Health and Safety Policy for Storage Custom House
This Health and Safety policy sets out how Storage Custom House manages health, safety and welfare in connection with our storage facilities and removal services. Our objective is to provide a working environment that is safe and healthy for employees, contractors, visitors and customers, and to protect property and the environment during all storage and moving activities.
Our Health and Safety Commitment
Storage Custom House is committed to preventing injury and ill health, complying with applicable health and safety law, and continually improving our health and safety performance. Health and safety considerations form an integral part of planning and decision making for storage operations, packing, loading, transport and on site work at customer premises.
Roles and Responsibilities
Overall responsibility for health and safety rests with senior management, who ensure that adequate resources, equipment and information are provided. Managers and supervisors are responsible for implementing this policy, monitoring standards, and responding promptly to hazards and incidents. Employees must take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their work. They must follow training and instructions, use equipment correctly, and report hazards, near misses and accidents without delay. Contractors and visitors are required to cooperate with our safety rules while on our premises or working under our control.
Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work
We conduct risk assessments for our storage, handling and removal activities, including warehouse operations, packing and unpacking, loading and unloading vehicles, transport, and work at client locations. The findings of these assessments are used to implement practical control measures and safe systems of work. Procedures are reviewed periodically and whenever there are significant changes to processes, equipment, layout or legislation. Staff are made aware of relevant assessments and must follow the prescribed control measures at all times.
Training, Information and Supervision
All employees receive health and safety induction training, which covers workplace rules, emergency arrangements, reporting procedures and safe methods of working. Additional task specific training is provided for activities such as manual handling, use of lifting equipment, operation of mechanical handling aids and driving of vehicles. Refresher training is arranged where appropriate. Supervisors ensure that only competent and authorised staff carry out high risk activities and they monitor working practices to confirm that safety procedures are followed.
Manual Handling and Use of Equipment
Manual handling is a key element of storage and removal work. We aim to avoid hazardous lifting wherever reasonably practicable by using trolleys, dollies, pallet trucks, lifting straps and other handling aids. Where manual lifting cannot be avoided, tasks are assessed and controlled by methods such as team lifting, weight limits and good lifting techniques. Employees must not attempt to lift or move loads beyond their capability. All tools and equipment, including steps, ladders and restraints, are to be used only for their intended purpose and kept in good condition. Defective equipment must be withdrawn from use and reported immediately.
Vehicles, Driving and Road Safety
Our vehicles are maintained in a roadworthy condition with regular inspections and servicing. Drivers must hold the appropriate licences, carry out pre use checks and report any defects. Safe loading and unloading procedures are followed to prevent falls, shifting loads and vehicle movements causing harm. Routes and schedules are planned to reduce risks associated with time pressure and fatigue. While driving on public roads or on private property under our control, drivers and staff must comply with all relevant traffic rules and site instructions.
Housekeeping, Storage and Fire Safety
Good housekeeping is essential to prevent slips, trips, falls and other accidents. Aisles, walkways and fire exits must be kept clear of obstacles at all times. Goods are stacked securely and within safe height limits, with heavier items stored at lower levels where possible. Flammable or hazardous materials are stored and handled according to their specific requirements. Fire detection and fire fighting equipment is provided where needed and must not be obstructed or misused. Staff are instructed in fire evacuation procedures and must follow the directions of fire wardens during drills or real emergencies.
Welfare, Health and Wellbeing
Suitable welfare facilities, including rest areas and sanitary facilities, are provided and maintained in a clean condition. We recognise the importance of physical and mental wellbeing in a manual and service focused environment. Workloads and shift patterns are monitored to help prevent fatigue and stress. Employees are encouraged to raise any health or wellbeing concerns so that support or reasonable adjustments can be considered.
Incident Reporting and Investigation
All accidents, injuries, near misses and dangerous occurrences must be reported as soon as possible to a supervisor or manager. Records are kept of incidents and investigations are carried out to identify underlying causes and learn lessons. Appropriate remedial actions are implemented and communicated to staff. Where required by law, incidents are reported to the relevant enforcing authorities.
Consultation and Continuous Improvement
We consult with employees on health and safety matters and encourage suggestions for improving safety during storage and removal activities. Feedback from staff, customers, incident reports and inspections is used to refine our procedures and training. This policy and associated arrangements are reviewed at least annually, and sooner if there are significant changes in operations or legal requirements. The updated policy is communicated to all employees so that they remain aware of their responsibilities and the standards expected of them.
Policy Implementation
This Health and Safety policy applies to all activities carried out by Storage Custom House and by those working on our behalf. Compliance with this policy is a condition of employment and of any contractual arrangement with us. Everyone involved in our operations has a role to play in maintaining a safe and healthy environment for colleagues, customers and the wider public.
