Storage Upper Clapton Health and Safety Policy
Storage Upper Clapton is committed to maintaining a safe and healthy environment for employees, customers, contractors and visitors. This Health and Safety Policy sets out our approach to managing risks associated with storage, handling, moving and transporting goods, including activities related to removals and deliveries to and from our premises.
Policy Statement
We aim to prevent accidents, injuries and ill health arising from our operations. Health and safety considerations are integrated into the planning and delivery of all services, including storage, loading, unloading and handling of items for domestic and commercial customers.
Management will provide the resources, information, instruction, training and supervision necessary to ensure that work is carried out safely and that health risks are controlled as far as reasonably practicable.
Roles and Responsibilities
Overall responsibility for health and safety rests with the company management. They are responsible for implementing this policy, reviewing performance and ensuring that legal and regulatory duties are met.
Supervisors and team leaders are responsible for day-to-day safety on site, including monitoring working practices, ensuring that risk controls are followed, and acting promptly where hazards or unsafe behaviour are identified.
Employees are required to take reasonable care for their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions or omissions. They must follow all safety instructions and training provided, use equipment correctly, report hazards, accidents and near misses, and cooperate fully with any investigation or improvement action.
Contractors, including removal partners and transport providers, must comply with this policy and with all site-specific rules while on our premises. They must ensure their own employees are competent and provided with suitable equipment for the tasks undertaken.
Customers and visitors are expected to act responsibly on site, follow any instructions given by staff, and stay within designated areas. They should not enter operational zones or attempt to use handling equipment unless expressly authorised and trained.
Risk Assessment and Hazard Control
We carry out regular risk assessments covering storage areas, access routes, loading bays, vehicle movements, manual handling, use of equipment and emergency arrangements. These assessments identify hazards, evaluate risks and determine appropriate control measures.
Control measures may include physical safeguards, safe systems of work, clear signage, traffic management plans for vehicles associated with removals, and restrictions on access to certain areas. Risk assessments are reviewed periodically and when there are significant changes to the workplace, equipment, processes or service offerings.
Safe Use of Storage Areas
Storage units, corridors and loading zones are designed and managed to minimise the risk of trips, slips, falls and collisions. Walkways must be kept clear and floors maintained in a clean, even and dry condition as far as reasonably practicable.
Items stored by customers must be packed and stacked securely to avoid collapse or falling objects. Heavy, bulky or awkward items should be stored at lower heights where possible. Hazardous, illegal, perishable or explosive items are not permitted in storage units. Staff may provide guidance on safe packing and stacking but the ultimate responsibility for the contents of individual units rests with the customer.
Manual Handling and Lifting
Many activities within storage and removals involve lifting, carrying and moving items. To reduce the risk of musculoskeletal injury, employees receive training in safe manual handling techniques, including assessing loads, using correct posture and working in teams for large or heavy items.
Where appropriate, mechanical aids such as sack trucks, dollies, trolleys and pallet equipment are provided. Staff and contractors must use these aids correctly and not exceed their rated capacities. Customers are encouraged to seek assistance from trained staff or professional removal personnel for heavy or awkward items rather than attempting to move them alone.
Vehicle Movements and Loading
Vehicle movements in and around the premises are controlled to reduce the risk of accidents. Designated loading and unloading areas are provided for vans and removal vehicles, and speed limits and traffic flow arrangements are in place where appropriate.
Drivers, including those from removal companies, must follow all site rules, park only in marked areas, and ensure that engines are switched off during loading and unloading where practical. Loads must be secured correctly within vehicles to prevent movement during transit, and access to vehicles must be kept clear at all times.
Equipment, Maintenance and Housekeeping
All equipment supplied by Storage Upper Clapton for handling or accessing storage units is selected, inspected and maintained to ensure it remains safe and suitable for use. Defective or damaged equipment must be reported immediately and taken out of service until repaired or replaced.
Good housekeeping standards are essential for safety. Aisles, stairs, entrances, fire exits and emergency routes must remain free from obstruction. Waste materials, packaging and discarded items should be disposed of promptly in appropriate containers.
Training, Information and Supervision
Employees receive induction training that covers key aspects of health and safety, including emergency procedures, manual handling, safe use of equipment, and incident reporting. Refresher training and additional instruction are provided when new risks are identified or new equipment or procedures are introduced.
Information for customers and contractors about safe behaviour on site is provided through signage, written guidance and verbal briefings where relevant, for example during removals booking or at the point of arrival.
Emergency Preparedness
We maintain procedures for dealing with fire, accidents, spillages and other emergencies. Fire detection and alarm systems, extinguishers, emergency lighting and escape routes are provided and maintained where required. Staff are trained to respond to alarms, assist in evacuation and coordinate with emergency services.
Customers and visitors must familiarise themselves with emergency routes and follow staff instructions immediately in the event of an alarm or incident. Fire exits and access points for emergency services must never be blocked by vehicles, stored items or waste.
Health, Welfare and First Aid
Suitable welfare facilities are provided for employees, including toilets, washing facilities and rest areas where required. First aid arrangements are in place, including appropriately stocked first aid supplies and trained first aiders or appointed persons, depending on the size and nature of the site.
All injuries, incidents and near misses, no matter how minor they may seem, must be reported promptly so that appropriate treatment, recording and investigation can take place.
Accident Reporting and Investigation
Accidents, dangerous occurrences and near misses are recorded and investigated to identify root causes and implement corrective actions. Where necessary, incidents are reported to the relevant authorities in line with legal requirements.
Findings from investigations are used to improve risk assessments, working practices and training. Employees are encouraged to contribute suggestions for improving safety and to raise concerns without fear of reprisal.
Policy Review and Continuous Improvement
This Health and Safety Policy is reviewed regularly and updated as necessary to reflect changes in operations, legislation, guidance and best practice in the storage and removals sector. Any substantial changes are communicated to employees and, where relevant, to customers and contractors.
By working together, following safe systems of work and maintaining a culture of responsibility and awareness, Storage Upper Clapton aims to provide a secure and healthy environment for all who use or work within our facilities.
