Storage Hampton Hill Health and Safety Policy
Storage Hampton Hill is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for all employees, customers, contractors, visitors, and members of the public who may be affected by our activities. This policy sets out our approach to managing health and safety across our storage facilities and our associated removal and handling services.
Policy Statement
We aim to prevent accidents, injuries, and work-related ill health through effective planning, risk management, and continuous improvement. Health and safety considerations are integral to the way we manage storage operations, vehicle movements, loading and unloading, and manual handling associated with removals.
We comply with relevant health and safety legislation and industry standards and will review this policy periodically to ensure it remains effective and appropriate to our operations.
Responsibilities
Overall responsibility for health and safety rests with the senior management of Storage Hampton Hill. They are responsible for ensuring that adequate resources, training, and supervision are provided to implement this policy.
Managers and supervisors are responsible for day-to-day implementation of health and safety arrangements within their areas of control. This includes carrying out risk assessments, monitoring safe working practices, and ensuring that staff follow agreed procedures.
All employees 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 cooperate with management, follow safety instructions, use equipment correctly, and report hazards, incidents, or near misses without delay.
Contractors, agency workers, and visitors are expected to comply with our safety rules and any instructions given by authorised personnel while on our premises or engaged in our activities.
Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work
We carry out risk assessments to identify hazards associated with storage operations and removal services, including manual handling, use of vehicles and equipment, working at height, and the movement and storage of goods. The findings of these assessments are used to develop safe systems of work and to implement appropriate control measures.
Risk assessments are reviewed regularly and whenever there are significant changes to work processes, equipment, or the layout of our facilities. Staff are informed of any changes that affect how they work or access storage areas.
Safe Use of Storage Facilities
Storage Hampton Hill maintains its premises so that access routes, corridors, loading bays, and storage areas remain safe, well lit, and free from unnecessary obstruction. Fire exits and escape routes are kept clear at all times.
Racking, shelving, and storage units are installed and maintained in line with manufacturer guidance and good practice. Safe stacking and loading limits are observed to prevent collapse or falling items. Where appropriate, signage is used to indicate maximum loads and restricted access areas.
Only authorised staff may adjust or move fixed storage systems. Customers and visitors are required to follow guidance from staff when accessing units, loading or unloading vehicles, or moving heavy or bulky items within our site.
Manual Handling and Removal Operations
Manual handling is an inherent part of many storage and removal activities. We aim to minimise the risk of injury by avoiding unnecessary lifting and carrying where reasonably practicable, and by providing suitable mechanical aids and handling equipment.
Employees engaged in removal and handling tasks receive appropriate training in safe lifting techniques, team lifting, and the use of trolleys, dollies, and other equipment. Loads are assessed for weight, size, and stability before being moved, and work is planned to avoid awkward routes, uneven surfaces, or excessive distances.
Where removal services are provided at customer premises, staff are expected to assess the work area, identify any hazards, and take practicable steps to control risks before beginning the job.
Vehicles and Traffic Management
We take reasonable steps to manage vehicle and pedestrian movements at our facilities. Designated loading bays, parking areas, and traffic routes are used wherever possible to separate vehicles from pedestrian walkways.
Drivers of company vehicles and any visiting removal vehicles must operate safely, observe speed limits, use hazard lights where appropriate, and follow site instructions. Reversing manoeuvres are kept to a minimum and, where practicable, a competent person is used to guide the driver.
Fire Safety and Emergency Procedures
Storage Hampton Hill maintains fire safety arrangements that are appropriate to the nature of the premises and the materials stored. Fire risk assessments are carried out and reviewed periodically. Suitable fire detection and firefighting equipment is provided, and escape routes and assembly points are clearly identified.
Staff receive instruction in emergency procedures, including raising the alarm, evacuation, and assisting customers or visitors where it is safe to do so. Fire drills are conducted at intervals to test the effectiveness of these procedures.
Welfare, First Aid, and Accident Reporting
We provide suitable welfare facilities, including access to toilets, handwashing, and rest areas for staff. Drinking water is made available and the working environment is monitored for temperature, lighting, and ventilation.
Appropriate first aid arrangements are in place, including first aid equipment and trained first aiders. All accidents, incidents, and near misses must be reported promptly so they can be recorded, investigated, and used to prevent recurrence.
Training, Consultation, and Communication
Storage Hampton Hill provides employees with information, instruction, and training relevant to their role and the risks they may encounter. This includes induction training for new starters and refresher training where necessary.
We consult with employees on health and safety matters and encourage feedback on how safety performance can be improved. Safety information, updates, and changes to procedures are communicated through briefings, notices, and other appropriate channels.
Monitoring and Review
We monitor our health and safety performance through inspections, audits, incident investigations, and feedback from staff and customers. Where deficiencies are identified, corrective actions are implemented and followed up.
This Health and Safety Policy is reviewed regularly and updated as necessary to reflect changes in our operations, best practice, or applicable legislation. All employees are made aware of any significant changes that affect their work or responsibilities.
By implementing this policy, Storage Hampton Hill aims to maintain a safe environment for storage users, staff, and those involved in our removal and handling services, and to continually improve our health and safety performance.
