Storage Deptford Health and Safety Policy
Storage Deptford is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for all employees, contractors, customers and visitors. This policy sets out our approach to managing health and safety across our storage facilities and removal operations, including handling, transporting and storing customers possessions.
We aim to prevent accidents, work-related ill health and damage to property by identifying hazards, assessing risks and implementing effective controls. Health and safety is an integral part of our daily activities and decision making, not an add-on or a separate task.
Our Health and Safety Commitments
Storage Deptford will, so far as is reasonably practicable:
Provide and maintain safe premises, vehicles, equipment and systems of work for all storage and removal services.
Ensure that all employees receive appropriate information, instruction, training and supervision to work safely and competently.
Identify significant hazards and carry out risk assessments for key activities, including lifting and carrying, vehicle movements, loading and unloading, storage of goods, use of equipment and working in customers homes or businesses.
Implement control measures to reduce risks to an acceptable level and review those measures regularly.
Consult with employees on health and safety matters and encourage active participation in improving safety performance.
Provide suitable welfare facilities and support for physical and mental wellbeing.
Monitor and review health and safety performance, including accidents, incidents and near misses, and take action to prevent recurrence.
Comply with all relevant health and safety legislation, standards and industry best practice.
Management Responsibilities
The management of Storage Deptford has overall responsibility for implementing this policy and ensuring that health and safety standards are maintained. Managers and supervisors will:
Lead by example, demonstrating safe behaviour at all times.
Ensure that risk assessments are undertaken and kept up to date for storage operations, packing and removal services.
Provide employees with the necessary training, instructions and equipment to perform their duties safely.
Ensure that lifting and handling tasks are planned, that suitable mechanical aids are available where appropriate and that team lifting is used for heavy or bulky items.
Make sure that vehicles are maintained in a safe condition and that loading and unloading operations are carried out safely, including securing loads and managing reversing and parking.
Investigate accidents, incidents and near misses to identify root causes and implement corrective actions.
Regularly review this policy and associated procedures, adapting them as operations develop.
Employee Responsibilities
All employees share responsibility for their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions or omissions. Every employee is expected to:
Take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of colleagues, customers, contractors and visitors.
Follow all safety instructions, procedures and training provided by Storage Deptford.
Use equipment, vehicles and protective gear correctly and not misuse or interfere with anything provided for health and safety purposes.
Report hazards, unsafe conditions, near misses and incidents immediately to a supervisor or manager.
Cooperate fully with any accident investigations, safety audits and training requirements.
Raise concerns about health, safety or welfare without fear of reprisal.
Safe Working Practices for Storage and Removal Operations
To reduce the risk of injury during storage and removal activities, Storage Deptford promotes the following safe working practices:
Manual handling tasks are to be assessed and planned, using smaller loads, correct lifting techniques and mechanical aids where possible.
Bulky or heavy items should be moved by more than one person wherever necessary, using clear communication and agreed signals.
Walkways, loading areas and storage aisles must be kept clear of obstructions, spillages and trip hazards.
Goods must be stacked in a stable manner, taking into account weight, size and the condition of packaging, and never stacked so high as to create a risk of collapse.
Vehicles must be loaded to prevent movement of goods during transit, using appropriate securing methods.
Reversing and manoeuvring must be controlled carefully, using a banksman or guide where visibility is restricted.
Personal protective equipment such as safety footwear and gloves must be worn where specified.
Welfare, Training and Competence
Storage Deptford recognises that well-trained and supported staff are essential for a safe operation. We will:
Provide induction training for all new starters, covering general health and safety rules, emergency procedures and specific risks related to their role.
Deliver ongoing training on topics such as manual handling, safe driving, use of equipment and customer site safety.
Ensure that only trained and authorised employees operate any specialist equipment or vehicles.
Review training needs regularly, particularly following an incident, the introduction of new equipment or changes in working practices.
Provide appropriate welfare facilities and encourage open communication about health and wellbeing.
Emergency Procedures and First Aid
Storage Deptford maintains arrangements for responding to emergencies, including fire, accidents and incidents involving vehicles or stored goods. We will:
Provide clear instructions on what to do in an emergency and ensure that evacuation routes and exits are kept unobstructed.
Display emergency signage where appropriate.
Ensure suitable first aid provision is available during working hours.
Record and review all accidents and significant incidents and take steps to prevent recurrence.
Policy Review
This Health and Safety policy will be reviewed regularly and updated when necessary, including when there are significant changes to our operations, facilities or services. Employees will be informed of any material changes and are encouraged to contribute suggestions for improvements.
Storage Deptford expects everyone associated with the business to support and uphold the standards set out in this policy so that together we can maintain a safe, healthy and efficient working environment for all storage and removal activities.
