Storage Hatch End Health and Safety Policy
Storage Hatch End is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for all employees, customers, contractors and visitors. This Health and Safety Policy sets out our approach to managing risks associated with storage facilities and removal operations, including handling, lifting, transport, loading and unloading of goods.
We recognise our duties under relevant health and safety legislation and industry standards. We aim to prevent accidents, work related ill health and unsafe practices through planning, training, supervision and continuous improvement.
Health and Safety Objectives
Our key objectives are to:
Identify, assess and control risks associated with storage, handling and removal activities.
Provide and maintain safe premises, plant, vehicles and equipment.
Ensure employees are competent, trained and supervised in all aspects of their work.
Protect customers, contractors and visitors while they are on our premises or affected by our operations.
Promote a positive health and safety culture, encouraging reporting of hazards, near misses and incidents.
Review performance regularly and implement actions to improve safety standards.
Management Responsibilities
Senior management at Storage Hatch End has overall responsibility for health and safety. This includes providing adequate resources, setting clear expectations and ensuring appropriate procedures are in place and followed.
Managers and supervisors are responsible for implementing this policy in their areas of control. They must:
Carry out and review risk assessments for storage units, loading bays, offices and removal activities.
Ensure safe systems of work are developed, communicated and enforced.
Arrange appropriate health and safety training and refreshers for employees.
Investigate accidents, incidents and near misses, taking corrective action and sharing learning.
Regularly inspect the workplace, vehicles and equipment to identify and rectify hazards.
Employee Responsibilities
All employees of Storage Hatch End have a duty 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:
Follow all safety rules, procedures and instructions given by management.
Use equipment, vehicles, tools and personal protective equipment correctly and report any defects immediately.
Keep work areas, corridors, access routes and fire exits clear and tidy.
Report hazards, near misses, incidents and injuries as soon as possible.
Cooperate with management in any health and safety investigations, audits or training.
Customer and Visitor Safety
Storage Hatch End is committed to ensuring that customers and visitors can access and use the premises safely. We will:
Provide clear signage, including directions, safety information and access restrictions.
Maintain clean, well lit access routes, stairs, lifts and loading areas.
Provide guidance on safe loading, unloading and stacking of goods within storage units.
Monitor and control vehicle movements on site to minimise the risk of collisions.
Restrict access to operational or high risk areas to authorised personnel only.
Safe Removals and Handling Operations
As a facility that supports removal and storage needs, Storage Hatch End recognises the particular risks associated with manual handling, transportation and the use of lifting equipment. We will:
Plan removal and handling tasks to avoid hazardous lifting wherever possible.
Provide suitable mechanical aids where reasonably practicable, such as trolleys and pallet trucks.
Train staff in safe manual handling techniques, including team lifting and the correct use of equipment.
Ensure vehicles are safely loaded, secured and suitable for the loads they carry.
Assess routes within the site for safe movement of goods, including ramps, doors and loading bays.
Equipment, Vehicles and Maintenance
Storage Hatch End will maintain all plant, equipment and vehicles in a safe and serviceable condition. This includes:
Carrying out regular inspections and planned maintenance of lifting equipment, trolleys and access equipment.
Ensuring company vehicles are checked regularly, serviced in line with manufacturer guidance and kept roadworthy.
Removing defective equipment from use until repaired or replaced.
Providing guards, safety devices and other protective measures where required.
Fire Safety and Emergency Arrangements
Fire safety and effective emergency response are critical within storage environments. We will:
Provide and maintain appropriate fire detection and firefighting equipment.
Clearly mark and keep clear all fire exits, escape routes and assembly points.
Display emergency instructions and ensure staff understand evacuation procedures.
Conduct periodic drills and review outcomes to improve preparedness.
Control ignition sources and manage the storage of combustible materials to reduce fire risks.
Hazardous Materials and Housekeeping
Storage Hatch End will minimise risks associated with hazardous substances and poor housekeeping. We will:
Restrict or control the storage of hazardous or prohibited items in accordance with site rules.
Provide information to customers about items that cannot be stored due to safety reasons.
Maintain good housekeeping practices throughout the site to prevent slips, trips and falls.
Ensure waste is managed and removed safely and regularly.
Health, Welfare and Wellbeing
We recognise the importance of protecting the physical and mental health of our employees. Storage Hatch End will:
Provide suitable welfare facilities such as toilets, washing areas and rest spaces.
Assess risks from work related stress, lone working and demanding physical tasks.
Encourage open communication about health concerns and support early reporting of issues.
Consider adjustments where reasonably practicable to help employees work safely and effectively.
Training, Consultation and Communication
Storage Hatch End will provide employees with information, instruction and training appropriate to their roles, particularly in relation to storage operations, removals support and site safety. We will:
Deliver induction training covering emergency arrangements, site rules and safe working practices.
Provide role specific training such as manual handling, vehicle use, equipment operation and risk awareness.
Consult with employees on health and safety matters and encourage suggestions for improvement.
Communicate updates to policies, procedures and incident findings promptly and clearly.
Monitoring, Audit and Policy Review
To ensure this policy remains effective, Storage Hatch End will monitor health and safety performance through inspections, audits, incident analysis and feedback from employees and customers. We will:
Review health and safety procedures at regular intervals and following any significant change in operations.
Update risk assessments when necessary, particularly when introducing new processes, equipment or services.
Revise this Health and Safety Policy periodically to reflect changes in legislation, industry good practice and company operations.
This policy applies to all activities undertaken by Storage Hatch End and all persons who may be affected by our work. Everyone is expected to play an active part in maintaining a safe, healthy and secure environment across our storage and removal related services.
