Storage Morden Health and Safety Policy
Storage Morden is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for all employees, customers, contractors and visitors. This Health and Safety Policy sets out our approach to managing risks in our storage facilities and during removal and related services, and reflects our commitment to continual improvement in health and safety performance.
Policy Aims and Objectives
The aim of this policy is to prevent injury and ill health arising from our work activities. Our objectives are to identify and manage hazards, reduce risks to a practicable level and promote a positive health and safety culture across all areas of our storage and removal operations.
We will ensure that health and safety is integrated into the planning and delivery of all services, including handling, transporting, loading and unloading of goods, storage, office-based work and customer interactions on and off site.
Management Responsibilities
Senior management at Storage Morden has overall responsibility for health and safety. Management will provide leadership, allocate appropriate resources and ensure this policy is implemented, communicated and reviewed regularly.
Management will ensure that:
Suitable and sufficient risk assessments are carried out for all key activities, including manual handling, vehicle movements, use of equipment, working at height, storage of goods and housekeeping within the premises.
Safe systems of work and clear procedures are developed, maintained and followed by all staff.
Employees receive appropriate information, instruction, training and supervision to work safely and competently.
Accidents, incidents and near misses are recorded, investigated and used as opportunities for learning and improvement.
Health and safety performance is monitored and this policy is reviewed regularly or when significant changes occur in our operations.
Employee Responsibilities
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. Employees must:
Follow all health and safety policies, procedures and instructions provided by Storage Morden.
Use equipment, tools, vehicles and personal protective equipment correctly and report defects immediately.
Cooperate with management in implementing health and safety measures and attend required training sessions.
Report hazards, unsafe conditions, accidents, incidents and near misses without delay so that appropriate action can be taken.
Refrain from engaging in behaviour that could endanger themselves or others, including horseplay, misuse of equipment or ignoring safety instructions.
Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices
Storage Morden carries out risk assessments covering activities in storage units, loading bays, offices and during removal work at customer locations. These assessments identify significant hazards and the control measures required to minimise risk.
Control measures may include the use of mechanical aids, safe lifting techniques, segregation of vehicle and pedestrian routes, use of protective equipment, capacity limits for storage units and clear rules for stacking and storing items.
Safe working procedures will be documented where appropriate and communicated to all relevant employees. Procedures will be reviewed and updated when work practices, equipment or legislation change.
Manual Handling and Loading Operations
Manual handling and the movement of goods are central to our storage and removal services. To reduce the risk of injury, Storage Morden will:
Provide training on correct lifting and handling techniques to all relevant staff.
Encourage the use of trolleys, dollies and other handling equipment to minimise manual lifting where practicable.
Ensure loads are assessed for weight, stability and ease of handling before moving.
Require staff to seek assistance with heavy, awkward or bulky items and avoid unsafe lifting practices.
Implement safe loading and unloading procedures for vehicles, ensuring that loads are secure and evenly distributed.
Vehicles and Traffic Management
Where vehicles are used for removal, collection or delivery services, Storage Morden will ensure that only trained and authorised personnel operate them. Vehicles will be maintained in a roadworthy condition and subject to regular checks.
Traffic routes in and around storage areas will be planned to reduce the risk of collisions and protect pedestrians. Staff and visitors must follow designated routes, speed limits and parking instructions at all times.
Workplace Environment and Housekeeping
Storage Morden will maintain clean, orderly and well-organised premises. Good housekeeping is essential to prevent slips, trips, falls and other incidents. This includes keeping walkways clear, promptly cleaning up spillages, managing waste correctly and ensuring exits and emergency routes are always accessible.
Lighting, ventilation and temperature will be maintained at appropriate levels for the work being carried out. Any concerns about the workplace environment must be reported so that corrective action can be taken.
Equipment, Maintenance and Personal Protective Equipment
All work equipment, including lifting devices, trolleys and tools, will be suitable for the tasks performed and maintained in good working order. Regular inspections will be carried out and defects rectified promptly. Unsafe equipment will be taken out of use until repaired or replaced.
Where risks cannot be adequately controlled by other means, appropriate personal protective equipment will be provided, such as gloves or safety footwear. Employees must use and look after this equipment as instructed and report any loss or damage immediately.
Fire Safety and Emergency Procedures
Storage Morden will maintain effective fire safety arrangements, including fire detection and alarm systems, fire-fighting equipment and clearly marked emergency exits. Staff will receive instruction on fire safety arrangements and emergency evacuation procedures.
Emergency procedures will cover fire, accidents, medical emergencies and other foreseeable incidents. Drills may be carried out periodically to ensure that staff understand and can follow these procedures.
Health, Welfare and Training
We recognise the importance of supporting the health and welfare of employees. Adequate welfare facilities will be provided, and staff will be encouraged to raise any health concerns related to their work.
Training needs will be identified through risk assessments, supervision and performance reviews. Induction training will cover general health and safety, with further task-specific instruction provided as required. Refresher training will be given when necessary to maintain competence.
Consultation and Policy Review
Storage Morden encourages open communication about health and safety. Employees are invited to contribute ideas for improvement and raise any issues or concerns through their line manager or designated health and safety representative.
This Health and Safety Policy will be reviewed regularly and updated when there are significant changes in our activities, the working environment or applicable regulations. The latest version of the policy will be made available to employees and customers on request.
By working together and following the principles outlined in this policy, Storage Morden aims to provide a safe, healthy and secure environment for everyone involved in our storage and removal services.
