Health and Safety Policy for Storage Isleworth
Storage Isleworth is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for all employees, contractors, visitors and customers using our storage and removal services. Our objective is to prevent injury, protect health, and safeguard property through effective planning, risk management and ongoing improvement.
Policy Statement
Storage Isleworth will manage its activities so as to avoid risks to the health, safety and welfare of people and to minimise the potential for damage to equipment, customer property and the environment. We will comply with applicable health and safety laws and recognised industry standards relating to removals, storage, transport and manual handling.
Health and safety is an integral part of our operational planning and decision making. We expect everyone working with or for Storage Isleworth to take personal responsibility for following this policy and for reporting any concerns.
Responsibilities
Management Responsibilities
Senior management at Storage Isleworth has overall responsibility for implementing and reviewing this Health and Safety policy. Management will:
Ensure that appropriate resources are made available for health and safety, including training, equipment, supervision and maintenance.
Identify significant risks associated with removals, storage facilities, transport operations and customer interaction, and put in place suitable control measures.
Provide and maintain safe storage areas, loading bays, access routes and work equipment.
Communicate health and safety information clearly to employees, contractors and visitors.
Monitor performance, investigate incidents and take corrective action where necessary.
Employee Responsibilities
Every employee has a duty to protect their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their work. Employees must:
Follow all safety instructions, procedures and training provided by Storage Isleworth.
Use equipment, vehicles, tools and personal protective equipment correctly and report any defects immediately.
Adopt safe manual handling techniques when lifting, carrying or moving items for storage or removal.
Report accidents, near misses, hazards or unsafe conditions to their supervisor as soon as possible.
Cooperate fully with any investigation, training, risk assessment or monitoring activities.
Customer and Visitor Responsibilities
Customers and visitors are required to follow site rules, safety signage and instructions given by Storage Isleworth staff. Children and vulnerable persons must be supervised at all times while on our premises.
Risk Assessment and Control
Storage Isleworth will carry out regular risk assessments for all key activities, including loading and unloading, storage arrangements, access to units, vehicle movements and any associated office functions. These assessments will be reviewed periodically and whenever there are changes in working practices, equipment or layout.
Control measures may include physical safeguards, safe systems of work, training, supervision, personal protective equipment and clear housekeeping standards. We will prioritise eliminating risks where practicable and reducing remaining risks to an acceptable level.
Safe Handling, Lifting and Storage
Because removals and storage operations involve frequent manual handling, Storage Isleworth places particular focus on safe lifting and carrying. Employees will receive appropriate training in handling techniques, use of lifting aids and team lifting methods.
Where possible, mechanical aids such as sack trucks, trolleys and lifting equipment must be used to reduce strain and avoid injury. Loads must be assessed for weight, size, stability and ease of grip before movement. Items must be stacked safely within storage areas, taking into account weight limits, stability and access requirements.
Hazardous, flammable or prohibited items must not be stored or handled unless specifically authorised and subject to appropriate controls. Customers are informed of restrictions and are responsible for complying with these requirements.
Vehicle and Transport Safety
Storage Isleworth will ensure that vehicles used for removals and related activities are properly maintained, regularly inspected and suitable for the tasks undertaken. Drivers must hold the appropriate licence and receive relevant training in safe driving, loading, securing loads and reversing procedures.
Loading and unloading operations must be planned and supervised to minimise risks from moving vehicles, slips and trips, and falling loads. Access routes and loading bays are to be kept clear, well lit and organised to prevent congestion and confusion.
Site Safety and Housekeeping
All areas of Storage Isleworth premises must be kept in a clean and orderly condition. A tidy workplace reduces the risk of slips, trips, falls and damage to goods. Aisles, stairways, fire exits and emergency routes must remain unobstructed at all times.
Where necessary, signage will be used to identify hazards, restricted areas and emergency facilities. Waste materials and unwanted items must be disposed of safely and promptly. Any spillage or breakage must be reported and dealt with in line with site procedures.
Emergency Procedures
Storage Isleworth has emergency arrangements for fire, medical incidents and other significant events. Employees will be informed of evacuation procedures, assembly points and the location of emergency equipment such as alarms and extinguishers.
All people on site must follow instructions from staff during any emergency. Fire exits must never be blocked, locked or otherwise obstructed. Regular checks of alarms, lighting and emergency routes will be carried out to maintain readiness.
Training, Information and Supervision
Storage Isleworth will provide appropriate induction and ongoing training so that employees understand the hazards associated with their work and the measures in place to control them. Training may cover manual handling, equipment use, site rules, vehicle operations, emergency response and personal security.
Supervisors are responsible for ensuring that staff are competent for the tasks they perform and that safe systems of work are followed in practice. Records of training and competency will be kept and reviewed as part of our safety management arrangements.
Monitoring, Reporting and Continuous Improvement
We are committed to continual improvement in health and safety performance. Storage Isleworth monitors incidents, near misses, customer feedback and inspection findings to identify trends and areas for improvement.
Employees are encouraged to raise concerns and make suggestions for safer ways of working. Reports of hazards or incidents will be investigated and, where necessary, lead to changes in equipment, procedures or training. This policy will be reviewed regularly to ensure it remains effective and aligned with best practice for storage and removal operations.
Policy Review and Communication
This Health and Safety policy is communicated to all employees and is available to customers and contractors on request. It will be reviewed periodically, and whenever significant changes occur in our operations or legal requirements, to ensure that it continues to provide clear and practical guidance for maintaining a safe environment at Storage Isleworth.
