Storage Greenwich Health and Safety Policy
Storage Greenwich is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for all employees, contractors, customers and visitors. This Health and Safety Policy sets out our approach to managing health and safety risks in our storage facilities and within our removal and transport operations. We aim to prevent injury, protect property and promote safe working practices at all times.
Policy Statement and Objectives
Our objective is to operate our storage and removal services in a manner that minimises risks to people, equipment and premises. We will take all reasonably practicable steps to ensure that our activities are planned, managed and monitored so that health and safety standards are maintained and continually improved.
Senior management is responsible for ensuring that appropriate resources, information and training are provided so that this policy can be effectively implemented and reviewed. All employees are expected to cooperate fully with this policy and follow all safety procedures as a condition of their employment.
Responsibilities for Health and Safety
Overall responsibility for health and safety rests with the company leadership, who ensure that this policy is kept up to date and that clear roles and responsibilities are defined. Managers and supervisors are responsible for implementing safe systems of work, identifying hazards in their areas, and ensuring that staff understand and follow health and safety instructions.
Employees are required to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions. This includes using equipment correctly, following manual handling guidance, reporting hazards or incidents promptly, and cooperating with any health and safety investigations.
Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work
We will regularly assess the risks associated with our storage operations and removal services. Risk assessments will cover activities such as loading and unloading vehicles, lifting and carrying goods, operating handling equipment, stacking items in storage units, and moving items within customer premises.
Based on these assessments, we implement safe systems of work designed to eliminate hazards where possible and control any remaining risks. These systems are communicated clearly to staff and are reviewed whenever working practices, equipment or legislation change, or following any incident that highlights a need for improvement.
Manual Handling and Lifting
Manual handling is a key aspect of storage and removal operations, and we recognise the potential for injury if it is not managed correctly. We aim to minimise manual handling wherever reasonably practicable through the use of mechanical aids and careful planning.
All staff involved in moving items receive training in safe lifting techniques, including how to assess a load, when to seek assistance, and how to use handling equipment such as trolleys and dollies. Employees must not attempt to lift or move loads that are beyond their capability and should always follow the recommended methods of team lifting for heavy or awkward items.
Use of Vehicles and Driving Safety
Where vehicles are used for removal and transport services, we place particular emphasis on safe driving and roadworthiness. Only authorised and suitably trained personnel are permitted to drive company vehicles. Vehicles are inspected regularly and maintained in line with manufacturer guidance and legal requirements.
Drivers are expected to comply with all traffic regulations, to plan routes safely, and to ensure that loads are properly secured and distributed before travel. Fatigue, alcohol, drugs and the use of mobile devices while driving are strictly prohibited. Any vehicle defects or incidents must be reported immediately.
Storage Facilities and Equipment
Our storage facilities are designed and managed to provide a safe environment for employees and customers. Aisles, walkways and exits must be kept clear at all times, and items must be stacked and stored in a stable and secure manner. Access equipment, such as steps or ladders, must only be used when it is in good condition and in accordance with safe use guidelines.
All equipment used in storage and removal operations, including trolleys, lifting aids and security devices, is periodically checked and maintained. Any defective or damaged equipment must be taken out of service immediately and reported to management.
Fire Safety and Emergency Procedures
Fire safety arrangements are in place at all storage sites, including clearly marked emergency exits, fire detection and alarm systems where installed, and appropriate fire-fighting equipment. Fire routes and exits must never be blocked by stored goods or vehicles.
Employees receive information on emergency procedures, including how to raise an alarm, evacuation routes and assembly points. Drills may be carried out periodically to familiarise staff with these procedures. Customers and visitors will be directed to follow staff instructions in the event of an emergency.
Training, Information and Supervision
We provide suitable and relevant health and safety training for all employees, taking into account their role and responsibilities. Training may include induction, manual handling, use of equipment, vehicle safety, fire safety and any other topics identified in our risk assessments.
Supervisors monitor working practices to ensure that safety procedures are followed and that staff are competent in their duties. Refresher training is provided when necessary, and additional guidance is offered when new equipment, systems or procedures are introduced.
Incident Reporting and Investigation
All accidents, near misses, injuries and dangerous occurrences must be reported to management as soon as possible. This allows us to respond promptly, provide any required first aid or support, and investigate the circumstances of the incident.
Investigations are carried out to identify the root causes and to implement measures to prevent recurrence. Lessons learned are shared with relevant staff, and risk assessments or procedures are updated where necessary.
Consultation and Continuous Improvement
We encourage open communication about health and safety matters. Employees are invited to raise any concerns, suggestions or ideas for improving working conditions and safety standards. Feedback is considered carefully and, where appropriate, incorporated into our health and safety arrangements.
This Health and Safety Policy is reviewed regularly to ensure it remains effective, relevant to our storage and removal activities, and aligned with current legal and industry requirements. Our goal is the continual improvement of health and safety performance across all aspects of Storage Greenwich operations.
