Storage Palmers Green Health and Safety Policy
This Health and Safety Policy sets out how Storage Palmers Green manages the safety and wellbeing of employees, customers, visitors, contractors and others who may be affected by our activities. Our work includes storage, handling, loading and unloading of goods and support for removal services, and we are committed to operating in a way that prevents injury, ill health and damage to property.
Our Health and Safety Commitment
Storage Palmers Green is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment and to continually improving our health and safety performance. We aim to identify and control risks associated with storage facilities, vehicle movements, manual handling and other aspects of our operations. Health and safety considerations will be integrated into planning, decision making and day-to-day activities across the business.
Legal and Regulatory Compliance
We will comply with all applicable health and safety laws, regulations and approved codes of practice relevant to our storage and removal related services. Where reasonably practicable, we will adopt standards and procedures that exceed minimum legal requirements in order to protect people and property.
Roles and Responsibilities
Overall responsibility for health and safety within Storage Palmers Green rests with the company management, who will ensure that suitable arrangements, resources and competent persons are in place. Managers and supervisors are responsible for implementing this policy in their areas of control, leading by example, and ensuring that staff follow safe systems of work.
Every employee has a duty to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions or omissions. Staff must cooperate with health and safety procedures, use equipment correctly, report hazards and incidents, and participate in any relevant training. Contractors and temporary workers engaged by Storage Palmers Green are expected to comply with this policy and our site rules at all times.
Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work
We carry out regular risk assessments to identify potential hazards in our storage facilities and related transport activities, including but not limited to manual handling, slips and trips, work at height, use of equipment, fire risks and vehicle movements. Appropriate control measures are implemented, monitored and reviewed to reduce risks so far as is reasonably practicable.
Safe systems of work will be developed and communicated for key activities such as handling and stacking goods, operating lifting aids, loading and unloading removal vehicles, securing loads, and managing access to storage units. Employees must follow these procedures at all times and must not undertake tasks for which they have not been trained or authorised.
Training, Information and Supervision
Storage Palmers Green will provide appropriate health and safety training and instruction to all employees, including induction training for new starters and role-specific training for those involved in higher risk activities such as manual handling and vehicle loading. Refresher training will be provided when necessary, including when procedures or equipment change.
Clear information on site rules, emergency procedures and safe working practices is made available to staff, customers and contractors. Adequate supervision will be maintained to ensure that procedures are followed and that unsafe behaviour or conditions are promptly addressed.
Manual Handling and Use of Equipment
The handling of furniture, boxes and other goods forms a significant part of our operations, particularly for removal-related services. We will minimise manual handling wherever practicable by using mechanical aids and planning loads sensibly. Where manual handling cannot be avoided, safe techniques must be used to reduce the risk of musculoskeletal injuries.
Only trained and authorised personnel may operate handling equipment and tools. All equipment will be maintained in good working order and inspected at suitable intervals. Defective or damaged equipment must be taken out of use immediately and reported to management.
Workplace Environment and Housekeeping
We will maintain our premises in a condition that is safe and without risks to health. This includes adequate lighting, ventilation and safe access routes throughout storage areas and loading zones. Floors and walkways must be kept clear of obstructions and spillages must be cleaned promptly to reduce the risk of slips and trips.
Good housekeeping is essential in storage and removal environments. Items must be stacked securely, aisles must be kept clear, and waste materials or discarded packaging should be regularly removed to designated collection areas. Staff are responsible for maintaining tidiness in the areas where they work.
Vehicles, Traffic and Loading Areas
Vehicle movements and loading operations present significant risks in a storage and removals setting. We will manage traffic flows on our premises to reduce the likelihood of collisions and injuries. Designated areas for loading and unloading will be clearly identified, and pedestrians must use safe routes and remain clear of moving vehicles.
Drivers and removal crews are required to follow all site rules, speed limits and instructions from staff responsible for traffic management. Loads must be distributed and secured safely before vehicles move off site.
Emergency Preparedness and First Aid
Storage Palmers Green will maintain emergency procedures for fire, evacuation, accidents and other foreseeable incidents. These procedures will be communicated to staff and, where appropriate, to customers and contractors using our facilities for storage or removal activities.
Suitable fire safety measures will be in place, including alarms, extinguishers and clearly marked escape routes. Regular checks will be carried out to ensure these measures remain effective. Adequate first aid provision will be maintained, and staff will be informed of the arrangements for obtaining first aid assistance.
Accident Reporting and Investigation
All accidents, incidents, near misses and hazardous conditions must be reported promptly to management. We will maintain records of such events, investigate underlying causes and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence.
Employees, contractors and customers are encouraged to raise any health and safety concerns without fear of reprisal. Constructive feedback is welcomed as part of our commitment to continual improvement.
Consultation and Continuous Improvement
Storage Palmers Green recognises that effective health and safety management requires cooperation and communication at all levels. We will consult with employees on matters affecting their health and safety and encourage active participation in identifying risks and solutions.
This policy and the associated procedures will be reviewed regularly and whenever significant changes occur in our operations, services or legislation. Revisions will be communicated to all relevant parties to ensure ongoing understanding and compliance.
By working together and following this policy, we aim to provide a secure environment for storage users, removal teams, staff and visitors, supporting safe and efficient handling of goods at all times.
