Storage Golders Green Health and Safety Policy
Storage Golders Green is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for employees, contractors, customers and visitors. This Health and Safety Policy explains our approach to managing risks in our storage facilities and during any related moving and removal activities, so that people, goods and property are protected as far as is reasonably practicable.
Policy Statement and Objectives
Our objective is to prevent accidents, injuries and work-related ill health by identifying hazards, assessing risks and applying sensible controls. Health and safety considerations are integral to how we operate our storage and removal services, from handling customers possessions to maintaining buildings, equipment and vehicles.
Management will provide appropriate resources, training and supervision so that health and safety responsibilities can be met. All staff, including anyone assisting with removals, are expected to take reasonable care of their own safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions.
Management Responsibilities
Senior management at Storage Golders Green is responsible for implementing this policy and ensuring that it is reviewed regularly. This includes setting clear safety standards, monitoring performance and encouraging a positive safety culture across the business.
Managers and supervisors must ensure that risk assessments are carried out for storage operations, manual handling, vehicle movements and any removal or transportation activities associated with our services. They must check that control measures are in place, understood and followed by all relevant staff and contractors.
Employee Responsibilities
Every employee has a duty to work safely, follow instructions and cooperate with Storage Golders Green on all health and safety matters. Staff must use any safety equipment properly, report hazards or near misses, and not misuse anything that is provided for their protection.
Employees involved in removals or handling customers goods must follow agreed procedures for lifting, loading, securing and unloading property, and must not undertake work for which they have not been trained or which they believe to be unsafe.
Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work
Storage Golders Green will carry out and maintain risk assessments for activities within our storage facilities and for associated removal and transport tasks. These assessments will consider factors such as manual handling, slips and trips, working at height, vehicle movements, use of trolleys and equipment, and interaction with customers and visitors.
From these assessments, we will develop safe systems of work, method statements and operating procedures that set out how tasks must be completed safely. These will be communicated to staff and, where relevant, to contractors who work on our premises or as part of our service delivery.
Manual Handling and Use of Equipment
Much of our work involves the movement and storage of items of varying size and weight. Manual handling is a key risk in the storage and removal sector, so Storage Golders Green will provide training in safe lifting techniques, use of handling aids and assessment of load weight and stability.
Mechanical aids and equipment, such as sack trucks, pallet trucks, trolleys, ramps and lifting devices, will be maintained in good condition and used in line with instructions. Staff must never exceed safe load limits or use equipment they are not competent to operate.
Vehicles, Loading and Transport
Where vehicles are used in connection with our storage and removal services, Storage Golders Green will ensure that they are maintained, inspected and suitable for their intended purpose. Loading areas will be controlled to minimise risks from reversing, congestion, or interaction between pedestrians and vehicles.
Items being transported must be loaded and secured safely to prevent movement, damage or injury. Drivers and handlers must follow agreed routes, parking rules and traffic safety procedures when operating on or near our sites.
Safe Storage Environment
We are committed to maintaining clean, tidy and well-organised storage areas. Access routes, stairs and corridors must be kept clear of obstructions to reduce the risk of slips, trips and falls. Lighting will be adequate to allow safe movement and handling throughout our premises.
Where items are stacked or stored at height, we will ensure that shelving, racking and platforms are suitable, stable and appropriately loaded. Only authorised and trained personnel may use ladders, steps or equipment to access higher levels.
Fire Safety and Emergency Procedures
Storage Golders Green will put in place fire safety arrangements appropriate to our buildings and operations. This includes clear evacuation routes, suitable fire detection and warning systems, and appropriate fire-fighting equipment.
Employees will be informed of fire evacuation procedures, assembly points and their responsibilities in an emergency. Drills and checks will be carried out at reasonable intervals so that people know how to respond quickly and calmly if an incident occurs.
Health, Welfare and First Aid
We aim to provide a working environment that supports the health and welfare of all who use our facilities. Where required, welfare facilities such as toilets, washing areas and rest areas will be kept clean and in good order.
First aid arrangements will be suitable for the scale of our operations. Designated persons will be trained in first aid procedures, and basic first aid supplies will be available and maintained. All accidents, however minor, should be reported and recorded so that we can identify trends and take preventive action.
Training, Information and Supervision
Storage Golders Green will ensure that staff receive appropriate induction and ongoing training on health and safety matters relevant to their roles, including any tasks connected to removals and handling. This includes training in manual handling, use of equipment, emergency procedures and any specialised tasks.
Information on hazards, safe practices and risk controls will be communicated clearly. Levels of supervision will be matched to the experience and competence of employees, especially when they are new to a role or task.
Contractors, Customers and Visitors
Contractors working on our premises or assisting with removal services must comply with this policy and any site-specific safety rules. We will share relevant safety information with them and expect them to manage the risks arising from their own activities.
Customers and visitors will be given any necessary safety guidance when accessing storage areas, loading bays or reception spaces. Staff should monitor shared areas and intervene if unsafe behaviour or conditions are observed.
Monitoring, Review and Continuous Improvement
Storage Golders Green will monitor its health and safety performance through inspections, audits, incident reports and feedback from staff and customers. Where shortcomings are identified, corrective actions will be taken promptly.
This Health and Safety Policy will be reviewed periodically and when there are significant changes to our operations, premises or legal requirements. Our aim is to continually improve safety standards so that all aspects of our storage and removal services are provided in a responsible and safe manner.
