Health and Safety Policy for Storage Richmond upon Thames
This Health and Safety policy sets out how Storage Richmond upon Thames manages the safety and wellbeing of employees, contractors, customers and visitors using our storage and removal services. Our objective is to provide a working and visiting environment that is safe, secure and well managed, and to prevent accidents, injuries and damage to property.
Policy Statement
Storage Richmond upon Thames is committed to maintaining high standards of health, safety and welfare in all areas of our operations, including storage facilities, loading areas, vehicles and associated offices. We will identify, assess and control risks that may arise from our activities and will provide appropriate training, supervision and equipment to ensure work is carried out safely.
Health and safety performance is a core part of our service to customers who rely on us for secure storage and careful removals. All employees and contractors are required to follow this policy and the procedures derived from it.
Management Responsibilities
Senior management has overall responsibility for implementing this policy and for ensuring that suitable resources are provided to maintain safe conditions. This includes:
Identifying and assessing risks related to storage units, handling equipment and vehicles, and implementing control measures. Establishing safe systems of work for loading, unloading, lifting, packing, storage, driving and site maintenance. Ensuring regular inspections of premises, plant and equipment, and arranging maintenance or replacement where necessary. Providing health and safety information, instruction and training relevant to each role, including manual handling, use of trolleys and lifting equipment, and vehicle safety. Investigating accidents, incidents and near misses and taking corrective actions to prevent recurrence. Reviewing this policy periodically and updating it as operations, legislation or best practice change.
Employee Responsibilities
Every employee has a duty to take reasonable care for their own health and safety and that of other people who may be affected by their actions or omissions. Employees must:
Follow all safety instructions, training and procedures provided. Use equipment, vehicles and safety devices correctly and not misuse or interfere with anything provided for health and safety. Report hazards, defects, spillages, damaged equipment, unsafe behaviour or structural concerns without delay. Notify their manager of any accident, incident, near miss or work-related ill health. Wear any personal protective equipment provided, where required, and keep it in good condition. Cooperate with management to enable compliance with health and safety obligations.
Customer and Visitor Safety
Storage Richmond upon Thames takes reasonable steps to ensure that customers and visitors can access and use our storage facilities safely. This includes:
Maintaining clear signage for entrances, exits, fire escape routes, traffic routes, speed limits and loading bays. Keeping walkways, corridors and stairways clear of obstructions and trip hazards. Managing vehicle and pedestrian movements in loading areas to minimise the risk of collision. Providing information on safe loading, stacking and use of trolleys where customers handle their own goods.
Customers and visitors are expected to follow site rules, act responsibly and not engage in unsafe loading, lifting or stacking practices. Where customers require assistance with heavy or awkward items, they should request support from trained staff in accordance with our procedures.
Safe Storage and Manual Handling
Safe storage practices are essential to prevent falls, crush injuries and damage to goods. Our staff follow established procedures for stacking boxes, placing items at appropriate heights and securing loads in storage units and vehicles. Items that are heavy, unstable or oversize are assessed individually to determine the safest method of handling and positioning.
Manual handling is a key element of our storage and removal services. To reduce the risk of strains, sprains and other musculoskeletal injuries, we:
Provide manual handling training relevant to storage and removal tasks. Encourage the use of trolleys, dollies and other mechanical aids wherever possible. Instruct staff to assess the weight and shape of items before moving them and to seek help with heavy or awkward loads. Limit lifting above shoulder height and discourage carrying loads that obstruct vision. Plan routes in advance to avoid steps, slopes or obstacles where feasible.
Vehicles and Transport Safety
For any removal or transport services linked to our storage operations, we take measures to ensure vehicles are safely loaded, driven and unloaded. This includes:
Ensuring vehicles are suitable, maintained and inspected at appropriate intervals. Securing loads to prevent movement in transit and to avoid items falling when doors are opened. Requiring drivers and loaders to follow safe loading and unloading procedures, particularly at customer premises and in public areas. Observing appropriate speed limits and parking rules within our sites and during collection or delivery.
Fire Safety and Emergency Procedures
Fire safety is a priority within storage environments. We maintain suitable fire detection and alarm systems, and provide fire extinguishers and other equipment where appropriate. Escape routes and exits must remain unobstructed at all times.
All staff receive instruction on fire and emergency procedures, including evacuation routes and assembly points. Customers and visitors should familiarise themselves with signage indicating exits and basic emergency instructions when on site. In the event of an alarm, everyone on the premises must follow the directions of staff and leave the building promptly and calmly.
Hazardous Substances and Prohibited Items
To protect people and property, certain items must not be stored or transported through our services. These include flammable, explosive, corrosive or otherwise hazardous materials, as well as illegal goods. Staff are trained to identify potential prohibited items and to follow internal procedures where there are concerns. Customers are responsible for ensuring that items brought to our facilities comply with our terms and safety requirements.
Training, Consultation and Continuous Improvement
We provide training appropriate to each role, refreshed as necessary, to ensure employees understand their responsibilities and are able to carry out tasks safely. Managers consult with staff about health and safety issues, encourage suggestions and take concerns seriously.
Health and safety performance is monitored through inspections, audits, incident reports and feedback. Findings are used to improve procedures, update risk assessments and enhance the safety of our storage and removal services. This policy reflects our ongoing commitment to safeguard everyone who works with, or makes use of, Storage Richmond upon Thames.
