Storage Wandsworth Health and Safety Policy
This Health and Safety Policy sets out the standards and expectations for Storage Wandsworth in relation to the protection of employees, contractors, visitors, and customers. The policy applies to all sites, storage facilities, vehicles, and removal operations carried out by the company.
Our aim is to provide secure storage and removal services while preventing injury, ill health, and damage to property. Health and safety is an integral part of how we plan, manage, and deliver all our services.
Policy Statement and Objectives
Storage Wandsworth is committed to maintaining a safe and healthy working environment. We will identify and control risks arising from our activities, provide appropriate information and training, and ensure that health and safety responsibilities are clearly defined and understood.
Our main objectives are to prevent accidents and cases of work-related ill health, maintain safe and tidy premises, provide and maintain safe equipment and vehicles, and continually improve our health and safety performance through review and monitoring.
Management Responsibilities
Senior management has overall responsibility for implementing this policy and ensuring adequate resources are provided for health and safety. Managers and supervisors must lead by example, promoting a positive safety culture throughout our storage and removals operations.
They are responsible for ensuring that risk assessments are carried out and kept up to date, safe systems of work are developed and communicated, staff receive appropriate instruction, training, and supervision, and accidents, near misses, and incidents are reported, investigated, and recorded.
Employee Responsibilities
All employees, including permanent, temporary, and agency staff, have a duty to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their acts or omissions. Staff must cooperate fully with the company in meeting legal and policy requirements.
Employees are expected to follow training and instructions, use equipment and vehicles correctly and safely, wear any required personal protective equipment, report hazards, near misses, and unsafe conditions without delay, and never interfere with or misuse anything provided for health, safety, or welfare.
Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work
Storage Wandsworth conducts regular risk assessments covering storage facilities, loading and unloading areas, offices, and vehicle operations. Particular attention is given to manual handling, working in confined spaces such as containers and storage units, slips, trips, and falls, vehicle movements in yards and on the road, use of trolleys, lifting equipment, and other handling aids, and handling of customer goods that may present special risks.
Findings from risk assessments are used to develop safe systems of work and standard operating procedures. These are communicated to relevant staff and reviewed whenever there are significant changes in processes, equipment, or layout.
Manual Handling and Lifting
Manual handling is a key element of storage and removals activities. To minimise the risk of injury, employees receive training on correct lifting techniques and the use of mechanical aids. Staff must assess each lift before carrying it out, seeking help when loads are heavy, awkward, or unstable.
Where possible, items are handled using equipment such as sack trucks, trolleys, dollies, and pallet trucks. Loads must be secured, and routes kept clear to reduce the risk of trips and collisions.
Vehicle and Driving Safety
Company vehicles are used for the transport of customers goods and equipment. Drivers must hold the appropriate licences, comply with road traffic laws, and follow company driving policies at all times. Pre-use checks are required to ensure that vehicles are roadworthy and safe.
Loading and unloading vehicles must be carried out in a controlled manner. Loads should be evenly distributed and adequately secured to prevent movement in transit. Reversing should be minimised and, where necessary, supported by a trained banksman when conditions require.
Safe Premises and Storage Areas
Storage Wandsworth aims to maintain clean, orderly, and well organised premises. Access routes, stairways, and fire exits must be kept clear at all times. Floors should be free from obstructions and spillages, and lighting must be sufficient for safe movement and work.
Storage units, racking, and shelving must be used within their rated capacities. Items should be stacked securely to prevent collapse or falling objects. Any damage to structures or fixtures must be reported promptly so that appropriate action can be taken.
Personal Protective Equipment and Welfare
Where hazards cannot be eliminated or adequately controlled by other means, appropriate personal protective equipment will be provided. This may include safety footwear, gloves, high visibility clothing, and other items identified by risk assessment.
Employees are responsible for using PPE as instructed, keeping it in good condition, and reporting any loss or damage. Welfare facilities, including toilets, washing facilities, and areas for rest, are provided and must be treated with respect and kept in a clean and tidy condition.
Training, Information, and Supervision
All employees receive an induction that covers relevant health and safety information, including emergency procedures and reporting arrangements. Additional task-specific training is provided for those involved in removal work, driving, handling specialist equipment, or carrying out supervisory roles.
Training needs are reviewed periodically and when changes occur in equipment, processes, or legislation. Supervisors and managers are responsible for ensuring that staff are competent and adequately supervised, particularly where new or higher risk tasks are undertaken.
Emergency Procedures and First Aid
Storage Wandsworth maintains clear emergency procedures for fire, serious incidents, and other foreseeable events. Fire detection and firefighting equipment are installed in appropriate areas and maintained in line with manufacturer and regulatory guidance.
Evacuation routes and assembly points are identified and communicated to staff and visitors. Regular checks of escape routes and alarm systems are carried out. Designated first aiders are appointed, and first aid supplies are maintained so that assistance can be provided promptly if someone is injured or taken ill.
Incident Reporting and Continuous Improvement
All accidents, injuries, near misses, and dangerous occurrences must be reported as soon as possible to a manager or supervisor. Reports are recorded and, where appropriate, investigated to identify root causes and preventative actions.
Lessons learned are used to improve risk assessments, training, and working methods. Management reviews the overall health and safety performance of Storage Wandsworth at regular intervals and updates this policy as necessary to reflect changes in legislation, guidance, and operational practice.
Policy Review and Communication
This Health and Safety Policy is reviewed at least annually and whenever significant changes occur in our activities or working environment. Any revisions will be communicated to all employees and made available to customers, visitors, and contractors on request.
Compliance with this policy is a condition of working for, or with, Storage Wandsworth. Everyone involved in our storage and removals operations shares responsibility for maintaining a safe and healthy environment.
