Storage Stanmore Health and Safety Policy
Storage Stanmore is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for employees, contractors, customers, and visitors. This Health and Safety Policy sets out our approach to managing risks within our storage facilities and during removal and moving activities. We aim to prevent injury, protect property, and promote safe working practices at all times.
Policy Aims and Objectives
The primary aim of this policy is to ensure that health and safety considerations are at the core of our storage and removal operations. We work to identify hazards, assess risks, and implement appropriate control measures. Our objectives are to minimise accidents and incidents, comply with applicable health and safety requirements, and continuously improve our standards through regular review and training.
Management Responsibilities
Senior management at Storage Stanmore is responsible for establishing and maintaining effective health and safety procedures. This includes providing appropriate resources, equipment, and supervision so that work can be carried out safely and efficiently. Management will ensure that safe systems of work are developed for tasks such as manual handling, loading and unloading vehicles, operating handling equipment, and working in and around storage units.
Managers are required to lead by example, promote a positive health and safety culture, and intervene promptly where unsafe practices or conditions are observed. They will also ensure that risk assessments are documented, reviewed, and that any necessary corrective actions are implemented in a timely manner.
Employee Responsibilities
Every employee has a duty to take reasonable care for their own health and safety and for that of others who may be affected by their actions. Staff must follow training and instructions, use equipment properly, and comply with all Storage Stanmore safety procedures. Employees are expected to report hazards, near misses, and incidents so that they can be investigated and preventative measures can be put in place.
All team members involved in removal and storage activities must cooperate fully with management on health and safety matters, attend required training sessions, and wear any safety equipment provided where risk assessments identify a need.
Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices
Storage Stanmore conducts risk assessments for key aspects of our operations, including but not limited to manual handling, vehicle movements, loading and unloading, access to storage units, stacking of goods, and the use of handling aids and equipment. These assessments inform our procedures and help us maintain safe working conditions.
Where risks are identified, we implement controls such as safe lifting techniques, maximum load guidelines, clear walkways, traffic management measures, and rules on the safe stacking and securing of items both in storage units and within removal vehicles. Our staff are trained to recognise potential hazards and to adjust their working practices accordingly.
Safe Use of Equipment and Vehicles
All equipment, including trolleys, handling aids, and any mechanical lifting devices used as part of our operations, must be used only by trained personnel and in accordance with manufacturer instructions and company procedures. Equipment is inspected regularly and taken out of use if any defect is identified until repairs or replacements are completed.
Vehicles used for removals and transportation are maintained to a safe standard. Drivers are responsible for carrying out basic checks, ensuring loads are properly distributed and secured, and following safe driving and parking procedures when operating at our sites or at customer locations.
Manual Handling and Moving Goods
Manual handling is a significant part of our removal and storage work. Storage Stanmore provides training on safe lifting techniques, team lifting, and the use of handling equipment to reduce the risk of musculoskeletal injuries. Staff must plan lifts in advance, assess the weight and shape of items, remove trip hazards, and seek assistance where loads are heavy or bulky.
Items must not be carried in a way that obscures vision or creates unnecessary strain. Where possible, trolleys or other aids must be used, particularly over longer distances or on slopes.
Customer and Visitor Safety
We are committed to protecting customers and visitors who access our storage facilities or interact with our removal teams. Customers will be given guidance on safe access routes, site rules, and any restricted areas. Children must be supervised at all times, and customers should not enter operational zones where vehicles are manoeuvring or where lifting operations are taking place.
Customers are expected to pack and label their goods in a way that does not introduce avoidable risks. Hazardous, illegal, or prohibited items must not be stored or presented for removal. This includes flammable, explosive, corrosive, or otherwise dangerous substances that may compromise the safety of our staff or premises.
Fire Safety and Emergency Procedures
Storage Stanmore maintains fire safety measures including alarm systems where installed, extinguishers, and clearly signed emergency exits and escape routes. Staff are trained in fire safety procedures and are aware of evacuation plans. Fire exits, access routes, and fire safety equipment must be kept clear at all times.
In the event of an emergency, all persons on site must follow the instructions of Storage Stanmore staff, evacuate promptly if directed to do so, and proceed to the designated assembly points. Emergency procedures are reviewed periodically and updated where necessary.
Training, Information, and Supervision
We provide appropriate health and safety training to employees according to their roles and responsibilities. This includes induction training, role-specific sessions, and refresher training where needed. Topics include safe manual handling, use of equipment, site rules, emergency arrangements, and best practices for removal operations.
Supervisors monitor work activities to ensure that procedures are followed and that standards are maintained. Where new processes or equipment are introduced, relevant training and information are provided before they are put into regular use.
Accident, Incident, and Near Miss Reporting
All accidents, incidents, and near misses that occur on Storage Stanmore premises or during removal activities must be reported as soon as reasonably practicable. We keep records of these events, investigate the causes, and implement corrective measures to reduce the likelihood of recurrence.
This systematic approach helps us to learn from experience and continually improve the safety of our storage and removal services.
Monitoring, Review, and Policy Updates
Storage Stanmore regularly monitors health and safety performance through inspections, incident reviews, and staff feedback. This policy is reviewed periodically and whenever significant changes occur in our operations or in relevant health and safety requirements.
By working together and following the principles set out in this Health and Safety Policy, we aim to provide a safe, efficient, and reliable storage and removal service for all our customers.
