Storage Purley Health and Safety Policy
Storage Purley is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for our employees, customers, contractors, visitors, and members of the public who may be affected by our storage and removal activities. This policy sets out our approach to managing health and safety risks across our premises, vehicles, and handling operations.
Our aim is to prevent injury and ill health, protect property, and maintain safe working conditions at all times. Health and safety is an integral part of how we manage and deliver our storage and removals services.
Policy Objectives
We will identify, assess, and control risks arising from our activities, including storage operations, removals, loading and unloading, and vehicle movements. We will provide and maintain safe premises, equipment, and systems of work, including appropriate storage facilities, lifting aids, and vehicles.
We will ensure all employees receive information, instruction, and training appropriate to their role, and are competent to carry out their duties safely. We will consult with employees on health and safety matters and encourage active participation in improving safety standards.
We will comply with all relevant health and safety legislation and recognised industry guidance, and seek continual improvement in our performance through regular review and monitoring.
Responsibilities
Overall responsibility for health and safety rests with senior management, who will ensure that this policy is implemented, maintained, and reviewed regularly. Management will provide adequate resources to meet our health and safety commitments and will lead by example in promoting a positive safety culture.
Supervisors are responsible for day-to-day implementation of safe systems of work, ensuring that staff follow procedures, use equipment correctly, and report hazards, incidents, and near misses. They must ensure that new staff and contractors receive appropriate induction and supervision.
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 cooperate with Storage Purley in fulfilling legal and policy requirements, use equipment safely, follow training and instructions, and immediately report unsafe conditions or practices.
Safe Premises and Storage Operations
We will maintain our storage facilities in a clean, tidy, and safe condition. Aisles, stairways, access routes, and fire exits will be kept clear of obstructions at all times. Lighting, ventilation, and temperature will be managed so as not to create health or safety risks.
Storage units and shelving systems will be used within their designed capacities, and we will take steps to prevent overloading, unsafe stacking, and falling items. Where customers access units, information and guidance will be provided to help them store items safely and avoid blocking escape routes.
Any hazardous substances accepted for storage will be handled and stored safely in line with relevant regulations and our internal procedures. Items that present unacceptable risk may be refused.
Manual Handling and Use of Equipment
Manual handling is a significant part of storage and removal work. Storage Purley will reduce manual handling risks by careful planning, use of mechanical aids where practicable, and clear procedures for lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling loads.
All staff involved in removals, loading, unloading, and handling goods will receive manual handling training. They must assess each task, use correct techniques, and seek assistance or mechanical aids when loads are too heavy, bulky, unstable, or awkward.
Lifting and handling equipment, such as trolleys, sack trucks, dollies, and ramps, will be maintained, inspected, and used only for their intended purpose. Defective equipment must be removed from service and reported promptly.
Vehicles, Driving, and On-Road Safety
We operate vehicles as part of our removals and transport services. Vehicles will be maintained in safe working order through regular inspections and servicing. Drivers must carry out basic pre-use checks and report any defects immediately.
Loads will be planned and secured to prevent movement, damage, or spillage during transit. Drivers and porters must follow safe loading and unloading procedures, and use appropriate parking and positioning to reduce risks to themselves, customers, and the public.
Drivers must comply with road traffic laws and company rules on safe driving, including speed limits, rest breaks, and the prohibition of driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or any substance that may impair driving ability.
Fire Safety and Emergency Procedures
We will identify fire risks within our storage and removal activities and put appropriate control measures in place. Fire detection and emergency equipment will be provided where required and inspected regularly.
Emergency exits and escape routes will be clearly marked, well lit, and kept unobstructed. Staff will be trained in fire safety and emergency procedures, including evacuation arrangements and the use of fire extinguishers where appropriate.
Fire drills and emergency procedure reviews will be carried out periodically to ensure that staff understand their roles in an emergency and that procedures remain effective.
Training, Information, and Supervision
All employees will receive an induction that includes health and safety information specific to our storage facilities and removal operations. Role-specific training will be provided for tasks such as driving, use of handling equipment, working at height, and handling unusual or fragile items.
Training will be refreshed periodically and whenever there is a significant change in equipment, processes, or legal requirements. Records of training and qualifications will be maintained and reviewed.
Supervision will be proportionate to the level of risk and the experience of the employee. New and young workers will receive additional guidance and monitoring until they are deemed competent to work with greater independence.
Accident Reporting and Investigation
All accidents, incidents, near misses, and hazardous conditions must be reported as soon as possible. We will maintain accident records and review them to identify trends, underlying causes, and opportunities for improvement.
Where necessary, incidents will be investigated to determine root causes and corrective actions. Lessons learned will be communicated to staff and, where appropriate, procedures and training will be updated to prevent recurrence.
Monitoring, Review, and Continuous Improvement
Storage Purley will regularly monitor health and safety performance through inspections, audits, and feedback from staff and customers. Risk assessments will be reviewed periodically and when changes occur in our operations or facilities.
This policy will be reviewed at least annually, and whenever there are significant changes in our activities or relevant legislation. Updated versions will be communicated to all employees and made available to customers and contractors on request.
By working together and following this policy, we aim to ensure that Storage Purley provides safe, reliable, and responsible storage and removal services for all.
