Health and Safety Policy for Storage Seven Sisters
Storage Seven Sisters is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for all employees, contractors, visitors and customers using our storage and related removal services. This policy sets out our approach to managing health and safety risks in our facilities, vehicles and day to day operations.
We recognise that effective health and safety management is an integral part of running a professional storage and removals service. We aim to prevent accidents, protect property and support the wellbeing of everyone who works with us or uses our services.
Our Health and Safety Objectives
The primary objectives of this policy are to prevent injury and ill health, comply with applicable health and safety legislation, and continually improve our safety performance. We will provide safe access to our storage units and secure loading areas, promote safe handling and lifting practices for staff and customers, maintain our vehicles and equipment in a safe condition, and identify and control workplace hazards through regular inspections and assessments.
We will also ensure that employees receive clear information and training so they can carry out their roles safely, and encourage reporting of hazards, near misses and incidents so that we can learn and improve our systems.
Management Responsibilities
The management of Storage Seven Sisters has overall responsibility for implementing and maintaining this policy. Management will ensure that health and safety considerations are built into all planning and decision making related to storage and removals, allocate appropriate resources for training, equipment, maintenance and risk control measures, and conduct and review risk assessments for key activities, including handling of goods, vehicle movements and use of mechanical aids.
Managers will monitor health and safety performance, investigate accidents and near misses, and put in place corrective actions. They will also ensure that employees understand their responsibilities and have access to up to date safety information and procedures.
Employee Responsibilities
Every employee has a duty to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions. Staff must follow all safety procedures and instructions, use equipment and protective items correctly, and co operate fully with management in implementing this policy.
Employees are expected to report unsafe conditions, incidents or near misses promptly to their supervisor, avoid horseplay or any behaviour that could create risk, and take part in health and safety training and briefings. Where staff are involved in removal and transport activities, they must follow safe loading, lifting and driving practices at all times.
Safe Workplace and Storage Environment
Storage Seven Sisters will strive to keep all premises clean, orderly and in a safe condition. We will maintain clear access routes, walkways and fire exits, manage lighting, ventilation and temperature to support a safe working environment, and ensure that stairs, ramps and loading bays are suitably designed and maintained.
Storage units and common areas will be monitored to prevent overcrowding and unsafe stacking of goods. Signage will be used where appropriate to indicate restrictions such as maximum stacking heights, no smoking areas and emergency exit routes. Where customers move their own items, staff will offer guidance on safe access, loading and unloading where required.
Manual Handling and Lifting
Manual handling is a core activity in storage and removal services, and we recognise the risk of injury if it is not carried out correctly. Storage Seven Sisters will provide training on safe lifting techniques, the use of trolleys, dollies and other handling equipment, and planning of tasks to minimise strain.
We will encourage staff to assess the weight and stability of items before moving them, seek assistance with heavy or awkward loads, and avoid hazardous movements such as twisting while lifting. Where possible, mechanical aids will be used to reduce manual effort and lower the risk of musculoskeletal injuries.
Vehicle and Driving Safety
Where our operations involve the use of vans or other vehicles for removals and transport, we will maintain each vehicle in a safe and roadworthy condition through regular checks and servicing, ensure that drivers are competent, appropriately licensed and briefed on safe driving standards, and manage loading practices so that loads are secure and do not exceed capacity limits.
Drivers and loading staff must observe safe systems of work around vehicles, including use of hazard warnings where necessary, safe reversing procedures and designated loading areas. Care will be taken to protect pedestrians and other road users when vehicles are manoeuvring in and around our facilities.
Equipment, Maintenance and Housekeeping
All equipment used in storage and removal activities, including handling aids, ladders and security devices, will be inspected regularly and maintained in good working order. Defective items will be removed from service until repaired or replaced. Employees must not use equipment for which they have not been trained or which they know to be unsafe.
Good housekeeping is essential to safety in storage environments. We will keep floors and access routes free from spills and obstructions, deal with waste materials promptly and dispose of them safely, and store chemicals and cleaning materials securely and in accordance with manufacturer instructions.
Fire Safety and Emergency Procedures
Storage Seven Sisters will maintain appropriate fire safety measures to protect people and property. This includes keeping fire exits clearly marked and unobstructed, providing and maintaining suitable fire detection and firefighting equipment, and conducting regular checks of escape routes and emergency lighting where installed.
Emergency procedures will be communicated to staff, including evacuation routes, assembly points and the roles of nominated persons. Staff will be expected to familiarise themselves with these arrangements and to support customers and visitors in the event of an emergency.
Training, Communication and Consultation
We will provide induction training for all new employees covering general health and safety rules, fire procedures, manual handling basics and any role specific risks. Ongoing training will be given whenever work processes, equipment or legislation change, and refresher training will be provided as needed.
Storage Seven Sisters encourages open communication about health and safety. Employees are invited to raise concerns, suggest improvements and participate in reviews of procedures. Information will be shared through team briefings, notices and documented instructions where appropriate.
Monitoring, Review and Continuous Improvement
The effectiveness of this Health and Safety Policy will be monitored through routine inspections, incident reporting and performance reviews. Where shortcomings are identified, we will take timely corrective action and update procedures accordingly.
This policy will be reviewed regularly, and whenever there are significant changes to our operations or applicable legal requirements. By working together, management, staff and customers can help maintain a safe environment for storage, removals and all associated activities at Storage Seven Sisters.
