy, and professional environment for everyone who uses or is affected by our storage and removal services.
