Storage New Addington Health and Safety Policy
This Health and Safety Policy sets out the principles and standards adopted by Storage New Addington to protect the health, safety and wellbeing of our employees, contractors, customers and visitors. It applies to all storage activities, removal services, office operations and on-site or off-site work carried out in connection with our business.
Our General Health and Safety Commitment
Storage New Addington is committed to providing and maintaining a safe and healthy working environment. We aim to prevent accidents, injuries and work-related ill health by identifying hazards, assessing risks and implementing effective control measures. We comply with all relevant health and safety legislation and expect the same commitment from our employees and contractors.
Health and safety considerations form an integral part of our operational planning, including storage unit management, vehicle loading and unloading, packing, lifting, and the handling of customers belongings during removal and storage services.
Responsibilities and Accountability
Overall responsibility for health and safety lies with the company management, who ensure that suitable resources, training and supervision are provided. Managers are responsible for implementing this policy within their areas of control, monitoring compliance and taking corrective action where necessary.
All employees share responsibility for their own safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions. This includes following safe systems of work, using equipment correctly, reporting hazards and cooperating fully with all health and safety procedures. Contractors and agency workers engaged by Storage New Addington are required to work in accordance with this policy and any site-specific rules.
Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work
We carry out regular risk assessments to identify potential hazards associated with storage operations, removal services and related activities. These assessments consider risks such as manual handling, vehicle movements, slips and trips, working at height, use of equipment and interaction with customers on and off site.
Findings from risk assessments are used to develop safe systems of work and method statements. These are communicated to relevant staff and, where appropriate, to contractors. Risk assessments are reviewed periodically and following any significant change in operations, equipment, layout or working practices.
Manual Handling and Lifting Operations
Manual handling is a significant part of storage and removal work, so we place strong emphasis on safe lifting practices. Employees receive training in correct lifting and carrying techniques, use of trolleys and mechanical aids, and team lifting where individual handling would be unsafe.
Heavier or awkward items are assessed in advance and appropriate handling methods are planned. Staff are instructed never to exceed their personal capabilities and to request assistance or equipment whenever necessary. We aim to minimise manual handling through careful planning of jobs, vehicle loading patterns and storage layouts.
Vehicle Safety and Transport
Vehicles used for removals and storage-related transport are maintained in a roadworthy condition in line with legal requirements and manufacturer recommendations. Drivers are responsible for daily checks and must report any defects immediately.
Loads are secured to prevent movement during transit, with special attention given to heavy, fragile or unusual items. Drivers and porters are expected to follow safe loading and unloading procedures, use appropriate access equipment where required, and take care when working at customers premises and on public roads.
Workplace and Storage Area Safety
We maintain storage areas, loading bays and offices in a clean and orderly condition to reduce the risk of accidents. Aisles and access routes must be kept clear, with stored items stacked safely and within safe height limits.
We implement measures to reduce the risk of slips, trips and falls, including prompt cleaning of spillages, suitable lighting, and clear marking of steps and changes in level. Emergency exits are kept unobstructed at all times and clearly identified.
Equipment, Tools and Personal Protective Equipment
All equipment and tools used in connection with storage and removal services are selected, maintained and inspected to ensure they are safe and suitable for their intended purpose. Employees are required to use equipment in accordance with training and instructions.
Where risk assessments identify the need for personal protective equipment, such as gloves, safety footwear or high-visibility clothing, it is provided and must be worn as directed. Employees are responsible for taking reasonable care of any equipment issued to them and reporting defects or damage immediately.
Fire Safety and Emergency Procedures
Appropriate fire detection, alarm systems and extinguishers are provided and maintained in storage and office areas. Fire safety procedures are in place, including evacuation routes, assembly points and responsibilities for checking areas in the event of an alarm.
Employees receive information on fire procedures and participate in periodic drills where practicable. Emergency procedures also cover incidents such as accidents, spillages and structural or equipment failures, with clear instructions on raising alarms, contacting emergency services and reporting incidents internally.
Training, Information and Supervision
Storage New Addington provides appropriate health and safety training for all employees, relevant to their roles and responsibilities. Induction training includes an overview of this policy, emergency procedures and key site rules. Additional training is provided on topics such as manual handling, use of equipment and safe driving practices.
Supervisors monitor working practices, provide guidance and address unsafe behaviour. Information about hazards, procedures and changes to working methods is communicated promptly through briefings, notices and internal communication channels.
Accident Reporting and Investigation
All accidents, incidents, near misses and hazardous conditions must be reported as soon as possible to a manager or supervisor. Accurate records are kept in accordance with legal and company requirements.
Incidents are investigated to identify underlying causes and to implement corrective and preventative actions. Lessons learned are shared within the business to reduce the likelihood of recurrence and to continuously improve our health and safety performance.
Consultation and Continuous Improvement
We encourage open communication on health and safety matters and welcome suggestions from employees and contractors to improve standards. Where appropriate, we consult with staff about proposed changes that may affect their health and safety.
This Health and Safety Policy is reviewed regularly and updated when necessary to reflect changes in legislation, industry best practice or the nature of our operations. Storage New Addington is committed to continual improvement in health and safety performance as an essential part of delivering reliable and professional storage and removal services.
