Health and Safety Policy for Storage Addington
Storage Addington is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for employees, contractors, visitors and customers. This Health and Safety Policy sets out our approach to managing risks associated with storage facilities, removals operations, transportation, handling of goods and general site activity. We aim to prevent injury and ill health, comply with applicable health and safety legislation and continually improve our standards.
Policy Aims and Responsibilities
Our primary aims are to identify risks, implement effective controls and promote a positive safety culture across all storage and removal activities. Senior management has overall responsibility for ensuring that this policy is implemented, maintained and reviewed. Managers and supervisors are responsible for day-to-day compliance, safe systems of work and ensuring that staff under their control understand and follow safety procedures.
Every employee and contractor has a duty to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions. All individuals on site are expected to cooperate with Storage Addington in meeting legal and policy requirements, and to report hazards, near misses or unsafe behaviour without delay.
Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work
We conduct regular risk assessments covering our storage facilities, removal services, transport operations and office areas. These assessments identify potential hazards such as manual handling risks, trips and falls, vehicle movements, working at height and the use of equipment. Where significant risks are identified, control measures are implemented and communicated to staff and contractors.
Safe systems of work are established for key tasks, including loading and unloading vehicles, packing and unpacking items, operating handling equipment, moving goods within storage areas and managing customer access. These procedures are reviewed in response to operational changes, incident reports or new guidance from regulatory bodies.
Training, Information and Supervision
Storage Addington provides information, instruction and training relevant to each role, with particular emphasis on those involved in removals, lifting and transporting goods. Training covers topics such as manual handling techniques, safe use of equipment, hazard awareness, emergency procedures and site rules.
Employees receive induction training when they start work, as well as refresher training where appropriate. Supervisors monitor performance, provide guidance and take corrective action where safety standards are not being met. Contractors and temporary staff are required to follow the same safety rules and are given appropriate information before starting work on site.
Manual Handling and Use of Equipment
Removals and storage operations often involve lifting, carrying and moving goods of various sizes and weights. To reduce the risk of injury, Storage Addington promotes safe manual handling techniques and provides handling aids where necessary. Staff are trained to assess the load, plan the route, use team lifting where required and avoid unsafe postures or excessive strain.
Mechanical aids and equipment, such as trolleys, sack trucks and lifting devices, are selected, maintained and used in accordance with manufacturer instructions and safety standards. Only trained and authorised personnel may operate specific equipment, and any defects or concerns must be reported immediately so that the equipment can be taken out of service if needed.
Vehicle and Transport Safety
Safe vehicle operation is essential in our removal and storage service. Drivers are expected to follow road traffic laws, maintain high standards of driving and ensure that vehicles are loaded safely and within weight limits. Loads must be secured to prevent movement during transit, and doors or ramps must be used carefully when loading and unloading.
Vehicle movements on and around our sites are managed to minimise the risk of collisions with pedestrians or other vehicles. Designated loading areas, speed restrictions and clear signage support the safe flow of traffic. Drivers and staff are required to remain vigilant and communicate effectively during loading and unloading operations.
Site Safety and Customer Access
Storage Addington aims to maintain clean, well-organised and clearly signed premises to reduce risks to staff, contractors and customers. Walkways and access routes are kept clear, lighting is maintained to an adequate level and any hazards such as spills, obstructions or damaged flooring are addressed promptly.
Customers using storage units or interacting with our removal services are expected to follow site rules, respect safety signage and cooperate with staff instructions. Where customers are present during loading or unloading, staff will take reasonable steps to keep them away from hazardous areas and moving vehicles.
Hazardous Substances and Prohibited Items
To protect people and property, Storage Addington restricts the storage and transport of hazardous or prohibited items. Customers and staff must not store or move substances or goods that present unreasonable risks, including flammable, explosive, corrosive, toxic or otherwise dangerous materials, except where specifically permitted and controlled.
Any substances used in the course of our operations are managed in line with safety data and applicable regulations. Staff are trained to handle such materials safely and to use appropriate personal protective equipment where required.
Accident Reporting and Emergency Procedures
All accidents, injuries, near misses and dangerous occurrences must be reported as soon as possible to a manager or supervisor. Storage Addington investigates incidents to understand root causes and to implement measures that reduce the likelihood of recurrence. Records of accidents and safety observations are maintained and reviewed.
Emergency procedures are in place for fire, medical emergencies and other significant incidents. These include clear instructions on evacuation routes, assembly points, use of emergency equipment and communication with emergency services. Staff receive training in these procedures and participate in drills where appropriate.
Health, Welfare and Wellbeing
Storage Addington recognises that health and safety encompasses both physical and mental wellbeing. We aim to provide reasonable welfare facilities, including access to rest areas and sanitary provisions. Workloads and shift patterns are monitored, as far as practicable, to reduce excessive fatigue, particularly for staff involved in driving and manual handling.
Employees are encouraged to raise any concerns about their health in relation to their duties, including any pre-existing conditions that may affect their ability to work safely. Where necessary and reasonable, adjustments may be considered to support safe working.
Consultation, Communication and Continuous Improvement
We consult with employees on health and safety matters through regular discussions, briefings and feedback mechanisms. Staff are encouraged to make suggestions for improving safety, to report hazards promptly and to participate actively in maintaining a safe workplace.
This Health and Safety Policy is communicated to all employees and is available to contractors and customers. It is reviewed periodically and following any significant changes in operations, legislation or best practice. Through ongoing monitoring and improvement, Storage Addington seeks to maintain high standards of safety for everyone involved in our storage and removal services.
