Storage Spitalfields Health and Safety Policy
This Health and Safety Policy sets out how Storage Spitalfields manages the safety, welfare and wellbeing of employees, contractors, customers and visitors. It applies to all storage facilities, offices, vehicles and removal or transportation activities carried out under the Storage Spitalfields name.
Our aim is to prevent injury, ill health, damage to property and harm to the environment by identifying hazards, assessing risks and implementing effective controls in all areas of our storage and removal operations.
Policy Statement
Storage Spitalfields is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment and to conducting all activities in a way that protects people, property and goods in our care. Health and safety considerations are integral to our planning, decision making and daily working practices across storage units, handling areas, loading bays and during removals and deliveries.
We will regularly review this policy, our procedures and working practices to ensure they remain appropriate, effective and in line with current legislation and industry best practice.
Responsibilities
The senior management team has overall responsibility for health and safety within Storage Spitalfields. This includes ensuring that suitable resources are provided for implementing this policy, maintaining safe workplaces and keeping appropriate records.
Managers and supervisors are responsible for day to day implementation of this policy. They must ensure that staff are properly trained, that risk controls are followed, that equipment is maintained and that any breaches or concerns are investigated and addressed promptly.
All employees, whether working in storage facilities, on removal vehicles or in administrative roles, have a duty to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions or omissions. Employees must follow safety instructions, use equipment correctly, report hazards and cooperate with the company on all health and safety matters.
Contractors, agency workers and visiting drivers must comply with all relevant site rules and safety procedures while on Storage Spitalfields premises or engaged in our removal services.
Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work
Storage Spitalfields will carry out and maintain suitable and sufficient risk assessments for all significant hazards associated with our activities, including but not limited to manual handling, use of vehicles, working at height, use of lifting equipment, storage of goods, fire safety and security arrangements.
Findings from risk assessments will be used to develop safe systems of work, operating procedures and training materials. These will be communicated clearly to employees and, where relevant, to contractors and customers accessing storage areas.
Risk assessments will be reviewed periodically and whenever there are significant changes to operations, equipment, premises layout or relevant legislation.
Safe Handling, Storage and Removal of Goods
The nature of our business requires careful control of manual handling, loading, unloading and storage practices. Storage Spitalfields will provide appropriate manual handling training, equipment and guidance to reduce the risk of musculoskeletal injury.
Employees engaged in removals or storage operations must assess the weight, size and stability of items before lifting, and use mechanical aids such as trolleys, sack trucks or lifting equipment wherever reasonably practicable.
Goods will be stacked and stored to prevent collapse, obstruction of walkways or damage. Access routes, emergency exits and fire points must remain clear at all times. Vehicles will be loaded and unloaded using safe techniques that maintain vehicle stability and protect both staff and customers property.
Any hazardous items identified in goods being stored or moved will be managed in line with relevant regulations and company procedures, and may be refused if they present unacceptable risk.
Vehicles and Driving Safety
Storage Spitalfields will ensure that vehicles used for removal and transportation services are maintained in a safe, roadworthy condition. Regular checks, inspections and servicing will be carried out and documented.
Drivers must hold the appropriate valid licence, follow traffic laws and company rules, and operate vehicles in a safe and considerate manner at all times. This includes planning routes, allowing adequate time for journeys, securing loads correctly and avoiding distractions while driving.
On site, vehicle movements will be controlled to minimise the risk of collisions, with particular attention to loading bays, reversing operations and pedestrian routes.
Workplace Conditions and Welfare
Storage Spitalfields is committed to providing clean, orderly and well maintained workplaces. Floors, stairs, ramps and external areas will be kept in good condition and free from unnecessary slip or trip hazards.
Suitable welfare facilities, including toilets, washing facilities, rest areas and drinking water, will be provided and maintained. Lighting and ventilation will be appropriate for the type of work being carried out in each area, including storage spaces, corridors, offices and loading zones.
Where temperature or environmental conditions may affect staff wellbeing or the safe handling of goods, reasonable measures will be taken to control these conditions as far as practicable.
Training, Information and Supervision
All employees will receive an appropriate induction, including information on emergency procedures, site rules, accident reporting and specific job related hazards. Further training will be provided as required, for example in manual handling, use of lifting equipment, vehicle operation and fire safety.
Refresher training will be delivered at suitable intervals, or when work changes, new equipment is introduced, or risk assessments identify a need. Supervisors will monitor working practices to ensure that training is applied and that safety procedures are followed.
Accidents, Incidents and Near Miss Reporting
All accidents, incidents, near misses and hazardous conditions must be reported without delay in line with company procedures. Prompt reporting allows Storage Spitalfields to investigate causes, implement corrective actions and prevent recurrence.
Records of accidents and incidents will be maintained and reviewed to identify trends and opportunities for improvement. Where required, statutory reporting obligations will be met.
Emergency Preparedness and Fire Safety
Storage Spitalfields will maintain clear emergency procedures for fire, evacuation and other foreseeable emergencies. These procedures will be communicated to employees and displayed clearly on site.
Fire detection and firefighting equipment will be provided and maintained as appropriate to the premises. Evacuation routes and exits will be kept clear, and regular drills will be carried out to ensure staff are familiar with the procedures.
Continuous Improvement and Policy Review
Storage Spitalfields is committed to continuous improvement in health and safety management. We will consult with employees, review performance, learn from incidents and adapt our procedures as needed to maintain high standards of safety across our storage and removal operations.
This policy will be reviewed periodically and updated when necessary to reflect changes in our activities, legislation or best practice.
