Storage Upton Park Health and Safety Policy
Storage Upton Park is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for all employees, customers, contractors, and visitors. This policy sets out our approach to managing health and safety risks across our storage and removal operations, including handling, lifting, loading, unloading, and transport of goods.
Policy Statement
Our objective is to prevent accidents, injuries, ill health, and damage to property by identifying hazards, assessing risks, and implementing appropriate control measures. Health and safety are integral to our decision making and day to day activities, and we expect everyone working with or on behalf of Storage Upton Park to cooperate in achieving high standards of safety performance.
We will ensure that our activities are conducted in line with relevant health and safety legislation and recognised good practice for storage and removal services. We will periodically review this policy to keep it up to date and effective.
Responsibilities
Overall responsibility for health and safety rests with the company management, who will provide leadership and resources to implement this policy. Management will ensure that safe systems of work are developed, maintained, and communicated clearly to all affected persons.
Supervisors and team leaders are responsible for day to day implementation. They must ensure that staff follow agreed procedures, use equipment correctly, and report any defects or concerns immediately.
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. This includes cooperating with health and safety instructions, using protective equipment properly, and reporting incidents, near misses, and unsafe conditions without delay.
Contractors working on our premises or on behalf of Storage Upton Park are expected to comply with this policy and any local safety rules. Customers and visitors are required to follow safety signage and instructions provided by staff.
Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work
We will carry out risk assessments for all significant activities, including receiving, storing, moving, loading, unloading, and transporting items, as well as office and administrative tasks. These assessments will identify potential hazards and define control measures to reduce risks to an acceptable level.
Safe systems of work will be developed for tasks such as manual lifting, use of lifting equipment, working in storage areas, vehicle movements, and handling fragile, bulky, or heavy items. These procedures will be documented where appropriate and reviewed regularly, especially following incidents or changes in operations.
Manual Handling and Use of Equipment
Manual handling is a key activity within storage and removal operations, and we recognise the potential for injury if it is not properly controlled. We will minimise manual lifting wherever reasonably practicable by using trolleys, sack trucks, dollies, and other mechanical aids.
Employees engaged in lifting and moving goods will receive suitable manual handling training, including correct lifting techniques, team lifting, use of equipment, and recognising when a load is too heavy or awkward to be moved safely.
All equipment, including lifting aids, racking, and vehicles used for removals, will be inspected and maintained to ensure it remains safe and suitable for use. Defective or damaged equipment must not be used and will be taken out of service until repaired or replaced.
Storage Safety and Housekeeping
Safe storage practices are essential to prevent falls, collisions, and damage. Items will be stored in a stable manner, with heavier items placed on lower levels where possible and lighter items stored higher. Aisles, walkways, and fire exits must be kept clear at all times.
Good housekeeping standards will be maintained in all areas. Spills, waste, and obstructions will be dealt with promptly. Staff are required to return equipment to designated storage points and not to leave items in positions where they could present a tripping or collision hazard.
Vehicle Movements and Transport
Vehicles used for removals and transport will be operated by competent and authorised drivers. Loads will be secured to prevent movement during transit and to protect both personnel and customers’ property. Care will be taken when parking, loading, and unloading to protect pedestrians and other road users.
Designated loading and unloading areas will be used wherever possible. Reversing movements will be minimised, and where necessary, a banksman or guide may be used to assist and reduce the risk of collision.
Fire Safety and Emergency Procedures
Storage Upton Park will maintain appropriate fire safety arrangements, including fire detection and alarm systems where required, clearly signed escape routes, and suitable firefighting equipment. Routes to exits and assembly points will be kept clear at all times.
Emergency procedures will be displayed and communicated to staff and, where relevant, to customers and contractors. Staff will be trained in how to respond to alarms, how to evacuate safely, and how to assist visitors in an emergency. Periodic drills or reviews will take place to ensure awareness and readiness.
Training, Information, and Supervision
All employees will receive an induction that includes relevant health and safety information, emergency procedures, and safe working expectations. Additional role specific training will be provided for tasks involving higher risk, such as manual handling, use of equipment, or driving duties.
Ongoing refresher training will be arranged as needed, and information on safe practices will be communicated through briefings, signage, and written instructions. Adequate supervision will be provided to ensure that procedures are followed and that new or inexperienced staff are supported.
Accident Reporting and Investigation
All accidents, incidents, near misses, and cases of work related ill health must be reported promptly to management. Details will be recorded and investigated to identify root causes and establish corrective actions to prevent recurrence.
We will review incident data to identify patterns or trends and use this information to improve our procedures, training, and equipment. Employees are encouraged to report hazards and safety concerns so that they can be addressed before an incident occurs.
Consultation and Continuous Improvement
Storage Upton Park recognises that effective health and safety management depends on the involvement of everyone in the business. We will consult with employees on matters affecting their health and safety and encourage feedback on ways to improve working conditions and practices.
This policy and associated procedures will be reviewed regularly and updated when necessary, taking into account changes in operations, technology, legislation, and industry practice. Our aim is to continually improve our health and safety performance in all areas of storage and removals.
