Storage Abbey Wood Health and Safety Policy
This Health and Safety Policy sets out the principles and procedures that Storage Abbey Wood follows to protect employees, customers, contractors, and visitors. Our activities include storage operations, handling of goods, and removals-related services. We are committed to maintaining a safe and healthy environment in all areas of our premises and during any associated collection, delivery, or loading work.
Policy Statement and Objectives
Storage Abbey Wood is committed to preventing accidents, injuries, and work-related ill health. We will provide and maintain safe facilities, safe systems of work, and appropriate welfare arrangements. Our aims are to identify hazards, assess and control risks, and ensure that all staff understand their responsibilities. Senior management will review this policy regularly and update it as needed to reflect changes in legislation, best practice, and our operations.
Management Responsibilities
Management has overall responsibility for implementing this policy and ensuring that adequate resources are made available for health and safety. This includes providing suitable equipment, maintaining the premises in a safe condition, and ensuring that staff receive appropriate training and supervision. Managers will monitor working practices across storage units, loading areas, and any removal-related activities to ensure that safety procedures are followed at all times.
Employee Responsibilities
All employees must take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions. Staff are required to follow company procedures, use equipment correctly, and cooperate with any control measures introduced. Employees must report hazards, near misses, and accidents to their manager without delay. Any misuse of equipment, deliberate breach of safety rules, or failure to follow training may result in disciplinary action.
Risk Assessment and Hazard Control
Storage Abbey Wood will carry out regular risk assessments covering storage areas, access routes, loading bays, parking areas, and any locations where removal and handling of goods take place. Hazards such as slips and trips, falling objects, manual handling, traffic movement, and use of equipment will be identified and controlled so far as reasonably practicable. Control measures may include physical safeguards, signage, restricted access, procedural controls, and staff training.
Safe Use of Storage Facilities
All storage units and common areas will be kept clean, orderly, and well maintained. Aisles and emergency routes must remain clear at all times. Goods stored in units must be stacked safely and securely to prevent collapse, with heavier items placed at lower levels where possible. Customers will be given clear information on safe storage practices and must follow all site rules while on the premises.
Manual Handling and Removals
Manual handling is a significant part of storage and removals-related activities, including lifting, carrying, loading, and unloading goods. Storage Abbey Wood will minimise the need for hazardous manual handling wherever possible through use of trolleys, handling aids, and sensible planning of work. Staff will be trained in safe lifting techniques, team handling, and correct use of moving equipment. Loads must be assessed before moving, and any item that is too heavy or awkward must not be handled without assistance or appropriate equipment.
Use of Equipment and Vehicles
Any equipment used for storage and removal activities, such as trolleys, sack trucks, and lifting devices, will be maintained in a safe condition and inspected regularly. Only trained and authorised staff may operate any specialised equipment. When vehicles are used for the movement of goods related to storage, safe loading and unloading procedures must be followed, including securing loads, using appropriate access points, and managing vehicle movement to avoid collisions with pedestrians or other vehicles.
Housekeeping, Fire Safety and Emergencies
Good housekeeping is essential for a safe storage and removals environment. Rubbish will be removed regularly, spills cleaned promptly, and trip hazards eliminated as quickly as possible. Fire exits and escape routes will be clearly marked and kept unobstructed. Fire safety systems, including alarms and extinguishers, will be checked and maintained in line with legal requirements. Clear evacuation procedures will be in place, and staff will receive fire safety instruction and take part in periodic drills.
Training, Information and Supervision
Storage Abbey Wood will provide health and safety induction training to all new employees and further role-specific training where required. This may include manual handling, equipment use, working in loading bays, and dealing with customers safely. Staff will be kept informed about site rules, emergency arrangements, and any changes to procedures. Supervisors will monitor compliance, provide guidance, and address unsafe behaviour or conditions promptly.
Contractors and Visitors
Contractors working on site, such as maintenance teams or external removal crews, must follow Storage Abbey Wood safety procedures and cooperate with our staff. They will receive relevant information about hazards, access routes, and emergency arrangements. Visitors and customers must follow all signage and instructions provided by staff. Unauthorised access to restricted or staff-only areas is not permitted.
Accident Reporting and Investigation
All accidents, incidents, near misses, and dangerous occurrences must be reported promptly to management. Details will be recorded, investigated, and used to identify underlying causes and implement corrective actions. Where necessary, procedures will be updated and additional training or control measures introduced to prevent recurrence.
Monitoring, Review and Continuous Improvement
Storage Abbey Wood will monitor health and safety performance through inspections, audits, review of incident reports, and feedback from staff and customers. This policy and associated procedures will be reviewed regularly, and at least annually, to ensure they remain effective and relevant to our storage and removals-related operations. Our goal is to continually improve our standards and provide a safe environment for everyone who uses or works at our facilities.
