Health and Safety Policy for Storage Lower Morden
This Health and Safety policy sets out the standards and procedures followed at Storage Lower Morden to protect the health, safety and welfare of employees, contractors, visitors and customers using our storage and related removal services. We aim to provide a working and visiting environment that is safe, secure and well managed.
Policy Statement
Storage Lower Morden is committed to preventing accidents, work-related ill health and damage to property. We will identify and manage risks arising from our storage operations, handling of goods and any associated removal and transport activities. We will provide appropriate information, instruction, training and supervision so that health and safety responsibilities are understood and effectively implemented.
This policy applies to all areas of our storage facility, including loading bays, access roads, customer reception areas and storage units, as well as any work carried out off site in connection with removal and transport of goods.
Management Responsibilities
Senior management is responsible for implementing this policy and ensuring that health and safety is integrated into everyday decision making. Management will allocate adequate resources, review performance regularly and update procedures when improvements are identified.
Managers and supervisors must ensure that risk assessments are carried out, that safe systems of work are in place and that employees are trained and competent for the tasks they perform, especially those involving lifting, carrying, vehicle movements and use of equipment.
Employee Responsibilities
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 at work. Employees must follow all safety instructions, use equipment correctly, report hazards and incidents promptly and cooperate fully with training and safety initiatives.
Employees must never misuse safety equipment, bypass safety devices or carry out tasks for which they have not been trained or authorised, particularly in relation to manual handling, use of trolleys, use of access equipment and operation of vehicles.
Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices
We will identify significant hazards associated with our storage and removal activities, including manual handling, slips and trips, working at height for stacking and retrieval, vehicle movements, loading and unloading, and handling of awkward or heavy items. Formal risk assessments will be carried out and reviewed periodically or following any significant change in operations.
Findings from risk assessments will be used to establish safe systems of work, including appropriate use of mechanical aids, safe stacking heights, clear walkways, controlled access to loading areas and guidelines for maximum load weights. Employees will be made aware of these procedures through induction and refresher training.
Manual Handling and Use of Equipment
Manual handling is a key part of storage and removals activity, and it presents a significant risk if not properly controlled. Where reasonably practicable, mechanical aids such as sack trucks, dollies, pallet trucks or similar handling equipment will be used to reduce the need for manual lifting and carrying.
When manual handling cannot be avoided, employees must follow training on correct lifting techniques, team lifting, planning the route and assessing the weight and shape of items before moving them. Overloading of trolleys or stacking that affects visibility or stability is not permitted.
Only trained and authorised personnel may use any powered handling equipment or vehicles. Equipment must be inspected and maintained in safe working order, and any defects must be reported immediately.
Vehicle and Traffic Safety
Our operations may involve removal vehicles, delivery vehicles and customer vehicles accessing the site. Traffic routes will be clearly marked where possible, and safe procedures will be in place for loading and unloading vehicles, including the use of designated loading areas.
Drivers must follow site speed limits, observe one way systems where provided and give priority to pedestrians. Reversing manoeuvres should be minimised and aided where possible by a trained banksman or the use of reversing aids. Keys must be removed from unattended vehicles.
Fire Safety and Emergency Arrangements
We will maintain suitable fire safety arrangements for the storage facility, including a current fire risk assessment, clearly marked and unobstructed escape routes, appropriate fire detection and alarm systems and suitable fire extinguishers.
Employees will receive training on emergency procedures, including how to raise the alarm, evacuation routes, assembly points and the importance of keeping exits and access routes clear. Regular fire drills will be carried out and recorded.
Handling of Stored Goods
Goods stored or handled within our premises must be stacked and secured safely, with attention to weight limits, stability and access. Items must not be stored in a way that blocks aisles, emergency exits, fire equipment or electrical panels.
Customers are expected to ensure that goods they bring for storage are safe, adequately packed and do not contain prohibited items or dangerous substances. Any concerns about the condition, packaging or nature of goods should be reported to management.
Workplace Environment and Welfare
We are committed to maintaining a clean, orderly and well-lit workplace. Floors and access routes will be kept as free as reasonably practicable from slip and trip hazards, such as trailing cables, spillages or loose packaging. Where cleaning or maintenance is underway, appropriate warnings will be displayed.
Suitable welfare facilities will be provided for employees, including access to toilets, washing facilities, rest areas and drinking water. We will monitor temperature, ventilation and lighting levels so that employees can work safely and comfortably.
Information, Instruction and Training
All employees will receive a health and safety induction when joining the company or transferring to a new role. Further task specific training will be provided for activities such as lifting and carrying, use of handling equipment, working in loading bays and emergency procedures.
Information about hazards and safe working practices will be communicated clearly and updated when necessary. Refresher training will be arranged at suitable intervals, and records of training will be maintained.
Consultation, Reporting and Continuous Improvement
We encourage open communication on health and safety matters. Employees are expected to report hazards, near misses, accidents and unsafe conditions so that appropriate action can be taken. Feedback from staff and customers will be considered when reviewing safety arrangements.
Accidents and incidents will be recorded and investigated to identify root causes and to prevent recurrence. This policy and associated procedures will be monitored and reviewed regularly to ensure they remain effective and appropriate to the nature of our storage and removal operations in and around Lower Morden.
Policy Review
This Health and Safety policy is reviewed periodically and whenever there are significant changes to our operations, premises or legal requirements. Updated versions will be communicated to employees and made available to customers and visitors on request.
