Storage New Cross Health and Safety Policy
Storage New Cross is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for all employees, customers, contractors, visitors, and any other persons who may be affected by our activities. This policy applies to all storage operations, removal services, and related activities carried out on our premises and at customer locations.
Our objective is to prevent accidents, injuries, and work-related ill health by identifying hazards, assessing risks, and implementing effective control measures. Health and safety is an integral part of our business operations and decision-making.
Management Responsibilities
Senior management is responsible for ensuring that this Health and Safety Policy is implemented, maintained, and reviewed regularly. Management will provide appropriate resources, information, instruction, supervision, and training to enable employees to work safely and competently.
Managers must ensure that risk assessments are carried out for all significant hazards associated with storage and removal activities, including manual handling, vehicle use, working at height, and handling of customer goods and equipment. Control measures identified in these assessments must be implemented, monitored, and updated as necessary.
Employee Responsibilities
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 acts or omissions. Employees must follow all safety procedures, use equipment properly, and cooperate with management in the implementation of this policy.
Employees must report accidents, incidents, near misses, hazards, and unsafe conditions immediately to their line manager or supervisor. No employee should undertake any task for which they have not received appropriate training or instruction, or which they believe cannot be carried out safely.
Safe Working Environment
Storage New Cross will maintain its storage facilities and operational areas in a safe condition. This includes keeping walkways, corridors, loading bays, and storage aisles clear of obstructions and trip hazards, ensuring adequate lighting and ventilation, and maintaining secure access and exit routes.
Housekeeping standards will be strictly enforced. Materials must be stored safely and securely, with heavier items stored at lower levels where practical, and goods stacked in a stable manner. Fire exits, emergency routes, and safety equipment must never be blocked or misused.
Manual Handling and Lifting
Manual handling is a key part of storage and removal operations. To reduce the risk of injury, employees will receive training in safe lifting and handling techniques, including correct posture, use of mechanical aids, and team lifting where appropriate.
Before moving any item, employees must assess its weight, shape, and stability, and consider the route, environment, and any obstacles. Items that are too heavy or awkward for one person must not be lifted alone. Mechanical aids such as trolleys and lifting equipment must be used where available and suitable.
Use of Vehicles and Equipment
All vehicles used for removal and transport services must be maintained in a safe and roadworthy condition. Only authorised and competent personnel may drive or operate vehicles or specialist equipment.
Loading and unloading operations must be carried out carefully to avoid falls, injuries, and damage to goods. Loads must be secured properly during transport. Employees must not ride in or on any part of a vehicle or equipment that is not designed for that purpose.
Fire Safety and Emergency Procedures
Storage New Cross will maintain appropriate fire detection, alarm, and firefighting equipment, and will ensure that fire exits and evacuation routes are clearly marked and unobstructed. All employees and regular contractors will be made aware of emergency procedures, including evacuation routes and assembly points.
Fire drills will be carried out periodically, and any issues identified during drills will be addressed promptly. Flammable materials must be stored and handled in accordance with safety guidance, and ignition sources must be controlled in designated areas.
Health, Welfare, and First Aid
Suitable welfare facilities, including toilets, washing facilities, and rest areas, will be provided and maintained in a clean and hygienic condition. Drinking water will be available for employees and visitors.
First aid provisions, including trained first aiders and fully stocked first aid kits, will be available on site. All accidents and incidents, no matter how minor, must be reported and recorded so that causes can be investigated and corrective actions taken.
Contractors, Visitors, and Customers
Contractors working on behalf of Storage New Cross are required to comply with this policy and any other site-specific health and safety rules. Contractor activities will be coordinated and monitored to ensure that they do not create additional risks to employees, customers, or other visitors.
Visitors and customers will be provided with relevant safety information and instructions upon arrival. They must follow any safety signage and instructions given by Storage New Cross personnel, particularly in loading areas, storage zones, and vehicle movement areas.
Training, Information, and Supervision
Storage New Cross will provide employees with appropriate training on health and safety matters relevant to their roles, including induction training for new starters and refresher training when required. Specific training will be given for manual handling, operation of vehicles and equipment, emergency procedures, and safe storage practices.
Supervisors are responsible for monitoring working practices and ensuring that employees understand and follow health and safety procedures. Additional instruction will be provided when new equipment, processes, or services are introduced.
Continuous Improvement and Policy Review
This Health and Safety Policy will be reviewed regularly and whenever there are significant changes in our operations, services, or relevant legislation. We are committed to continuous improvement and will use feedback from employees, customers, incident reports, and inspections to enhance our safety performance.
Everyone at Storage New Cross is expected to contribute to maintaining a safe working environment and to support the ongoing development of our health and safety standards in all aspects of storage and removal operations.
