Storage North Sheen Health and Safety Policy
Storage North Sheen is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for all employees, customers, contractors, and visitors. This policy explains how we manage health and safety across our storage facilities and our associated removal and handling activities.
Policy Statement and Objectives
Our objective is to prevent injury, ill health, and damage to property by identifying hazards, assessing risks, and applying sensible and effective control measures. Health and safety are integral to the way we operate our storage services and support customers who are moving, loading, or unloading goods.
Management at Storage North Sheen is responsible for ensuring that adequate resources, training, and supervision are provided so that health and safety standards are maintained and continually improved.
Responsibilities
Overall responsibility for health and safety rests with senior management, who are accountable for implementing this policy and reviewing its effectiveness. Managers and supervisors are responsible for day-to-day health and safety in their areas, including monitoring work practices, maintaining equipment, and ensuring that procedures are followed.
All employees, including those involved in removals support and handling of customer belongings, must take reasonable care for their own safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions or omissions. Employees must co-operate with the company by following safety instructions, using equipment correctly, and reporting hazards, near misses, or incidents promptly.
Customers, visitors, and contractors are expected to comply with site rules, signage, and any instructions provided by Storage North Sheen staff for their safety while on the premises or when using our storage and loading areas.
Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work
Storage North Sheen carries out regular risk assessments to identify potential hazards associated with storage units, access routes, loading bays, and the manual handling of items during removals and deliveries. These assessments are reviewed periodically or when there are significant changes in operations, equipment, or layout.
Safe systems of work are developed and communicated for key activities, including:
Safe movement of vehicles in loading and unloading areas.
Manual handling of boxes, furniture, and other bulky items.
Use of trolleys, pallet trucks, and lifting aids.
Access to storage units, stairs, and any elevated areas.
Where necessary, work processes are adapted or restricted to ensure that risks remain as low as reasonably practicable.
Manual Handling and Removals Safety
Handling heavy or awkward items is a key risk in storage and removals. Storage North Sheen provides training and guidance on correct lifting techniques, team lifting, and the use of mechanical aids. Employees are instructed not to lift loads that are too heavy or unstable and to ask for assistance whenever appropriate.
When supporting customers with removals activities on site, staff must plan lifts, clear walkways, and secure loads in or out of vehicles. Customers are encouraged to pack items safely, label heavy boxes, and use suitable containers to reduce the risk of injury.
Safe Use of Equipment and Vehicles
All equipment used on site, including trolleys, pallet trucks, and any lifting or access equipment, must be maintained in a safe condition and used only by trained and authorised persons. Any faults or damage must be reported immediately and the equipment taken out of use if it poses a risk.
Where vehicles are used in connection with storage and removals services, drivers must hold the appropriate licence and follow safe driving and parking procedures on and around the site. Speed limits, designated routes, and loading bay rules must be observed at all times.
Premises, Housekeeping, and Fire Safety
Storage North Sheen aims to maintain clean, orderly, and well-lit premises to minimise slips, trips, and falls. Aisles, stairways, exits, and loading areas must be kept clear of obstructions. Spills or debris must be cleaned promptly or clearly signposted until removed.
Fire safety is a priority. Fire detection and alarm systems, extinguishers, and emergency lighting are installed and maintained as required. Emergency exits and escape routes must be kept clear at all times. Fire instructions and signage are displayed, and staff are trained in emergency procedures, including raising the alarm and assisting with evacuation.
Hazardous Substances and Prohibited Items
Certain items present increased risks in a storage environment. Storage North Sheen prohibits the storage of flammable, explosive, corrosive, or otherwise hazardous substances, as well as illegal items or those that may present a risk to health and safety.
Customers are informed of prohibited items as part of the storage agreement. If prohibited or unsafe goods are identified, Storage North Sheen reserves the right to take appropriate action to manage the risk and protect people and property.
Information, Instruction, and Training
Storage North Sheen provides employees with suitable information, instruction, and training to enable them to work safely. This includes induction training, task-specific instruction, refresher training where required, and updates when procedures change.
Health and safety signage is displayed where necessary to highlight hazards and mandatory precautions. Customers and visitors are given relevant information about safe access, loading, and storage practices when using the facility.
Accidents, Incidents, and First Aid
All accidents, incidents, and near misses on Storage North Sheen premises or during associated removals activities must be reported and recorded without delay. This enables the company to investigate causes, identify trends, and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence.
First aid provisions are available on site, and designated personnel are trained to provide basic first aid assistance until professional medical help is obtained if required.
Monitoring, Review, and Continuous Improvement
Storage North Sheen monitors health and safety performance through inspections, incident reporting, and feedback from employees and customers. Where shortcomings are identified, corrective and preventive actions are taken promptly.
This health and safety policy is reviewed regularly to ensure it remains suitable, effective, and aligned with our operations, including the evolving needs of storage and removals support services. Updates are communicated to employees, and relevant sections are made available to customers and other stakeholders on request.
By working together and following this policy, Storage North Sheen aims to maintain a safe, secure, and well-managed environment for everyone who uses or works within our facilities and associated services.
