Storage Bermondsey Health and Safety Policy
Storage Bermondsey is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for all employees, customers, contractors and visitors. This Health and Safety Policy sets out our approach to managing risks associated with storage, handling and removal activities, and supports our aim of continuous improvement in all aspects of workplace safety.
Policy Statement and Objectives
Our objective is to prevent accidents, injuries and work-related ill health by identifying, managing and reducing risks in our storage facilities, vehicles and associated operations. We will provide safe systems of work, safe equipment, appropriate welfare facilities and information, instruction and training to enable safe working practices.
This policy applies to all employees and to anyone who may be affected by our activities, including customers using our storage services and clients using our removal and transport services. Management at all levels is responsible for ensuring this policy is implemented, maintained and periodically reviewed.
Legal Compliance and Standards
Storage Bermondsey will comply with applicable health and safety legislation and recognised industry standards relevant to storage and removal operations. We will monitor developments in law and good practice and update our procedures when necessary to ensure compliance and to promote a culture of safety and responsibility.
Roles and Responsibilities
Overall responsibility for health and safety rests with senior management, who will ensure that adequate resources are made available to implement this policy. Managers and supervisors are responsible for day-to-day health and safety management within their areas, including risk assessment, supervision, the provision of training and the enforcement of safe working procedures.
Every employee has a duty to work safely and to cooperate with management on health and safety matters. Staff must follow instructions, use equipment correctly, report hazards and incidents promptly and never engage in behaviour that could endanger themselves or others. Contractors working on our premises are required to follow our health and safety rules and any site-specific instructions provided.
Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work
We will carry out risk assessments for our storage and removal activities, including manual handling, loading and unloading, operation of vehicles, use of trolleys and equipment, working in storage areas and interaction with customers. Where risks cannot be eliminated, we will implement proportionate control measures to reduce them as far as reasonably practicable.
Safe systems of work will be documented and communicated to all relevant staff. These may include procedures for lifting and carrying, stacking and racking, securing loads in vehicles, traffic flow management in yards and loading bays, and safe access to storage units. We will review risk assessments regularly and whenever there are significant changes to operations, equipment or premises.
Training, Information and Supervision
Storage Bermondsey will provide appropriate health and safety training to employees, including induction training for new starters and role-specific training for those involved in removals, driving, warehouse work and customer-facing duties. Refresher training will be provided where necessary to maintain competence.
Employees will receive clear information on safe working practices, emergency procedures, accident reporting and the correct use of equipment and personal protective equipment. Supervisors will monitor working practices and provide guidance and coaching to promote safe behaviour.
Manual Handling and Use of Equipment
Manual handling is a core part of storage and removal work. To minimise the risk of injury, we will assess manual handling tasks and introduce mechanical aids such as trolleys and lifting devices where appropriate. Staff will be trained in safe lifting techniques, team lifting and load assessment to prevent strain and musculoskeletal injury.
All equipment, including trolleys, lifting devices, racking systems and any other handling tools, will be maintained in a safe condition and inspected at suitable intervals. Defective equipment must be removed from use and reported to management immediately.
Vehicle and Traffic Safety
Where our services involve the use of vehicles for removals or transport to and from storage facilities, we will maintain vehicles in a roadworthy and safe condition in line with legal requirements and manufacturer guidance. Drivers must hold the appropriate licence, follow driving regulations and adhere to company policies on safe driving, loading, unloading and securing of goods.
Traffic routes within our premises, including yards and loading areas, will be managed to reduce the risk of collision between vehicles, staff and customers. Clear signage, designated loading zones and speed limits may be used to support safe movement.
Customer, Visitor and Contractor Safety
We will take reasonable steps to ensure that customers and visitors can use our facilities safely. This includes maintaining clean and well-lit access routes, managing trip hazards, clearly marking emergency exits and providing any necessary safety information on site.
Contractors working at our premises will be required to follow our site rules and demonstrate that they have appropriate competency and insurance. Where work by contractors may affect the safety of staff or customers, it will be planned and coordinated to minimise risk, including the use of permits or supervision where necessary.
Emergency Procedures and First Aid
Storage Bermondsey will maintain emergency procedures covering fire, evacuation and other foreseeable incidents. Emergency exits and routes will be kept clear, and fire detection and firefighting equipment will be installed and maintained in accordance with legal and safety requirements.
Appropriate first aid arrangements will be provided, including first aid supplies and trained first aid personnel or appointed persons as required. Staff, and where appropriate customers, will be informed of the procedures to follow in the event of an emergency.
Accident Reporting and Investigation
All accidents, incidents, near misses and hazardous conditions must be reported promptly to management. We will keep records of such events, investigate them where appropriate and take corrective action to prevent recurrence. Information from investigations will be used to improve procedures, training and risk controls.
Consultation and Continuous Improvement
Storage Bermondsey recognises that effective health and safety management depends on the involvement of employees. We will consult staff on significant changes affecting health and safety and encourage suggestions for improvement. Feedback from customers and contractors will also be considered where it relates to safety.
This Health and Safety Policy will be reviewed regularly and updated as necessary to reflect changes in operations, legislation, guidance and best practice. The latest version will be made available to employees and to customers who request information on our safety arrangements.
By working together and following this policy, Storage Bermondsey aims to ensure that our storage and removal services are delivered in an environment that protects the health, safety and wellbeing of everyone involved.
