Storage Sands End Health and Safety Policy
This Health and Safety Policy sets out how Storage Sands End manages health, safety and welfare in all of its storage and removal activities. Our aim is to provide a safe and healthy environment for employees, customers, contractors, visitors and any other persons who may be affected by our operations.
We are committed to complying with all relevant health and safety legislation and recognised industry standards, and to continually improving our performance through planning, risk assessment, training and regular review.
Policy Objectives
Our principal health and safety objectives are to prevent injury and ill health, protect property and minimise risk across our storage facilities and removal operations. To achieve this, we will identify hazards, implement effective controls, provide appropriate equipment and ensure that all persons understand their responsibilities.
Health and safety considerations form an integral part of our planning for storage, handling, loading, transport and delivery of goods. We are committed to integrating safe systems of work into all operational procedures.
Management Responsibilities
The senior management of Storage Sands End has overall responsibility for health and safety within the business. Management will provide visible leadership, allocate adequate resources and ensure that health and safety is given equal priority to other business objectives.
Management duties include setting standards, approving safe working practices, arranging risk assessments, monitoring compliance, and responding promptly to any concerns raised by employees or customers. Managers will ensure that accidents, incidents and near misses are investigated to identify root causes and to prevent recurrence.
Employee Responsibilities
Every employee has a duty to take reasonable care for their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions or omissions. Employees must cooperate fully with Storage Sands End in implementing this policy and follow all safety procedures, training, instructions and signage.
Employees are required to use equipment and vehicles correctly, report hazards, defects or unsafe conditions, and refrain from horseplay or any behaviour that may create risk. Where employees are unsure how to carry out a task safely, they must seek guidance from a supervisor before proceeding.
Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work
Storage Sands End will conduct suitable and sufficient risk assessments for all significant activities, including storage operations, manual handling, use of mechanical handling equipment, loading and unloading vehicles, driving, site access and egress, and customer interactions on site.
Control measures and safe systems of work will be developed from these assessments and communicated to all relevant employees. Procedures will be reviewed regularly or following any significant change in operations, equipment or premises, or after an incident.
Manual Handling and Lifting
Given the nature of storage and removal activities, manual handling risks are a key focus. Storage Sands End will, so far as reasonably practicable, avoid hazardous manual handling, use mechanical aids where appropriate, and ensure that loads are managed safely.
Employees will receive manual handling training covering correct lifting techniques, team lifting, use of trolleys and other aids, and recognising when a load is too heavy or awkward to move safely. Staff must not exceed their personal capability and are expected to seek assistance where required.
Use of Equipment and Vehicles
All equipment and vehicles used for storage and removal services will be selected, maintained and inspected to ensure they are safe and suitable for their intended purpose. This includes trolleys, lifts, loading ramps, tail lifts, pallet trucks and any other handling equipment.
Only trained and authorised employees may operate mechanical handling equipment or company vehicles. Pre-use checks must be carried out and any defects reported immediately. Unsafe equipment must be taken out of use until repaired or replaced.
Site Safety and Customer Areas
Storage Sands End will maintain its premises in a safe condition, including access routes, loading bays, storage aisles, stairways, lifts and customer areas. Floors will be kept as clear and dry as reasonably practicable, and lighting will be adequate for safe movement and work.
Signage will be used where necessary to warn of hazards or restricted areas. Customers and visitors are required to follow any safety instructions, remain within designated areas and supervise any accompanying children at all times. Staff will provide guidance to customers on safe loading, unloading and unit access.
Fire Safety and Emergency Procedures
Fire risk assessments will be undertaken and appropriate fire detection, alarm and firefighting equipment will be installed, tested and maintained. Escape routes will be kept clear and clearly marked, and emergency lighting will be provided where needed.
Employees will receive instruction on fire procedures, including raising the alarm, evacuation routes, assembly points and the safe use of fire extinguishers where applicable. Fire drills and emergency procedure reviews will be carried out periodically to ensure readiness.
Hazardous Substances and Prohibited Items
Storage Sands End will manage the risks associated with any hazardous substances required for operation, such as cleaning products and fuels, by safe storage, appropriate labelling and provision of information to employees. Where necessary, personal protective equipment will be supplied and used.
Certain items are prohibited from storage or transportation, including flammable or explosive materials, illegal goods, perishable items that may create health risks, and any substance or item deemed unsafe by the company. Customers will be informed of these restrictions and staff will monitor compliance.
Health, Welfare and Fitness for Work
We recognise the importance of overall wellbeing and fitness for work in maintaining a safe operation. Storage Sands End will take reasonable steps to provide a working environment that supports physical and mental health.
Employees must present themselves fit for duty and must not be under the influence of alcohol, drugs or any substance that may impair their ability to work safely. Any health issues that could affect safe performance should be reported to management so that appropriate adjustments or alternative duties can be considered.
Training, Information and Supervision
All employees will receive health and safety induction training appropriate to their role, including safe working practices for storage and removal activities. Additional task-specific training will be provided as required and refreshed periodically.
Information on hazards, procedures and emergency arrangements will be communicated clearly and made accessible. Supervisors are responsible for monitoring compliance, providing guidance and ensuring that new or temporary staff are adequately supervised.
Incident Reporting and Investigation
All accidents, injuries, near misses, property damage and dangerous occurrences must be reported promptly to management. Accurate records will be maintained and used to identify trends and opportunities for improvement.
Incidents will be investigated to determine causes and identify corrective actions, which may include changes to equipment, procedures, training or supervision. Lessons learned will be shared with relevant staff to reduce the likelihood of recurrence.
Consultation and Continuous Improvement
Storage Sands End values feedback from employees, customers and contractors on health and safety matters. We will encourage open communication about risks, concerns and suggestions for improvement without fear of reprisal.
This policy and associated procedures will be reviewed regularly to ensure they remain suitable, effective and aligned with current best practice in the storage and removals sector. Where necessary, the policy will be updated and any significant changes communicated to staff and made available to customers on request.
Policy Approval
This Health and Safety Policy is endorsed by the leadership of Storage Sands End, who are committed to providing the resources and support necessary to implement it effectively. All employees, contractors and visitors are expected to cooperate in upholding the standards set out in this document.
