Storage West Hendon Health and Safety Policy
This Health and Safety Policy sets out the principles and procedures that Storage West Hendon follows to protect employees, contractors, visitors and customers using our storage and removal related services. Our aim is to provide a safe, clean and well managed environment where people, property and goods are protected as far as reasonably practicable.
Policy Statement
Storage West Hendon is committed to maintaining high standards of health and safety in all activities, including storage operations, handling of goods, and associated removal and transport support. We will identify and manage risks, provide appropriate information and training, and encourage a positive safety culture in which everyone takes responsibility for their own safety and that of others.
Management will ensure that suitable resources are allocated to implement this policy and that health and safety considerations form an integral part of business planning and operational decision making.
Legal Duties and Responsibilities
Storage West Hendon will comply with all applicable health and safety legislation and accepted industry standards. We recognise our duty to provide and maintain safe premises, equipment and systems of work and to ensure that activities related to storage and moving of goods are conducted safely.
Employees, contractors, customers and visitors also have responsibilities. They must follow site rules, use equipment correctly, report hazards or incidents, and avoid any behaviour that could compromise safety, particularly in areas where vehicles, trolleys or handling equipment are in use.
Management of Risk
We undertake regular risk assessments covering all significant activities within our facilities, including loading and unloading, manual handling of items, use of lifting equipment and operation of vehicles within our service areas. Where risks are identified, we will introduce control measures or revise our procedures to reduce risks to an acceptable level.
Risk assessments will be reviewed periodically and following any significant changes in operations, layout, equipment, or where incident investigations identify new hazards. Findings are communicated to staff and, where relevant, to contractors working on site.
Safe Premises and Equipment
Storage West Hendon will maintain its buildings, storage units, access routes and service yards in a condition that minimises hazards. This includes good housekeeping to prevent trip and slip risks, clear signage, adequate lighting, and safe access for removal vehicles and customers transporting goods.
All equipment provided for use on site, such as trolleys, sack trucks and handling aids, will be maintained in a safe condition. Defective equipment will be taken out of use and clearly marked until repaired or replaced. Fixed installations such as fire alarms and emergency lighting will be inspected and serviced at suitable intervals by competent persons.
Manual Handling and Moving Goods
Storage and removal related operations often involve lifting and moving a wide range of items. To reduce the risk of injury, we promote safe manual handling techniques, encourage the use of handling equipment and provide guidance to staff on planning lifts, assessing loads and working as a team where necessary.
Customers and visitors are encouraged to pack items securely, avoid overloading boxes and make use of trolleys and other aids where available. Staff will offer advice on safer methods of loading, unloading and stacking within storage units but are not required to lift items that present a foreseeable risk of injury.
Vehicles and Traffic Management
To protect people on site, Storage West Hendon operates traffic management arrangements in areas used by removal vehicles and customer vehicles. This may include designated loading zones, directional signage, speed limitations and restricted access points.
Drivers are expected to follow site rules, park only in authorised areas and remain aware of pedestrians at all times. Reversing should be minimised where possible, and assistance sought when manoeuvring large removal vehicles in confined spaces.
Fire Safety and Emergency Procedures
We maintain appropriate fire safety measures including fire detection systems, alarm points, firefighting equipment and clearly marked escape routes. Fire exits must remain unobstructed at all times, including during loading and unloading activities.
Emergency procedures, including evacuation arrangements, are explained to employees and made available on site for customers and visitors. Staff are trained to raise the alarm, direct people to safe exits and liaise with emergency services when required. Fire drills and checks are carried out at suitable intervals to ensure arrangements remain effective.
Training, Information and Supervision
Storage West Hendon provides employees with health and safety induction and role specific training, particularly where duties involve handling goods, working around vehicles or supporting removal activities. Training is refreshed when procedures change or when new risks are identified.
Clear information on site rules, safety signage and instructions for equipment is provided so that customers and contractors can use the facilities safely. Supervisors monitor working practices and intervene where unsafe behaviour or conditions are observed.
Occupational Health and Welfare
We take reasonable steps to protect the health and wellbeing of employees and others who may be affected by our activities. This includes considering the physical demands of lifting and moving items, promoting safe working limits and providing opportunities to report concerns about strain, fatigue or other health issues arising from work.
Suitable welfare facilities, including access to toilets, drinking water and rest areas, are provided for staff and, where practicable, for visitors using storage and removal related services.
Incident Reporting and Investigation
All accidents, near misses, unsafe conditions and security breaches must be reported as soon as possible to a responsible member of staff. Storage West Hendon will investigate incidents to identify root causes and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence.
Records of incidents and remedial actions are maintained and reviewed periodically to monitor performance and identify trends that may require additional controls or changes to procedures.
Consultation and Continuous Improvement
Storage West Hendon encourages employees to raise health and safety concerns, suggest improvements and participate in reviews of procedures, particularly those relating to storage operations and removal support services. Where appropriate, we will consult with staff representatives on changes that may affect health and safety.
This policy and associated procedures will be reviewed regularly and updated as necessary to reflect changes in law, guidance, operations or the results of incident investigations and risk assessments. The latest version will be made available on request to staff, customers and contractors.
Everyone using Storage West Hendon facilities is expected to cooperate with this policy, follow all reasonable instructions and take care to protect themselves and others while on site.
