Health and Safety Policy for Storage Colney Hatch
Storage Colney Hatch is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for our customers, visitors, contractors and employees. This Health and Safety Policy sets out our approach to managing risks associated with storage facilities, handling of goods and removal services. We aim to prevent accidents and work-related ill health by identifying hazards, implementing controls and encouraging a culture of safety and responsibility.
Our Health and Safety Commitments
We are committed to maintaining high standards of health and safety across all areas of our operations, including storage units, loading bays, parking areas, access routes and vehicles used for removals and transport of goods. Management will provide clear leadership, allocate appropriate resources and review performance regularly to promote continuous improvement.
Health and safety will never be compromised for productivity or convenience. All activities, from moving items into storage to loading vehicles for removals, must be carried out safely and in line with this policy.
Responsibilities and Accountability
Overall responsibility for health and safety lies with the company management, who ensure that this policy is implemented, monitored and updated when required. Management will set objectives, review risk assessments and provide appropriate information, instruction and training to staff.
Supervisors are responsible for ensuring day-to-day compliance with safe working practices, monitoring housekeeping standards in storage areas and loading zones, and addressing unsafe behaviours or conditions promptly. They must ensure that staff use provided safety equipment correctly and report any concerns at once.
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. This includes following company procedures, using equipment safely, reporting hazards, near misses and incidents, and cooperating fully with any investigation or corrective actions.
Customers and visitors are required to follow all safety instructions, signage and guidance provided by staff. They must take particular care when moving heavy or bulky items, using trolleys or accessing elevated or confined areas within the facility.
Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work
We carry out regular risk assessments for all significant hazards associated with our storage and removal activities. This includes manual handling, use of trolleys and lifting equipment, vehicle movements, working at height on access platforms or steps, and fire safety within storage areas.
Where risks are identified, we implement control measures such as safe traffic routes, clearly marked pedestrian areas, controlled access to loading zones, and appropriate lifting aids. Written safe systems of work are developed for higher risk tasks, such as loading vehicles, moving oversized items and operating mechanical handling equipment.
Risk assessments are reviewed periodically and whenever there are significant changes in operations, layout, equipment or legislation. Employees are consulted on relevant changes and are encouraged to share feedback about practical improvements.
Manual Handling and Removals Safety
Manual handling is a key aspect of our storage and removal services. To reduce the risk of injury, we promote planning, proper lifting techniques and the use of suitable equipment. Staff receive training in safe manual handling, including assessing the load, using team lifting when required and avoiding twisting or over-reaching.
Trolleys, dollies and other aids are provided for moving heavy or bulky items. Only trained staff may operate any mechanical lifting equipment. Customers are encouraged to pack items in manageable boxes, distribute weight evenly and ask for assistance when dealing with large or awkward items.
When providing removal services, routes are planned in advance to minimise manual handling risks, avoid unnecessary carrying distances and ensure safe loading and unloading. Vehicle floors and access steps must be kept clear, dry and free from trip hazards at all times.
Workplace Environment and Housekeeping
A clean, orderly site is essential for safety. All access routes, fire exits, corridors and stairways must be kept clear. Items must not be stored in a way that blocks visibility, emergency equipment or escape routes. Storage units should be packed safely, with heavier items at lower levels and lighter items above, to prevent falls and collapse.
Spillages are to be cleaned up promptly, and any damaged flooring, lighting or fixtures are to be reported immediately. Waste must be disposed of safely and not allowed to accumulate in shared areas, loading zones or vehicles.
Equipment, Vehicles and Maintenance
All equipment used on site, including trolleys, steps, pallet trucks and any mechanical lifting aids, will be maintained in a safe condition. Regular inspections will be carried out, and defective equipment will be taken out of service until repaired or replaced.
Vehicles used for removals or transport of goods must be maintained according to manufacturer recommendations and applicable regulations. Drivers must complete basic safety checks before use, ensuring that lights, brakes, tyres and securing systems are in good order. Loads must be secured to prevent movement during transit.
Fire Safety and Emergency Procedures
We are committed to preventing fires and ensuring a safe evacuation in an emergency. Fire risk assessments are undertaken, and suitable control measures are applied, such as prohibiting open flames and ensuring correct storage of any hazardous or flammable materials.
Fire detection and alarm systems will be installed and tested in accordance with relevant standards. Fire exits and escape routes must remain unobstructed at all times. Staff are trained in emergency procedures, including raising the alarm, evacuation routes and assembly points.
Clear instructions will be provided to customers and visitors on what to do in case of fire or other emergencies. Regular drills are conducted for staff to reinforce readiness.
Training, Information and Supervision
Employees will receive appropriate health and safety training during induction and periodically thereafter. Training may cover manual handling, fire safety, use of equipment, vehicle safety, working in storage environments and dealing with customers safely.
Additional training is provided for specific roles, such as operating lifting equipment, coordinating removals or managing emergency procedures. Records of training are kept and reviewed to identify further needs.
Information about risks and control measures is shared with employees, contractors and, where appropriate, customers. Supervisors provide ongoing monitoring and support to ensure that safe practices are followed.
Incident Reporting and Policy Review
All accidents, injuries, near misses and dangerous occurrences must be reported without delay. Incidents are investigated to establish root causes and identify corrective actions, which may include changes to equipment, procedures or training.
This Health and Safety Policy will be reviewed regularly and updated when necessary to reflect changes in law, best practice or our operations. By working together and following this policy, Storage Colney Hatch aims to maintain a safe, secure and healthy environment for everyone who uses or works within our facilities.
