Health and Safety Policy for Storage Harrow on the Hill
This Health and Safety policy sets out how Storage Harrow on the Hill manages the wellbeing of employees, contractors, customers and visitors across our storage and removal operations. Our objective is to prevent injury, protect health and maintain a safe environment in all areas where we work, including offices, warehouses, storage units, vehicles and customer premises.
Our Health and Safety Objectives
We are committed to maintaining high standards of health and safety management in all storage and removal activities. Our core objectives are to eliminate hazards where possible, minimise risks that cannot be eliminated, and promote a positive safety culture throughout the business. We will review our objectives regularly and improve our arrangements as our services develop.
Management Responsibilities
Senior management at Storage Harrow on the Hill has overall responsibility for implementing this policy and ensuring that appropriate resources are made available. Managers are responsible for:
Ensuring suitable and sufficient risk assessments are carried out for all key activities, including lifting, carrying, packing, loading, driving and storage of goods.
Providing and maintaining safe equipment, vehicles, tools and storage facilities.
Establishing clear procedures for incident reporting, emergency response and workplace inspections.
Ensuring that all staff receive appropriate training, instruction and supervision to carry out their duties safely.
Monitoring performance, investigating accidents and near misses, and taking corrective action where required.
Employee Responsibilities
Every employee has an important role in maintaining a safe working environment. All staff are required to:
Take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions.
Follow the companys health and safety procedures and safe systems of work, especially during removal, loading and unloading tasks.
Use vehicles, equipment, tools and personal protective equipment only as trained and instructed.
Report any accidents, near misses, unsafe conditions or defects in equipment to their manager without delay.
Cooperate with any investigation, training, or safety initiative introduced by the company.
Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work
We will carry out risk assessments for our storage operations, handling of goods, transportation, and any on-site removal or moving services. These assessments will identify significant hazards and set out practical control measures. Findings will be communicated to relevant staff and reviewed whenever work practices change or after any significant incident.
Safe systems of work will be developed for tasks such as manual handling, use of trolleys and lifting aids, stacking of goods in storage units, working in confined or restricted areas, and securing items in vehicles. Employees must follow these systems at all times.
Manual Handling and Lifting
Removal and storage work often involves lifting, carrying and moving items of various sizes and weights. To reduce the risk of musculoskeletal injuries, we will:
Provide manual handling training tailored to storage and removal activities.
Encourage staff to assess loads before lifting and use team lifts or mechanical aids where appropriate.
Ensure that heavy or awkward items are handled using approved techniques and equipment.
Plan work so that routes are clear, well lit and free from slip or trip hazards.
Work Equipment and Vehicles
All work equipment and vehicles used in our storage and removal services will be maintained in a safe condition. Regular inspections and servicing will be carried out in line with manufacturers recommendations and legal requirements. Defective equipment or vehicles must be taken out of service immediately and reported so that repairs can be arranged.
Only authorised and trained personnel may operate company vehicles or specialised equipment. Driving standards and load security are monitored to protect staff, customers and other road users.
Safe Premises and Storage Areas
We will keep all premises, including storage units, corridors, loading bays, offices and customer access areas, in a safe and orderly condition. This includes:
Maintaining good housekeeping standards to prevent slips, trips and falls.
Ensuring adequate lighting and ventilation in storage and working areas.
Providing clear signage, including directional and hazard warnings where appropriate.
Managing access to storage areas to protect both staff and customers.
Personal Protective Equipment
Personal protective equipment such as gloves, safety footwear and high visibility clothing will be provided where risk assessments show it is necessary. Employees are required to use such equipment correctly and report any damage or loss so that replacement items can be issued.
Health, Welfare and First Aid
We will provide suitable welfare facilities, such as access to drinking water and sanitary conveniences. Adequate first aid provision will be maintained, including trained first aiders and stocked first aid kits at appropriate locations. All accidents and injuries must be reported and recorded so that any underlying causes can be addressed.
Fire Safety and Emergency Procedures
Fire safety arrangements will be in place for all premises, including suitable fire detection and firefighting equipment, clear escape routes and assembly points. Staff will be made aware of emergency procedures, including evacuation arrangements and how to raise the alarm. Periodic drills will be undertaken where appropriate.
Contractors, Visitors and Customers
We will take reasonable steps to ensure that contractors working on our premises are competent and follow safe practices. Visitors and customers will be given relevant safety information and, where necessary, will be accompanied by a member of staff while on site. Everyone on our premises is expected to behave safely and follow any instructions given for their protection.
Training, Consultation and Communication
Health and safety training will be provided on induction and refreshed as needed, with additional training for specific roles such as drivers, team leaders and warehouse staff. We encourage employees to raise safety concerns and suggestions for improvement. Information about health and safety matters will be communicated through briefings, notices and team meetings.
Monitoring, Review and Policy Updates
This Health and Safety policy will be monitored on an ongoing basis and formally reviewed at regular intervals or when significant changes occur in our operations, including any expansion of storage or removal services. Where improvements are identified, procedures and controls will be updated. A current version of this policy will be available to employees, contractors, customers and other interested parties on request.
Storage Harrow on the Hill is committed to continually improving its health and safety performance and to providing a safe environment for everyone who works with us or uses our services.
