Health and Safety Policy for Storage South Croydon
This Health and Safety Policy sets out the principles and procedures followed by Storage South Croydon to protect the health, safety, and welfare of our employees, contractors, visitors, and customers. Our operations include storage, removals, handling, and transport of goods, and we are committed to managing risks associated with these activities in a systematic and responsible way.
Policy Statement and Objectives
Storage South Croydon is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment and to preventing injury, ill health, and damage to property. We will comply with all relevant health and safety legislation and recognised industry standards applicable to storage and removal services.
Our objectives are to identify and control risks, provide safe systems of work, maintain suitable equipment and premises, and ensure that all employees understand their responsibilities. Health and safety considerations form an integral part of our planning and decision-making for everyday operations, including removal services and storage activities.
Management Responsibilities
Senior management has overall responsibility for implementing and maintaining this Health and Safety Policy. This includes ensuring that appropriate resources, training, and supervision are provided and that safe working procedures are developed, implemented, and reviewed regularly.
Management will ensure that risk assessments are carried out for all significant hazards, including manual handling, vehicle movements, loading and unloading, working at height where applicable, and the storage of goods. Where risks cannot be eliminated, they will be reduced to as low as reasonably practicable through appropriate control measures.
Employee Responsibilities
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 acts or omissions at work. All staff must cooperate with the company in implementing this policy and must follow any safety instructions, procedures, and training provided.
Employees working in removal and storage roles must use equipment correctly, follow manual handling guidance, wear any required personal protective equipment, and report hazards, near misses, or incidents promptly to their supervisor or designated health and safety representative.
Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work
Storage South Croydon undertakes regular risk assessments covering all relevant aspects of removal, storage, and associated services. Findings from these assessments are used to create and update safe systems of work, method statements, and operating procedures.
Areas covered by risk assessments include manual handling of furniture and boxes, packing and unpacking, stacking and racking in storage areas, use of trolleys and lifting aids, and the movement of vehicles and pedestrians in loading and unloading zones. These assessments are reviewed periodically and whenever there are significant changes to our operations, equipment, or premises.
Manual Handling and Use of Equipment
Manual handling is a core element of our removal and storage services. To reduce the risk of injury, staff receive training in safe lifting techniques, team lifting, and the correct use of mechanical aids such as sack trucks, pallet trucks, and other handling equipment.
All equipment used for lifting, carrying, and securing loads is inspected and maintained in good working order. Defective equipment is removed from use immediately and reported. Staff are instructed not to exceed safe working loads and to use appropriate securing methods to prevent movement of goods in transit and in storage.
Workplace Environment and Housekeeping
We aim to maintain our premises, vehicles, and storage areas in a clean, orderly, and safe condition. Good housekeeping is essential to reduce slips, trips, and falls, and to provide clear access routes for staff and customers.
Walkways, stairs, loading bays, and storage aisles must be kept free from obstruction. Spills are to be cleaned up promptly and any damage to floors, fixtures, or storage systems must be reported and addressed without delay. Lighting, ventilation, and access to welfare facilities are maintained at appropriate levels to support a safe working environment.
Vehicle Safety and Transport Operations
Vehicles used for removals and transport are maintained in safe working order, with regular inspections and servicing. Drivers must hold appropriate licences, follow road safety rules, and comply with company procedures for loading, securing, and unloading goods.
Loading areas must be organised to minimise reversing and vehicle-pedestrian conflict. Where reversing is necessary, additional precautions such as use of guides or designated reversing areas may be implemented. Loads must be distributed and secured to prevent movement during transit and to maintain vehicle stability.
Training, Information, and Supervision
All employees receive appropriate health and safety training relevant to their role, including induction training for new starters and periodic refresher training. Removal and storage staff are trained in manual handling, correct use of equipment, safe driving and loading practices, and emergency procedures.
Health and safety information, including emergency arrangements and specific procedural guidance, is communicated clearly to employees and, where relevant, to contractors and visitors. Supervisors are responsible for monitoring compliance with safety procedures and providing additional guidance where necessary.
Accidents, Incidents, and Emergency Procedures
All accidents, incidents, and near misses must be reported and recorded. Where necessary, investigations will be carried out to identify causes and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence.
Emergency procedures are in place covering fire, evacuation, first aid, and other foreseeable situations. Staff are trained in these procedures and must familiarise themselves with escape routes, assembly points, and the location of firefighting and first aid equipment.
Consultation and Continuous Improvement
Storage South Croydon encourages open communication on health and safety matters. Where appropriate, employees are consulted on changes to working practices, equipment, or procedures that may affect their safety.
This Health and Safety Policy is reviewed regularly to ensure it remains effective and aligned with current legislation, industry guidelines, and the evolving needs of our storage and removal operations. We are committed to continual improvement in our health and safety performance and to promoting a positive safety culture throughout the business.
