Storage Bexley Health and Safety Policy
Storage Bexley is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for employees, contractors, visitors and customers. This Health and Safety Policy sets out our approach to managing risks associated with storage operations, handling of goods and related removal services. Our aim is to prevent injury, protect health and ensure that all activities are carried out safely and responsibly.
Policy Intent and Scope
This policy applies to all Storage Bexley locations and to everyone working for or on behalf of Storage Bexley, including permanent and temporary staff, subcontractors and agency workers. It also applies to customers and visitors while they are on our premises or interacting with our teams in connection with storage, loading, unloading and moving of goods.
Health and safety is an integral part of how we operate. Management will provide appropriate resources, guidance and supervision so that safe systems of work are in place for storage, removals and related services.
Legal Compliance and Continuous Improvement
Storage Bexley will comply with applicable health and safety legislation and recognised industry standards for manual handling, lifting operations, use of vehicles, storage of goods and workplace welfare. We will review and update this policy periodically, and whenever there are significant changes to our activities, working methods, or legal requirements.
We are committed to continuous improvement, learning from incidents, near misses, customer feedback and staff suggestions to strengthen our safety culture and performance.
Responsibilities
Ultimate responsibility for health and safety rests with the senior management of Storage Bexley. Management is responsible for setting objectives, providing adequate resources and ensuring that suitable arrangements are in place for safe work and emergency response.
Managers and supervisors must implement this policy within their areas, ensure that risk assessments and safe systems of work are followed, and that employees receive appropriate training, instructions and supervision. They must also investigate accidents, near misses and hazards, and take corrective action where needed.
All employees, contractors and agency workers have a duty to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions. They must follow company procedures, use equipment correctly, report hazards or unsafe conditions and participate in training and safety briefings.
Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work
Storage Bexley will identify, assess and manage risks arising from our activities, including storage, packing, loading, unloading, driving, operating equipment and handling customer property.
We will carry out and maintain written risk assessments where appropriate, including for manual handling tasks, use of trolleys and lifting aids, stacking and racking, working within storage units, vehicle movements and access routes. Control measures will be implemented to eliminate risks where reasonably practicable, or to reduce them to an acceptable level.
Safe systems of work will be established and communicated clearly to all staff, covering topics such as safe lifting techniques, securing loads, vehicle checks, use of personal protective equipment, housekeeping and safe access to storage areas.
Manual Handling and Use of Equipment
The nature of storage and removal services involves frequent manual handling of items of varying size and weight. Storage Bexley will minimise hazardous manual handling by planning tasks, using mechanical aids where possible and encouraging team lifting for heavier or awkward loads.
Staff will receive appropriate manual handling training and will be instructed never to attempt to lift or move items that are beyond their capability, or to take shortcuts that compromise safety. Handling equipment such as sack trucks, pallet trucks and trolleys will be maintained in safe condition and used only by trained personnel.
Where lifting equipment or vehicles with lifting features are used, they will be inspected regularly, used in accordance with instructions and operated only by competent individuals.
Vehicles, Driving and Traffic Management
Storage Bexley will ensure that vehicles used for the transport and removal of goods are maintained in a roadworthy condition and are suitable for the work undertaken. Drivers must hold the correct licences, follow road traffic laws and adhere to company rules on loading, unloading and securing items.
On and around our sites, we will manage vehicle and pedestrian movements to reduce the risk of collisions and injuries. This may include designated loading bays, marked walkways, speed limits, reversing controls and clear signage. Drivers and staff must follow these arrangements at all times.
Workplace Environment and Welfare
We will provide and maintain workplaces that are clean, tidy and well lit, with safe access and egress routes. Storage units, corridors, stairways and loading areas must be kept free from obstructions and tripping hazards.
Appropriate welfare facilities, including toilets, washing facilities, drinking water and rest areas, will be provided and maintained. Where temperature, ventilation or lighting may affect staff or visitors, reasonable measures will be taken to ensure comfort and safety.
Personal Protective Equipment
Where risks cannot be fully controlled by other means, Storage Bexley will provide suitable personal protective equipment, for example gloves, safety footwear or high visibility clothing, depending on the task. Staff must use the equipment provided, keep it in good condition and report any defects or losses without delay.
Training, Information and Supervision
All individuals working for Storage Bexley will receive appropriate induction and ongoing training relevant to their role, including health and safety responsibilities, manual handling, emergency procedures and safe use of tools and equipment.
Instructions and guidance will be provided in clear language, and supervision will be proportionate to the level of risk and the competence of the individuals involved. Refresher training will be given where necessary, particularly when new equipment or procedures are introduced.
Accidents, Incidents and Emergency Procedures
Storage Bexley will maintain procedures for reporting, recording and investigating accidents, incidents, near misses and cases of work-related ill health. The purpose of investigation is to identify causes and prevent recurrence, not to apportion blame.
Emergency procedures will be in place for fire, serious accidents and other foreseeable events. These will include clear evacuation routes, assembly points, alarm systems and designated persons responsible for coordinating the response. Staff and, where appropriate, customers will be informed of these procedures.
Consultation and Communication
We recognise that effective health and safety management benefits from the involvement of those who do the work. Storage Bexley will consult with employees and representatives on health and safety matters, including when introducing new processes, equipment or working practices.
Information on safety performance, changes to procedures and lessons learned from incidents will be communicated to staff. We encourage everyone to raise any concerns or suggestions that may improve safety, without fear of criticism.
Policy Review
This Health and Safety Policy will be reviewed at regular intervals and revised where necessary to reflect changes in our operations, staffing, technology or legal requirements. Updated versions will be communicated to staff, contractors and other relevant parties to ensure ongoing understanding and compliance.
By working together and following this policy, Storage Bexley aims to maintain safe conditions for storage, removals and associated services, protecting people, property and the wider community.
