Health and Safety Policy for Storage Arnos Grove
Storage Arnos Grove is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for employees, contractors, visitors and customers. This Health and Safety policy sets out the principles and arrangements we follow in our storage facilities and during removal and handling services. Our objective is to prevent injury, ill health, property damage and unsafe practices in all operations.
Policy Statement and Objectives
We recognise health and safety as a core management responsibility and an integral part of our storage and removal activities. Our primary objectives are to identify and control risks, promote safe behaviour, and ensure compliance with applicable health and safety requirements. We aim to continually improve our standards through regular review, consultation and training.
Management Responsibilities
Company management holds overall responsibility for implementing and maintaining this policy. This includes ensuring that adequate resources, information and supervision are provided to manage risks effectively in storage areas, loading zones and during removal services.
Management will ensure that health and safety considerations are built into planning for all tasks, including manual handling, vehicle loading, use of trolleys and handling equipment, and the storage of goods. Managers will review performance regularly and take corrective action where necessary.
Employee Responsibilities
Every employee has a responsibility to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions or omissions. Employees must follow all safety instructions, use equipment correctly, report hazards or incidents promptly, and cooperate with any health and safety initiatives or investigations.
Employees must never intentionally misuse or interfere with any safety equipment or systems provided for their protection or for the protection of others.
Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work
Structured risk assessments will be carried out for all significant activities, including storage operations, lifting and moving items, operating handling equipment, and conducting removal services at customer sites. These assessments will identify hazards, evaluate risks, and set out appropriate control measures.
Based on these assessments, safe systems of work will be developed, implemented and communicated to all staff. These may include procedures for stacking and racking, securing loads, using ramps, and working in shared access areas with vehicles and pedestrians.
Manual Handling and Lifting
Manual handling is a key part of our operations. To minimise the risk of injury, manual handling tasks will be planned and, where reasonably practicable, mechanical aids such as trolleys and dollies will be used. Loads must be assessed before lifting to ensure they are stable, within a safe weight and capable of being moved without undue strain.
Employees will be trained in safe lifting techniques, including correct posture, use of team lifts for heavy or awkward items, and the importance of avoiding sudden or twisted movements. Where manual handling presents a significant risk, alternative methods will be considered.
Use of Equipment and Vehicles
All work equipment and vehicles used in storage areas and removal operations must be suitable for their intended purpose and maintained in a safe condition. Only trained and authorised personnel may operate relevant equipment, such as lifting devices, pallet trucks or company vehicles.
Pre-use checks will be carried out where appropriate, and any defects or concerns must be reported immediately. Equipment that is damaged or unsafe must be taken out of service until it is repaired or replaced.
Storage, Housekeeping and Fire Safety
Storage areas must be kept organised and tidy to prevent slips, trips and falls. Goods must be stored securely, with heavier items placed at lower levels where possible and aisles kept clear. Unsafe stacking, overloading of shelves, or blocking access routes is not permitted.
Fire safety is a priority. Exits, escape routes and fire safety equipment must remain unobstructed at all times. Combustible materials should be stored safely, and ignition sources controlled. Employees must familiarise themselves with emergency procedures, including evacuation routes and assembly points.
Hazardous Substances and Restricted Items
Where hazardous substances are present, they will be managed in line with relevant safety data and control measures. Staff must follow designated procedures for handling, storing and, where necessary, disposing of such materials.
Certain items may be restricted or prohibited from storage or removal where they present an unacceptable risk. Customers will be informed of these restrictions, and employees must refuse to handle items that breach safety rules.
Training, Information and Supervision
All employees will receive appropriate health and safety training relevant to their role. This covers site rules, manual handling, use of equipment, emergency procedures and any specific risks associated with storage and removal activities. Refresher training will be provided when necessary, including when tasks or procedures change.
Supervisors are responsible for monitoring that safe working practices are followed, providing guidance where needed, and addressing unsafe behaviour promptly and constructively.
Incident Reporting and Investigation
All accidents, near misses, damage and unsafe conditions must be reported as soon as possible. Reports will be recorded and investigated to determine root causes and identify improvements. Lessons learned from incidents will be shared with staff, and control measures will be updated when required.
Employees are encouraged to raise safety concerns without fear of blame where they act in good faith. Open reporting is essential to improving our health and safety performance.
Consultation and Continuous Improvement
Storage Arnos Grove is committed to consulting with employees on health and safety matters. Feedback from staff, customers and contractors will be considered when reviewing risk controls and working practices, including those used during removal and transport services.
This policy will be reviewed periodically, and whenever there are significant changes to our operations or relevant guidance. Updated versions will be communicated to all employees to ensure ongoing awareness and compliance.
