Health and Safety Policy for Storage Barking
This Health and Safety policy sets out how Storage Barking manages and promotes the safety and wellbeing of our employees, customers, visitors, contractors and members of the public. It applies to all storage units, warehouses, vehicles, loading areas and any locations where we operate removal and storage services.
Our Commitment to Health and Safety
Storage Barking is committed to providing and maintaining a safe and healthy working environment. We aim to prevent accidents, protect property and minimise risks associated with storage facilities, manual handling and removal activities. Health and safety considerations form an integral part of our planning, decision-making and day-to-day operations.
We comply with relevant health and safety legislation and recognised industry standards and we expect all employees and contractors to cooperate fully in achieving high standards of safety and care.
Responsibilities and Management
Overall responsibility for health and safety rests with the company management, who ensure that appropriate resources, training and supervision are provided. Managers are responsible for implementing this policy within their areas of control and for ensuring that procedures are followed.
Supervisors are responsible for monitoring safe working practices, reporting hazards, ensuring that staff are competent for their tasks and that equipment is used correctly. Every employee has a duty to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions or omissions.
All staff must follow instructions, use equipment safely, report any incident or near miss promptly and cooperate in any investigation or improvement measures.
Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work
We undertake regular risk assessments covering our storage facilities, loading bays, access routes, parking areas and removals operations. These assessments identify potential hazards such as slips, trips and falls, manual handling injuries, vehicle movements, working at height and use of mechanical handling equipment.
Where risks cannot be eliminated, we implement control measures to reduce them as far as reasonably practicable. This may include segregation of pedestrian and vehicle routes, use of warning signage, provision of suitable equipment, training in safe techniques and written safe systems of work for key tasks such as loading, unloading and stacking goods.
Risk assessments are reviewed periodically and whenever there are significant changes in our operations, premises layout or equipment.
Safe Storage, Handling and Removals
Storage Barking operates procedures to ensure that goods are stored and handled in a safe, secure and organised manner. Aisles and access routes are kept clear, storage units are loaded within safe weight limits and goods are stacked in a stable way to prevent collapse.
Employees engaged in removals, loading and unloading work are trained in correct manual handling techniques, safe lifting methods and the use of trolleys, dollies and other handling aids. Where appropriate, mechanical lifting equipment is used to reduce manual handling risks.
Customers using our storage facilities are expected to comply with our safety rules, follow staff instructions, use designated access routes and refrain from bringing dangerous, prohibited or inadequately packaged items onto the premises.
Vehicles and Traffic Management
Vehicle movements in and around our sites are managed to reduce the risk of collision and injury. Designated loading areas, speed limits and clear signage are used wherever possible. Drivers must follow site rules, obey instructions from staff and switch off engines when stationary in loading zones where requested.
Our vehicles used for removals and transport are maintained in a roadworthy condition and subject to regular checks in line with legal and company requirements. Only authorised and competent personnel may operate company vehicles and any mechanical handling equipment.
Workplace Environment and Housekeeping
We aim to maintain clean, well lit and well maintained premises. Walkways, stairways and emergency exits must be kept clear at all times. Spills are to be cleared promptly and waste materials disposed of in suitable containers.
Good housekeeping is essential to controlling hazards. Staff are required to store tools, equipment and materials safely after use, coil or secure cables, and immediately report any damage to floors, lighting, doors, shutters or other fixtures that could affect safety.
Fire Safety and Emergency Procedures
Fire safety is a key priority in storage facilities. We provide appropriate fire detection and firefighting equipment in line with risk assessments and legal requirements. Fire exits are clearly marked and kept unobstructed. Staff are briefed on evacuation procedures and the location of assembly points.
Emergency instructions are displayed on site. In the event of a fire or other emergency, staff, customers and visitors must follow directions given by our personnel, leave the premises promptly by the nearest safe route and not re-enter the building until told it is safe to do so.
Training, Information and Supervision
Storage Barking provides employees with information, instruction and training relevant to their roles. This includes induction training for new starters, task-specific instruction for removals and handling work, refreshers where required and updates when procedures or equipment change.
Supervision is provided to ensure that procedures are followed and that staff are supported in working safely. Additional training or support is arranged where competency needs are identified.
Accidents, Incidents and First Aid
All accidents, incidents and near misses must be reported to management as soon as practicable. Details are recorded, investigated where appropriate and used to identify trends and opportunities for improvement. Corrective actions are put in place to prevent recurrence where reasonably possible.
We maintain appropriate first aid provisions in line with risk assessments. Designated personnel are trained in basic first aid and customers or visitors who need assistance should contact a member of staff immediately.
Consultation and Continuous Improvement
We recognise the value of involving employees in health and safety matters. Staff are encouraged to raise concerns, suggest improvements and participate in discussions about safe working practices. Feedback from customers and contractors is also welcomed where it can help improve our standards.
This Health and Safety policy is reviewed regularly to ensure it remains effective and relevant to our storage and removal operations. Updates may be made to reflect changes in legislation, guidance, business activities or identified risks. All staff are informed of significant changes and are expected to familiarise themselves with the current policy.
