Storage Coney Hall Health and Safety Policy
Storage Coney Hall is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for all employees, contractors, visitors, and customers. This Health and Safety policy sets out our approach to managing risks associated with storage operations, handling goods, removals, transportation, and all related activities carried out on our premises or at customer locations.
Policy Statement and Objectives
Our objective is to prevent injury, ill health, and property damage by identifying hazards, assessing risks, and implementing effective control measures. We aim to continually improve our health and safety performance and to foster a positive safety culture across all areas of our storage and removal services.
We will comply with applicable health and safety legislation and recognised industry best practices. Health and safety considerations are integrated into the planning and delivery of all our services, including packing, loading, unloading, transporting, and storing customer goods.
Responsibilities and Accountability
Ultimate responsibility for health and safety rests with senior management, who ensure that this policy is implemented, maintained, and reviewed regularly. Management is responsible for providing adequate resources, information, and supervision so that health and safety standards are met.
Managers and supervisors are responsible for enforcing safe systems of work, monitoring compliance, and addressing unsafe practices promptly. They must ensure that staff receive appropriate training for tasks such as manual handling, operating equipment, and working in storage areas and during removal operations.
All employees have a duty to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions. Employees must follow company procedures, use equipment correctly, wear any required protective equipment, and report hazards, near misses, and incidents without delay.
Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work
We conduct regular risk assessments covering storage facilities, loading bays, vehicles, handling equipment, and on-site activities at customer premises. These assessments identify hazards including manual handling, slips and trips, falls from height, vehicle movements, and the handling of heavy or awkward items during removals.
Where risks are identified, we implement control measures such as safe lifting techniques, use of appropriate handling aids, clear walkways, adequate lighting, and safe vehicle and traffic management arrangements. We maintain safe systems of work for tasks including packing, stacking, loading, unloading, securing loads for transit, and operating in confined or elevated spaces.
Training, Information, and Supervision
We provide employees with training and information relevant to their roles and responsibilities. This includes induction training for new starters and refresher training as required. Training may cover manual handling, safe use of trolleys and lifting aids, vehicle safety, working in storage units, and assessing access routes for removals.
Supervisors monitor working practices and provide guidance to ensure that training is applied in daily operations. Where new equipment or procedures are introduced, staff receive appropriate instruction before use. Records of training are maintained and reviewed to ensure competency is up to date.
Manual Handling and Use of Equipment
Manual handling is a core part of storage and removal activities. We aim to minimise manual lifting where reasonably practicable by using suitable mechanical aids and planning tasks to reduce strain. Employees are trained to recognise their own limitations, seek assistance with heavy or awkward loads, and avoid unsafe lifting practices.
All equipment, including trolleys, ramps, lifting aids, and other tools, is selected, maintained, and inspected regularly to ensure safe operation. Only authorised and trained personnel may operate specific equipment, and any defects must be reported immediately so that items can be repaired or taken out of service.
Vehicle, Transport, and Site Safety
Vehicles used for removals and transport are maintained and checked regularly in line with manufacturer guidance and legal requirements. Loads are secured safely to prevent movement, damage, or instability during transit. Drivers are responsible for pre-use checks and for operating vehicles safely and considerately.
On all sites, including customer locations, we assess access routes, parking, loading areas, and any potential hazards before starting work. Where necessary, staff are briefed on site-specific risks, and appropriate controls are put in place, such as designated loading zones, safe pedestrian routes, and clear communication between drivers and loading teams.
Emergency Procedures and First Aid
We maintain emergency procedures for fire, evacuation, accidents, and other foreseeable incidents. Employees are informed of the procedures and their role during an emergency. Evacuation routes are kept clear, and emergency exits are clearly marked.
First aid arrangements appropriate to the size and nature of our operations are in place. Designated first aiders are trained, and first aid supplies are maintained and checked regularly. All accidents requiring first aid are recorded and reviewed, and follow-up actions are taken where necessary.
Incident Reporting and Investigation
All incidents, accidents, near misses, and unsafe conditions must be reported promptly to a manager or supervisor. Reports are recorded and investigated to identify root causes and to determine whether additional control measures, training, or procedural changes are required.
We use information from incident investigations and customer or staff feedback to improve safety standards across our storage facilities and removal services. Lessons learned are communicated to relevant staff and incorporated into ongoing risk assessments and procedures.
Consultation and Continuous Improvement
We encourage open communication on health and safety matters. Employees are consulted on changes that may affect their safety, such as new processes, equipment, or working arrangements. Staff are encouraged to raise concerns and suggestions for improving safety, and these are considered by management.
This policy is reviewed at regular intervals, and when significant changes occur in our operations or legal requirements. Storage Coney Hall is committed to continuous improvement in health and safety performance, ensuring that our storage and removal services are delivered with the highest regard for the wellbeing of everyone involved.
