Health and Safety Policy for Storage North Woolwich
Storage North Woolwich is committed to providing a safe and healthy working and visiting environment for all employees, customers, contractors, and visitors. This Health and Safety Policy sets out our approach to managing health and safety risks within our storage and removal operations, including handling, lifting, driving, and access to our facilities.
Policy Statement and Objectives
Our objective is to prevent accidents, injuries, and work-related ill health by identifying hazards, assessing risks, and implementing effective control measures. Health and safety considerations are integral to all business decisions, from staff training and equipment selection to the organisation of removal activities and storage layouts.
Storage North Woolwich will continually seek to improve health and safety performance through regular review, consultation with staff, and the adoption of best practice in the storage and removals sector.
Roles and Responsibilities
Ultimate responsibility for health and safety rests with the company management, who ensure that adequate resources are provided for implementing this policy. Managers and supervisors are responsible for day-to-day health and safety management, including monitoring working practices, enforcing safe systems of work, and ensuring that staff receive appropriate instruction and supervision.
All employees have a duty to take reasonable care for their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions or omissions. This includes following safety procedures, using equipment correctly, reporting hazards and incidents promptly, and participating in relevant training.
Contractors and subcontractors working on our premises or as part of our removal services must comply with this policy and any site-specific safety rules provided to them. Customers and visitors are expected to follow safety information and instructions, particularly when accessing storage units, loading bays, and parking areas.
Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices
Storage North Woolwich carries out systematic risk assessments for key activities, including manual handling of goods, operation of vehicles, use of lifting equipment, access to storage areas, and office-based work. Identified risks are managed through a combination of engineering controls, safe systems of work, and training.
Safe working procedures are established for tasks such as loading and unloading vehicles, stacking and unstacking items, movement of trolleys or pallet trucks, and working near moving vehicles. These procedures are communicated to all relevant staff and reviewed periodically to ensure they remain effective and proportionate to current operations.
Manual Handling and Lifting
Manual handling is a core part of storage and removal operations and is managed with particular care. Wherever reasonably practicable, mechanical aids such as trolleys, dollies, and pallet trucks are used to reduce manual lifting. When lifting by hand cannot be avoided, staff are trained in correct lifting techniques, load assessment, and safe team-handling methods.
Loads are planned in advance so that heavy or awkward items are handled safely, with clear routes, adequate lighting, and sufficient space. Staff are encouraged to avoid overreaching, twisting while carrying, or lifting items beyond their personal capability. Any concerns over the safety of a lift must be raised immediately with a supervisor.
Vehicles, Driving and Traffic Management
Our removal vehicles, as well as any other company vehicles, are maintained in a safe and roadworthy condition, with regular inspections and servicing carried out in line with manufacturer recommendations and legal requirements. Drivers are required to hold valid licences, follow safe driving practices, and comply with driving time and rest break expectations.
On-site traffic risks are controlled through designated loading areas, clear signage, and instructions for reversing, parking, and pedestrian access. Where appropriate, banksmen or spotters may be used to assist with reversing and manoeuvring, especially in confined areas or near public access points. All staff must remain alert to vehicle movements and keep walkways clear.
Workplace Environment and Housekeeping
Storage North Woolwich aims to maintain clean, orderly, and well-lit premises. Good housekeeping is essential to reduce slip, trip, and fall risks. Aisles, fire exits, and emergency routes are to be kept clear of obstacles at all times. Spillages are to be cleaned up promptly, and any damaged flooring, racking, or fixtures must be reported without delay.
Storage areas are arranged to allow safe access and egress, with items stacked securely and within appropriate height limits. Special attention is paid to how goods are stored in units and on vehicles, ensuring loads are stable and do not present a risk of collapse or movement during handling or transport.
Equipment, Maintenance and Personal Protective Equipment
All equipment used for storage and removal activities, including trolleys, lifting aids, and any mechanical handling equipment, is inspected regularly and maintained in safe working order. Defective equipment must be taken out of use and reported immediately so that repairs or replacements can be arranged.
Where risk assessments identify a need for personal protective equipment, such as gloves, safety footwear, or high-visibility clothing, this will be provided and must be worn and used correctly. Staff are responsible for taking reasonable care of any equipment issued to them and for reporting damage or faults.
Fire Safety and Emergency Procedures
Appropriate fire safety arrangements are in place throughout our premises. This includes fire detection and alarm systems, clearly marked exits, emergency lighting where required, and suitable fire extinguishers. Escape routes and exits are to be kept unobstructed at all times.
Staff receive information on emergency procedures, including how to raise the alarm, evacuation routes, assembly points, and the use of fire extinguishers where their role requires it. Fire drills are carried out periodically to confirm that evacuation procedures are effective and understood by personnel on site.
Incident Reporting and Investigation
All accidents, near misses, and dangerous occurrences must be reported promptly to management so that they can be recorded and investigated. The purpose of investigation is to identify underlying causes and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence, not to assign blame.
Information from reported incidents is used to review risk assessments, update procedures, and refine training where necessary. Monitoring and analysis of incident trends support continuous improvement in health and safety performance across our storage and removal operations.
Training, Communication and Consultation
Storage North Woolwich provides appropriate health and safety training for all employees, tailored to their roles and responsibilities. This may include induction training, manual handling instruction, safe use of equipment, vehicle safety, and emergency procedure briefings.
Health and safety information is communicated through written procedures, signage, briefings, and ongoing supervision. Employees are encouraged to raise concerns, suggest improvements, and participate in discussions relating to health and safety. Management will consider all feedback and take reasonable steps to address any issues raised.
Policy Review and Continuous Improvement
This Health and Safety Policy is reviewed periodically, and whenever there are significant changes in operations, legislation, or identified risks. Updates are communicated to employees and, where relevant, to contractors working with Storage North Woolwich.
By implementing this policy and maintaining a culture of safety awareness, Storage North Woolwich aims to protect everyone involved in our storage and removal services and to operate to high standards of health and safety at all times.
