Storage Downe Health and Safety Policy
Storage Downe is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for employees, contractors, visitors and customers. This Health and Safety Policy sets out our approach to managing risks in our storage facilities and during any associated removal and transportation activities. Health and safety is an integral part of the way we operate and is essential to delivering reliable and professional services.
Policy Aims and Objectives
The aims of this policy are to prevent injury and ill health, protect property and equipment, and promote a culture where safety is part of everyday behaviour. We seek to achieve continual improvement in health and safety performance by identifying hazards, assessing risks and implementing proportionate control measures in all storage, handling, lifting and removals-related operations.
Management Responsibilities
Senior management at Storage Downe has overall responsibility for health and safety. This includes ensuring that suitable resources are available, that there is clear leadership on safety issues, and that appropriate systems are in place to monitor performance. Management will review this policy regularly to confirm that it remains effective, relevant and compliant with current legal requirements.
Managers and supervisors are responsible for implementing this policy day to day. They must make sure that risk assessments are carried out, safe systems of work are in place, staff are properly trained and supervised, and that any accidents, incidents or near misses are investigated and recorded to prevent recurrence.
Employee Responsibilities
Every employee has a duty to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions or omissions. Employees must cooperate with Storage Downe in complying with this policy and any health and safety procedures that apply to their work.
All staff are expected to use equipment correctly, follow manual handling guidelines, wear any required personal protective equipment, report hazards or defects promptly, and notify management of any accidents or near misses. No employee is expected to work in unsafe conditions and has the right to stop work and seek guidance if they believe there is a serious risk.
Risk Assessment and Hazard Control
Storage Downe undertakes formal risk assessments for key tasks, including loading and unloading, lifting and carrying, stacking goods, operating mechanical aids, driving and vehicle movements, and general activities within storage units and yards. Identified risks are controlled using a combination of physical measures, safe working procedures and staff training.
Hazards which may be associated with storage and removals work, such as slips and trips, falling objects, vehicle collisions, manual handling injuries and use of equipment, are addressed through regular inspections and maintenance, appropriate layout of storage areas, clear signage and housekeeping standards.
Safe Working Practices
Storage Downe develops and maintains safe systems of work for all significant activities. This includes procedures for accepting, moving and storing items, operating lifting equipment and vehicles, and working in confined or restricted spaces within storage facilities.
Staff must follow all instructions for safe loading of vehicles, safe stacking of goods, secure storage of customer property and careful use of trolleys, sack trucks and any other handling aids. Only authorised and competent personnel may operate specialist or powered equipment. Where customer items are loaded or unloaded at properties or business premises, similar standards of care and control will be applied.
Manual Handling and Use of Equipment
Manual handling is a core element of storage and removals activities. Storage Downe seeks to minimise manual lifting wherever reasonably practicable by using mechanical aids, planning routes and loads, and ensuring that items are of a manageable size and weight.
Employees receive guidance on correct lifting techniques, team lifting, assessing the weight and stability of items, and recognising when mechanical assistance or additional personnel are required. All equipment provided for lifting, securing or moving goods is maintained, inspected and used in accordance with manufacturer instructions and relevant regulations.
Vehicles, Driving and Site Traffic
Where vehicles are used for collection, delivery or removal services, Storage Downe will ensure that they are maintained in a safe and roadworthy condition. Drivers must hold the appropriate licence, follow all road traffic laws and adhere to company rules on safe loading, securing of goods and route planning.
Traffic movements on or around storage premises are managed to reduce the risk of collisions with pedestrians, other vehicles or property. This may include designated walkways, speed limits, reversing controls, and careful supervision of loading and unloading operations.
Training, Information and Supervision
Storage Downe provides employees with information, instruction, training and supervision relevant to their roles and the risks they may encounter. Induction training covers general health and safety responsibilities, emergency procedures and safe behaviour on site. Task-specific training is given for manual handling, equipment use and any specialised activities.
Training needs are reviewed periodically and when work processes or equipment change. Refresher training is provided as necessary to help maintain safe standards of operation in storage and removals work.
Emergency Preparedness
Procedures are in place to respond to emergencies such as fire, serious accidents, spills, structural damage or security incidents. Storage Downe will ensure that all staff are familiar with emergency routes, assembly points and the process for raising the alarm.
Fire safety arrangements include suitable detection and alarm systems where required, clear exit routes, and regular testing and maintenance of relevant equipment. Emergency procedures are reviewed and, where appropriate, practised through drills.
Consultation and Continuous Improvement
Storage Downe encourages open communication on health and safety matters. Employees are invited to raise concerns, suggest improvements and participate in discussions about working practices. Lessons from incidents, audits and inspections are used to improve existing procedures and to update risk assessments.
This Health and Safety Policy will be reviewed on a regular basis and updated as necessary to reflect changes in legislation, industry standards or company operations. All staff are required to familiarise themselves with the current version and to support its implementation in all storage and removal activities.
