Storage Newington Health and Safety Policy
Storage Newington is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for all employees, customers, visitors and contractors. This policy sets out our approach to managing health and safety across our storage facilities and removal services, helping to prevent injury, ill health, property damage and disruption to our operations.
1. Policy Aims and Objectives
The purpose of this Health and Safety Policy is to establish clear standards and responsibilities that support safe working practices throughout Storage Newington. Our objectives are to:
Promote a positive safety culture where everyone understands their responsibilities. Identify, assess and control risks associated with storage, handling and removal activities. Provide safe systems of work, safe equipment and safe workplaces. Ensure employees receive adequate information, training and supervision. Continually improve our health and safety performance and practices.
2. Management Responsibilities
Senior management at Storage Newington accepts overall responsibility for health and safety and will provide the leadership, resources and support necessary to implement this policy. Management will:
Ensure that health and safety considerations are integrated into all planning and decision-making. Maintain clear organisational arrangements for health and safety, including named managers with specific responsibilities. Ensure risk assessments are completed, recorded, monitored and reviewed regularly. Provide and maintain safe premises, equipment and vehicles suitable for storage and removal operations. Monitor health and safety performance and act promptly on any identified issues or trends.
3. Employee Responsibilities
Every employee has an important role in maintaining a safe working environment. All staff are required to:
Take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions. Follow all safety instructions, procedures, training and guidance provided by Storage Newington. Use equipment, vehicles and personal protective equipment correctly and report any defects immediately. Report accidents, near misses, unsafe conditions and health concerns without delay. Cooperate fully with management in implementing this policy and any associated safety measures.
4. Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work
Storage Newington will identify hazards and assess risks associated with storage and removal activities, including manual handling, use of vehicles, operation of lifting equipment, working in confined or elevated spaces and interaction with customers and the public. We will:
Carry out suitable and proportionate risk assessments for key tasks and locations. Implement safe systems of work and site rules based on identified risks. Review assessments regularly and following any significant changes, incidents or near misses. Ensure that findings from risk assessments are communicated clearly to all relevant staff.
5. Safe Handling, Storage and Removal Practices
To protect employees, customers and property, Storage Newington will maintain high standards in the handling, storage and removal of goods. This includes:
Ensuring that loads are assessed for weight, stability and suitability before lifting or moving. Using mechanical aids where appropriate and avoiding unsafe manual handling techniques. Keeping aisles, access routes, stairways and loading areas clear and well organised. Stacking and storing items in a stable, secure way to prevent falls, collapse or obstruction. Ensuring that vehicles are loaded, secured and operated in a safe manner and in accordance with training and instructions.
6. Training, Instruction and Supervision
Storage Newington will provide employees with the information and training they need to work safely and competently. This will include where relevant:
Induction training covering general health and safety rules, emergency procedures and reporting arrangements. Task-specific training such as manual handling, safe use of equipment, vehicle operation and working in storage units. Ongoing refresher training where appropriate to maintain competence and awareness. Adequate supervision to ensure that safe working practices are followed at all times.
7. Equipment, Vehicles and Maintenance
All equipment and vehicles used by Storage Newington will be maintained in a safe condition and used only for their intended purpose. We will:
Select and provide suitable equipment and vehicles for the tasks undertaken. Carry out regular inspections, servicing and maintenance in line with manufacturer guidance and legal requirements. Remove defective or unsafe equipment and vehicles from use until repaired or replaced. Ensure employees are trained and authorised before operating any specialist or powered equipment.
8. Welfare, Housekeeping and Workplace Environment
Storage Newington will maintain clean, orderly and safe workplaces. This includes:
Providing appropriate welfare facilities for staff and visitors. Ensuring adequate lighting, ventilation and temperature control where reasonably practicable. Maintaining good housekeeping standards to prevent slips, trips and falls. Controlling noise, dust and other environmental factors as far as reasonably practicable.
9. Emergency Preparedness and First Aid
Storage Newington will ensure that effective arrangements are in place to deal with emergencies. We will:
Provide clear instructions and signage for fire safety, evacuation routes and assembly points. Make sure that sufficient trained first aiders and first aid supplies are available. Conduct periodic drills where appropriate to test emergency arrangements. Investigate all accidents and incidents to identify causes and prevent recurrence.
10. Contractors, Visitors and Customer Safety
Storage Newington recognises its duty to protect contractors, visitors and customers while on our premises or engaging with our removal services. We will:
Provide relevant safety information to visitors and contractors on arrival or before work starts. Require contractors to comply with our safety rules and to manage the safety of their own activities. Take reasonable steps to ensure customers are protected during loading, unloading and on-site movements.
11. Consultation and Continuous Improvement
Storage Newington encourages open communication on health and safety matters. We will:
Consult employees on changes that may affect their health and safety. Invite feedback and suggestions for improving safety within our storage and removal operations. Review this policy at regular intervals and after any significant changes or events. Update our practices and procedures where necessary to reflect lessons learned and evolving standards.
12. Policy Review and Availability
This Health and Safety Policy is reviewed periodically to ensure it remains relevant and effective. It is made available to all employees, customers, visitors and contractors on request. All staff are expected to familiarise themselves with its contents and to uphold its principles in their daily work.
By working together and following this policy, Storage Newington aims to maintain a consistently safe environment across all storage and removal services.
