Storage Cricklewood Health And Safety Policy
This Health and Safety Policy sets out how Storage Cricklewood manages health, safety and welfare in all storage and removal related activities. Our aim is to prevent injury and ill health, protect property, and promote a safe working environment for employees, contractors, customers and visitors.
Policy Statement
Storage Cricklewood is committed to maintaining high standards of health and safety in all areas of its operations, including storage, handling, packing, loading, transportation and allied removal services. Health and safety considerations are integral to our planning, decision making and daily activities. We will comply with all applicable health and safety legislation and recognised industry best practice.
Scope
This policy applies to all employees of Storage Cricklewood, as well as temporary staff, contractors, agency workers and any other persons who may be affected by our operations, including customers visiting our premises or present at collection and delivery addresses.
Responsibilities
Management Responsibilities
Senior management is responsible for providing effective leadership on health and safety and for ensuring that adequate resources are allocated. Management will:
Identify significant hazards and implement controls to reduce risk as far as reasonably practicable.
Ensure premises, plant, equipment and vehicles are maintained in a safe condition.
Provide employees with appropriate information, instruction, training and supervision.
Monitor health and safety performance and review this policy regularly.
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. Employees must:
Follow all safety procedures, instructions and signage.
Use equipment, tools, vehicles and personal protective equipment correctly.
Report hazards, faults, near misses and incidents to their line manager promptly.
Cooperate with management in implementing this policy and associated procedures.
Contractors And Visitors
Contractors working on our premises must follow our safety requirements and demonstrate that they are competent to carry out their tasks safely. Visitors and customers must comply with reasonable safety instructions, including access controls, restricted area rules and manual handling guidance when moving their own goods.
Risk Assessment And Safe Systems Of Work
We will carry out and maintain suitable and sufficient risk assessments for key activities, including storage operations, loading and unloading vehicles, driving, removals work at customer properties, working at height and use of mechanical handling equipment. These assessments form the basis for safe systems of work which are communicated to all relevant staff.
Risk assessments will be reviewed periodically and after any significant change in equipment, premises, work practices or legal requirements, and following any serious incident or near miss.
Safe Handling, Storage And Removal Operations
Manual handling tasks are common in storage and removal activities. We will minimise risks by using mechanical aids where possible, planning lifts carefully, avoiding unnecessary carrying distances and providing manual handling training. Staff must never attempt lifts beyond their physical capability and should request assistance or equipment when required.
Goods will be stored in a safe, stable and secure manner, ensuring aisles and access routes are kept clear and that loads do not exceed the safe working limits of racking, floors or vehicles. Items that present particular risks, such as heavy, sharp or awkwardly shaped goods, must be handled, packaged and positioned to prevent injury.
Use Of Vehicles And Driving Safety
Company vehicles used for collections and removals must be maintained to a high standard and inspected regularly. Only authorised and competent drivers may operate vehicles. Loads must be distributed and secured properly to prevent movement, damage or instability during transit. Drivers must comply with road traffic law, rest period requirements and company procedures for safe driving and parking at customer locations.
Premises Safety And Housekeeping
Our premises will be kept in a safe and orderly condition. Access routes, fire exits and emergency equipment must remain unobstructed at all times. Floors should be free from slip and trip hazards. Lighting, ventilation and temperature will be maintained at appropriate levels for the nature of the work.
Housekeeping is a shared responsibility. All staff must ensure that packaging materials, tools and waste are cleared appropriately and that storage units, loading bays and circulation areas remain tidy.
Fire Safety And Emergency Procedures
We will maintain suitable fire detection and warning systems, emergency lighting and appropriate fire-fighting equipment. Fire risk assessments will be undertaken and reviewed as necessary. All persons on site must familiarise themselves with fire exit routes, assembly points and emergency instructions.
Regular drills and checks will be carried out to ensure the effectiveness of emergency procedures, including response to fire, accidents, spills and other incidents that may arise in storage and removal activities.
Accident Reporting And Investigation
All accidents, injuries, work-related illnesses, dangerous occurrences and near misses must be reported without delay. Records will be kept in accordance with legal and company requirements. Where necessary, incidents will be investigated to identify underlying causes and to implement measures that will prevent recurrence.
Training, Information And Supervision
We will provide appropriate induction and ongoing training to ensure that employees understand the hazards associated with storage and removal work and the measures needed to control them. Training may include manual handling, safe use of equipment, vehicle safety, fire safety, first aid awareness and other relevant topics.
Supervisors will monitor work practices to ensure that procedures are followed, correct techniques are used and that new or young workers receive adequate guidance and support.
Welfare And Occupational Health
Suitable welfare facilities will be provided, including access to rest areas, drinking water and sanitary conveniences. We will seek to identify and address any work-related health concerns, such as musculoskeletal issues, stress or exposure to harmful substances, and will make reasonable adjustments to support employees where possible.
Continuous Improvement And Policy Review
Storage Cricklewood is committed to continuous improvement in health and safety management. We will set realistic objectives, monitor performance, consult with employees and update procedures to reflect changes in law, technology and working practices. This Health and Safety Policy will be reviewed at least annually and revised as required to remain effective and relevant to our storage and removal operations.
