Storage Chiswick Health and Safety Policy
Storage Chiswick is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for employees, contractors, customers and visitors. This Health and Safety policy sets out our approach to managing risks associated with storage facilities, handling of goods, removals activity and associated operations.
Policy Statement
Our objective is to prevent injury, ill health and damage to property arising from our work. Health and safety considerations are integral to how we manage our storage and removal services. We aim to comply with all applicable health and safety legislation, recognised industry guidance and relevant best practice.
We will allocate appropriate resources to health and safety, consult with employees, and maintain systems that support safe operating practices. This policy is reviewed regularly to ensure it remains suitable and effective.
Management Responsibilities
Senior management has overall responsibility for health and safety within Storage Chiswick. This includes providing clear leadership, setting measurable objectives and ensuring that effective arrangements are in place to identify and control risks.
Managers and supervisors are responsible for implementing this policy in their areas, ensuring staff follow procedures, use equipment safely and report any hazards or incidents. They must arrange appropriate training, monitor performance and take prompt corrective action when required.
Employee Responsibilities
Every employee has a responsibility to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions or omissions. Employees must:
Cooperate with Storage Chiswick on all health and safety matters. Follow all safe systems of work, instructions and training. Use equipment, vehicles and safety devices correctly. Report hazards, near misses, accidents and unsafe conditions at the earliest opportunity. Refrain from any behaviour that could compromise safety, such as horseplay or misuse of equipment.
Failure to observe health and safety requirements may lead to disciplinary action where appropriate.
Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work
Storage Chiswick carries out risk assessments for key activities including storage operations, handling and stacking of goods, use of vehicles, loading and unloading, and removal services. These assessments identify hazards, evaluate the level of risk and determine suitable control measures.
Safe systems of work are developed from these assessments and communicated to all relevant staff. These may include procedures for manual handling, working in loading areas, operating lifting aids, securing loads and managing access to storage units.
Manual Handling and Handling of Goods
Lifting and moving items are core elements of storage and removal activities. To minimise the risk of strains, sprains and other injuries, Storage Chiswick will:
Provide manual handling training appropriate to the work being undertaken. Encourage the use of trolleys, dollies and other suitable handling aids. Plan jobs so that heavy or awkward items are assessed and, where possible, moved by more than one person. Require staff to assess each lift before proceeding and to avoid lifting loads that are beyond their capability.
Customers are encouraged to pack items safely, avoid overloading containers and follow guidance provided by Storage Chiswick staff.
Vehicle Use, Loading and Unloading
Where vehicles are used for the collection, transport or delivery of goods, Storage Chiswick will ensure that vehicles are suitable and maintained so far as is reasonably practicable. Drivers must hold the appropriate licence and follow all operating procedures.
Loading and unloading will be planned to reduce the risk of falls, slips, trips, contact with moving vehicles and damage to goods. Loads must be distributed evenly, stacked securely and restrained where necessary. Designated loading areas should be kept clear of unnecessary obstructions.
Workplace Environment and Housekeeping
Storage Chiswick aims to maintain clean, orderly and well-organised premises. Good housekeeping reduces the likelihood of slips, trips and falls and protects stock and property.
Walkways, stairs, ramps and loading bays must be kept clear. Spillages should be cleaned promptly and warning signs used where floors remain wet or slippery. Lighting, ventilation and access routes will be maintained to support safe working conditions.
Fire Safety and Emergency Procedures
Fire and emergency procedures are in place for all Storage Chiswick facilities. These include arrangements for evacuation, raising the alarm, contacting the emergency services and accounting for people on site.
Fire exits and escape routes must be kept unobstructed at all times. Fire-fighting equipment and alarms will be inspected and maintained in line with an agreed schedule. Staff receive information on fire safety, the location of exits, and the actions to take in an emergency.
Training, Instruction and Supervision
Competence is essential to safe working. Storage Chiswick provides training and instruction that is relevant to each role, including induction for new starters and refresher training where needed.
Training may cover manual handling, vehicle safety, handling of fragile or heavy items, emergency procedures, use of equipment and general workplace safety. Supervision levels will be appropriate to the task, the experience of the employee and the risks involved.
Contractors, Visitors and Customers
Contractors working on Storage Chiswick premises must follow our health and safety rules and any site-specific instructions. Where necessary, contractor risk assessments and methods of work will be reviewed before work begins.
Visitors and customers are expected to act safely while on site, follow any given instructions and remain in authorised areas. Staff will provide guidance to customers who load or unload goods or who move items within the facility.
Incident Reporting and Investigation
All accidents, incidents, near misses and unsafe conditions must be reported promptly. Storage Chiswick will investigate these events to identify the underlying causes and implement corrective or preventive measures.
Records are kept of incidents and any resulting actions. Lessons learned are communicated to relevant staff and may lead to updates in procedures, training or equipment.
Monitoring, Review and Continuous Improvement
Storage Chiswick monitors health and safety performance through inspections, audits, incident analysis and staff feedback. Where shortcomings are identified, action plans are put in place and progress is reviewed.
This policy and associated procedures are reviewed regularly and whenever there are significant changes to operations, facilities or legal requirements. Our aim is continuous improvement in health and safety standards across all storage and removal activities.
