Storage Hackney Health and Safety Policy
Storage Hackney is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for our employees, contractors, customers, and visitors. This Health and Safety policy sets out our approach to managing risks associated with storage, handling, and removal activities, including the loading, transport, and unloading of goods.
Our objective is to prevent accidents, injuries, and work-related ill health by identifying hazards, assessing risks, and implementing effective control measures. We will continually review and improve our practices to maintain high standards of safety and welfare.
Management Responsibility and Commitment
The management of Storage Hackney accepts overall responsibility for health and safety performance across all operations, including storage facilities, vehicles, and on-site removal work. We will provide the leadership, resources, and support necessary to ensure health and safety is an integral part of everyday work.
Managers are responsible for implementing this policy, ensuring that employees understand their duties, and monitoring compliance with safe systems of work. They will investigate incidents, identify root causes, and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence.
Employee Responsibilities
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. This includes colleagues, customers, contractors, and members of the public.
Employees must follow all safety instructions, training, and procedures, use equipment correctly, and report hazards, near misses, and accidents promptly to management. Deliberate misuse of equipment, disregard of safety rules, or failure to cooperate with health and safety measures may result in disciplinary action.
Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work
We will conduct regular risk assessments covering all key activities, including manual handling of goods, operation of vehicles, use of lifting equipment, storage of items, and work in and around our premises. These assessments will identify hazards and specify control measures.
Safe systems of work will be documented and communicated to all relevant staff. These may include procedures for safe loading and unloading, securing items in vehicles, stacking and racking goods, and working in confined or restricted spaces within storage areas.
Manual Handling and Lifting
Given the nature of storage and removal services, safe manual handling is critical. We will minimise the need for manual lifting by using appropriate handling aids such as trolleys and dollies wherever reasonable.
All staff involved in lifting and moving items will receive training in correct manual handling techniques, including safe lifting posture, team lifting, and recognition of limits. Employees must not attempt to lift or move loads beyond their capability and must request assistance or equipment when required.
Vehicles, Driving, and Transport
When providing removal and transport services, our priority is the safety of drivers, passengers, other road users, and the public. Vehicles will be maintained in a roadworthy condition, inspected regularly, and cleaned to reduce risks from slips, trips, and falls.
Drivers must comply with road traffic laws, follow company driving policies, and ensure loads are properly secured before departure. No vehicle should be overloaded or driven if there is any concern about its safety or the stability of the load.
Storage Areas, Housekeeping, and Access
Our storage premises will be kept in a clean, orderly condition to prevent accidents. Aisles, stairways, loading bays, and access routes must be kept clear of obstructions, spillages, and loose materials. Items will be stored securely and stacked to prevent collapse.
Lighting, signage, and emergency exits will be maintained so that all persons can move safely around the premises. Only authorised personnel may enter restricted areas, plant rooms, or vehicle loading zones.
Equipment, Plant, and Maintenance
All work equipment and plant, including lifting gear and mechanical aids, will be suitable for their intended use, regularly inspected, and maintained in safe condition. Defective equipment must be reported immediately and taken out of service until repaired or replaced.
Employees will receive instruction on the safe use of any machinery or tools they are required to operate. Only trained and authorised personnel may use specialised equipment.
Training, Information, and Supervision
Storage Hackney will provide appropriate health and safety training to all employees, including induction training for new starters and role-specific training for staff engaged in storage and removal activities. Training will cover procedures, emergency arrangements, safe lifting techniques, and the correct use of equipment.
Information on risks and control measures will be communicated clearly. Supervisors are responsible for monitoring work practices, providing guidance, and intervening if unsafe behaviour or conditions are observed.
Welfare, Health, and Wellbeing
We recognise the importance of welfare and wellbeing, particularly for staff undertaking physically demanding tasks such as lifting and moving items and driving for extended periods. Suitable welfare facilities will be provided, including rest areas and access to drinking water.
We will seek to manage workloads and schedules reasonably, taking account of fatigue, stress, and the physical demands of the job. Employees are encouraged to raise concerns about their health or fitness for particular tasks so adjustments can be considered.
Emergency Procedures and First Aid
Emergency procedures will be in place for fire, serious accidents, and other significant incidents. All staff will be informed of evacuation routes, assembly points, and the roles of fire wardens and first aiders.
First aid supplies will be maintained at appropriate locations, including storage facilities and vehicles where necessary. All accidents and near misses must be reported and recorded so that trends can be analysed and improvements made.
Contractors, Visitors, and Customers
We will take reasonable steps to ensure that contractors working on our premises are competent and aware of relevant safety requirements. Visitors and customers will be given any necessary safety information and will be expected to follow site rules and instructions from staff.
Areas where removal or loading operations are taking place will be controlled to protect customers and other visitors from risks associated with moving vehicles and heavy items.
Continuous Improvement and Policy Review
This Health and Safety policy will be reviewed regularly and updated as necessary to reflect changes in our operations, legal requirements, or best practice. Feedback from employees, customers, and other stakeholders will be considered as part of our commitment to continuous improvement.
By working together and following this policy, Storage Hackney aims to provide a safe environment for all and to deliver storage and removal services with safety as a core value.
