Storage Plumstead Health and Safety Policy
This Health and Safety Policy sets out how Storage Plumstead manages the safety and wellbeing of employees, contractors, customers, and visitors in connection with our storage and removal services. We are committed to providing a safe working environment, preventing injuries and ill health, and complying with all relevant health and safety legislation.
Our Commitment to Health and Safety
Storage Plumstead recognises that effective health and safety management is essential to the success of our storage and removal operations. We will actively work to identify and control risks, promote safe behaviour, and continuously improve our safety performance.
Senior management is responsible for providing clear direction, adequate resources, and visible leadership so that health and safety is an integral part of planning and decision making for all storage and removal activities.
Responsibilities
Health and safety is a shared responsibility across the business.
Management will:
Provide and maintain safe storage facilities, vehicles, equipment, and systems of work for all removal and handling tasks.
Conduct and regularly review risk assessments for routine and non routine activities, including lifting, loading, unloading, and vehicle movements.
Ensure employees receive appropriate information, instruction, training, and supervision to work safely.
Investigate accidents, incidents, and near misses, and implement corrective and preventative actions.
Employees will:
Take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions or omissions.
Follow all safety instructions, training, and company procedures related to storage, removals, manual handling, and use of equipment.
Report hazards, unsafe conditions, defects, and incidents promptly to their manager or supervisor.
Use provided safety equipment correctly and never misuse or interfere with anything provided for health and safety purposes.
Contractors and visitors are expected to follow all safety requirements, cooperate with staff, and comply with site rules at all times.
Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work
Storage Plumstead undertakes risk assessments covering our premises, vehicles, and all relevant storage and removal tasks. These assessments identify hazards, evaluate risks, and determine appropriate control measures.
Risk assessments specifically cover, where relevant:
Manual handling of furniture, boxes, and heavy or bulky items.
Use of trolleys, lifting equipment, and other handling aids.
Working in warehouses, storage units, loading bays, and customer premises.
Vehicle movements, loading, unloading, and parking for removal services.
Fire safety, emergency evacuation, and access routes.
Chemical and cleaning product use, where applicable.
Safe systems of work are developed from these assessments and are communicated to all relevant staff. These procedures are reviewed periodically or following any significant change in operations or any incident.
Manual Handling and Use of Equipment
Manual handling is central to storage and removal work and presents a significant risk of injury if not managed correctly. Storage Plumstead will minimise manual handling risks by:
Providing suitable handling aids such as trolleys, dollies, and lifting equipment.
Planning moves and storage layouts to reduce unnecessary lifting and carrying.
Training staff in safe lifting techniques, team lifting, and use of handling aids.
Ensuring vehicles are loaded and unloaded in a controlled, safe manner.
Only trained and authorised employees may operate mechanical handling equipment. All equipment used in storage and removal operations will be maintained in a safe condition and inspected at appropriate intervals.
Workplace, Storage Areas, and Vehicle Safety
We will maintain our facilities and vehicles in a clean, orderly, and safe condition. This includes:
Keeping walkways, stairs, and loading areas clear of obstructions and trip hazards.
Ensuring adequate lighting in storage aisles, loading bays, and vehicle access areas.
Maintaining good housekeeping standards in storage units, offices, and common areas.
Implementing clear procedures for vehicle movements, including reversing, parking, and loading or unloading in busy or confined spaces.
Regular inspections are carried out to check the condition of the premises, storage areas, and vehicles, and to identify hazards or maintenance needs.
Fire Safety and Emergency Procedures
Storage Plumstead maintains appropriate fire safety measures and emergency arrangements. These include:
Clear fire evacuation routes, exits, and assembly points.
Suitable fire detection and firefighting equipment located and maintained as required.
Regular checks of escape routes and emergency signage.
Staff training in fire safety, evacuation procedures, and the importance of keeping escape routes clear.
In the event of an emergency, all employees, customers, contractors, and visitors must follow the instructions of authorised staff and evacuate promptly where required.
Training, Supervision, and Communication
All employees receive induction training that covers relevant health and safety information, including safe working practices in storage facilities and during removal operations. Additional role specific training is provided where necessary.
Supervisors are responsible for monitoring working practices, ensuring procedures are followed, and providing ongoing guidance. Health and safety information is communicated through briefings, notices, and regular updates.
Employees are encouraged to raise any health and safety concerns and to suggest improvements to procedures and working conditions.
Accidents, Incidents, and Near Misses
All accidents, incidents, and near misses must be reported as soon as possible to a manager or supervisor. Storage Plumstead will:
Record details of all reported events.
Investigate causes to identify underlying issues.
Implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence.
Review risk assessments and procedures where necessary.
First aid arrangements are in place, and appointed persons or trained first aiders are available during normal operating hours.
Continuous Improvement and Policy Review
Storage Plumstead is committed to continuous improvement in health and safety management. We review this policy regularly, and also following any significant changes to our operations, applicable legislation, or after any major incident.
All employees are expected to cooperate fully in the implementation of this policy and to contribute to maintaining a safe environment for storage, removals, and associated activities.
