Health and Safety Policy for Storage Old Oak Common
This Health and Safety Policy sets out the principles and arrangements that guide how Storage Old Oak Common manages risks across all storage and removal activities. The purpose of this policy is to protect employees, contractors, visitors and customers from harm, and to provide a safe, well managed environment for the handling, moving and storage of goods.
Policy Statement
Storage Old Oak Common is committed to providing and maintaining safe and healthy working conditions, equipment and systems of work. Health and safety considerations form an integral part of planning and day-to-day decision making for all storage and removal operations. We aim to prevent accidents, work-related ill health and damage to property, and to continually improve our performance by reviewing and refining our practices.
All persons working at or visiting our premises are expected to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions or omissions.
Responsibilities
Overall responsibility for health and safety rests with senior management, who ensure that adequate resources, information and supervision are provided. Management is responsible for implementing this policy, setting clear objectives and monitoring performance.
Supervisors are responsible for ensuring that safe systems of work are followed on site, that staff receive appropriate training and that any hazards, incidents or near misses are reported and addressed promptly.
Employees are required to cooperate fully with health and safety arrangements, follow instructions and training, use equipment correctly, report hazards and refrain from any behaviour that may compromise safety. Contractors and visiting drivers must comply with site rules and work in a manner that is safe for themselves and others.
Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work
We undertake regular risk assessments covering all key activities, including goods handling, lifting and carrying, loading and unloading vehicles, storage of items, vehicle and pedestrian movements, use of equipment and working at height where applicable.
Findings from risk assessments are used to establish and maintain safe systems of work. These systems are communicated to staff through training, briefings and written guidance. Tasks must not be carried out unless appropriate controls, such as mechanical aids, personal protective equipment or segregation of traffic routes, are in place and understood.
Manual Handling and Removals Activities
As a storage and removals focused operation, particular emphasis is placed on manual handling. We aim to minimise the need for heavy lifting by using trolleys, sack trucks, pallet trucks and other mechanical aids wherever possible. Where manual handling cannot be avoided, loads should be assessed for weight, shape and stability before being lifted or moved.
Employees involved in removals, loading or unloading are trained in correct lifting techniques and team lifting where required. Awkward, bulky or heavy items must not be handled by a single person. Routes should be cleared of obstructions before moving goods, and doors or access points checked to ensure sufficient clearance.
Vehicles, Traffic Management and Deliveries
Vehicle movements present a significant risk in storage and removal environments. We manage this risk through clear traffic routes, designated loading and unloading areas and, where reasonably practicable, separation of vehicles and pedestrians.
Speed limits and site rules must be observed at all times. Reversing should be minimised and, when necessary, a banksman or suitably trained colleague should assist. Vehicles must be parked only in designated areas and engines switched off when loading or unloading is complete.
Premises, Storage Areas and Housekeeping
The premises, including access roads, storage units, loading bays and offices, are maintained in a safe condition. Floors and access routes must be kept free of obstructions and spillages, with adequate lighting provided throughout. Fire exits, escape routes, emergency equipment and alarm points must be kept clear at all times.
Goods must be stacked and stored safely, with heavier items placed at lower levels and stacks kept stable to prevent collapse. Racking and shelving must not be overloaded, and any damage or defects reported immediately. Good housekeeping is essential to preventing slips, trips, falls and other incidents.
Work Equipment and Personal Protective Equipment
All work equipment, including trolleys, pallet trucks, ladders and any lifting equipment, must be suitable for the task, maintained in good working order and used only by those who have been authorised and trained. Pre-use checks should be carried out, and any defects reported and the equipment taken out of service until repaired.
Where personal protective equipment is required, such as safety footwear, gloves or high-visibility clothing, it will be provided and must be worn as instructed. Employees are responsible for looking after issued equipment and reporting any loss or damage.
Fire Safety and Emergency Procedures
We maintain appropriate fire detection and firefighting equipment and ensure that escape routes and exits are clearly marked and unobstructed. Staff receive guidance on what to do in the event of fire or other emergencies, including raising the alarm, evacuation procedures and assembly points.
Fire drills are carried out periodically to ensure that everyone on site is familiar with emergency arrangements. All persons on the premises must follow the instructions of staff during an evacuation.
Accident Reporting and Investigation
All accidents, incidents, near misses and hazardous occurrences on site, however minor, must be reported to management as soon as possible. Accurate records are kept to help identify trends and prevent recurrence. Where necessary, incidents are investigated to determine root causes and to implement corrective actions.
Staff are encouraged to report hazards and make suggestions for improving health and safety arrangements. Openness and early reporting help us maintain a safe working environment for everyone.
Training, Information and Supervision
Storage Old Oak Common provides relevant health and safety training appropriate to each role, including inductions for new starters, manual handling guidance for removals staff, safe use of equipment and instruction on emergency procedures. Refresher training is provided when needed or when activities or equipment change.
Information on health and safety matters is communicated through briefings, notices and ongoing supervision. Supervisors monitor working practices, correct unsafe behaviour and provide practical support to ensure that procedures are followed.
Review of Policy
This Health and Safety Policy is reviewed regularly, and whenever there are significant changes to operations, legislation or best practice. Updated versions will be communicated to employees and made available to customers, contractors and visitors on request.
By implementing this policy and working together, Storage Old Oak Common aims to provide safe, efficient and reliable storage and removal services while safeguarding the wellbeing of everyone who uses or works within our facilities.
