Storage Islington Health and Safety Policy
Storage Islington is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for all employees, contractors, customers, and visitors. This Health and Safety Policy sets out our approach to managing risks associated with storage, handling, and removal activities, and to promoting a culture of safety throughout our operations.
Policy Statement and Objectives
Our objective is to prevent accidents, injuries, and work-related ill health by identifying and controlling hazards in our storage facilities and removal operations. We will take all reasonably practicable steps to protect people, property, and the environment, and to ensure that our services are delivered in a safe and responsible manner.
Safety considerations are integrated into the planning and delivery of all services, including the movement, loading, unloading, and storage of goods. We aim to continuously improve our health and safety performance by monitoring standards and acting on findings.
Management Responsibilities
Senior management is responsible for implementing this policy, providing suitable resources, and ensuring that health and safety is embedded in day-to-day activities. Management duties include:
Ensuring risk assessments are carried out, recorded, and reviewed regularly. Providing appropriate equipment, including handling tools and personal protective equipment where required. Making sure staff receive relevant training and supervision for storage and removal tasks. Reviewing incidents and near misses to prevent recurrence. Promoting safe systems of work and monitoring compliance.
Managers are expected to demonstrate visible leadership on safety issues and to respond promptly to concerns raised by staff or customers.
Employee Duties and Conduct
All employees, whether working in storage facilities, on removal jobs, or in administrative roles, have a duty to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions. Employees must:
Follow all safety instructions, procedures, and risk assessments. Use equipment, vehicles, and tools only as trained and authorised. Report any hazards, near misses, accidents, or unsafe conditions without delay. Wear any required protective clothing or equipment when advised. Refrain from horseplay, misuse of equipment, or any activity that could compromise safety.
Failure to comply with health and safety requirements may result in disciplinary action where appropriate.
Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work
Risk assessments are carried out for all significant activities associated with storage and removals, including manual handling, vehicle movements, loading and unloading, working at height, and the use of lifting or handling equipment. The results are used to develop safe systems of work and to decide on any controls needed to minimise risk.
Assessments are reviewed regularly and whenever there is a significant change to operations, premises, equipment, or legislation. Staff are informed of findings that affect their work and are required to follow the relevant procedures at all times.
Manual Handling and Safe Lifting
Manual handling is a key element of storage and removal services and is therefore subject to particular controls. Employees receive guidance and training on safe lifting techniques, team lifting, and the use of handling aids such as trolleys and dollies.
Where items are heavy, bulky, or awkward, mechanical aids or additional personnel will be used wherever reasonably practicable. Staff must not attempt to lift loads that exceed their capability or that present an obvious risk of injury. Customers may be advised on safe packing and labelling to support safe handling.
Vehicle, Loading, and Site Safety
Vehicle safety is critical in removal and storage operations. Only authorised and competent drivers may operate company vehicles. Vehicles must be inspected regularly, and any defects reported immediately.
Safe loading and unloading practices are followed to prevent falls, crush injuries, and load shifts in transit. This includes securing loads, using appropriate equipment for lift assistance, and maintaining clear access routes at loading areas and storage units.
Vehicle and pedestrian movements at storage locations are managed to minimise collision risks. Designated routes, speed limits, and parking rules must be respected by staff, contractors, and visitors.
Workplace Environment and Housekeeping
Good housekeeping is essential for safe storage operations. Aisles, stairways, entrances, and exits must be kept clear of obstacles. Stored items should be stacked securely, in accordance with guidance, and kept within safe height and weight limits.
Spills, debris, and damaged packaging must be dealt with promptly to prevent slips, trips, falls, or other incidents. Lighting, ventilation, and access to welfare facilities will be maintained to appropriate standards.
Fire Safety and Emergency Procedures
Storage Islington maintains fire safety arrangements suitable for the nature of stored items and day-to-day activities. These include appropriate detection and alarm systems, firefighting equipment where suitable, and clearly marked escape routes.
Emergency procedures are in place and communicated to staff. Fire exits must remain unobstructed at all times. Staff are expected to familiarise themselves with evacuation routes, assembly points, and instructions for raising the alarm.
Information, Instruction, and Training
We provide information, instruction, and training relevant to storage and removal activities, including induction training for new starters and refresher training where needed. Training may cover topics such as manual handling, safe use of equipment, vehicle safety, fire safety, and emergency response.
Employees are encouraged to ask questions, seek clarification, and participate actively in safety briefings and toolbox talks.
Accident Reporting and Investigation
All accidents, incidents, and near misses occurring on our premises or during our services must be reported promptly. Records are kept and reviewed to identify causes, trends, and the need for additional preventive measures.
Where necessary, incidents will be formally investigated, and corrective actions agreed and implemented. Lessons learned will be shared with relevant staff to avoid similar events in the future.
Consultation and Continuous Improvement
Storage Islington recognises that effective health and safety management relies on input from those directly involved in day-to-day operations. Employees are encouraged to raise safety suggestions or concerns, which will be considered by management.
This policy will be reviewed regularly and updated as required to reflect changes in operations, services, or applicable standards. We are committed to continual improvement in all aspects of health and safety as an integral part of delivering reliable storage and removal services.
