Storage Earls Court Health and Safety Policy
Storage Earls Court is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for employees, contractors, customers and visitors. This Health and Safety Policy sets out our approach to managing risks associated with our storage facilities and removal operations, including handling, transporting and storing customers belongings. We aim to prevent injury, protect property and reduce any adverse impact on the surrounding environment.
Policy Aims and Objectives
Our primary aim is to achieve high standards of health and safety performance throughout all storage and removal activities. We will do this by identifying hazards, assessing risks and implementing effective control measures. We are committed to continual improvement in health and safety and to complying with all relevant legislation, regulations and approved codes of practice that apply to our operations.
Management Responsibilities
Senior management at Storage Earls Court has overall responsibility for health and safety. This includes establishing and maintaining safe systems of work, providing adequate resources to implement this policy and ensuring that health and safety is considered in all planning and decision making.
Managers and supervisors are responsible for day to day implementation of this policy in storage units, loading areas, offices and during removal services. They must ensure that staff are properly trained, that equipment is maintained, that work areas are kept safe and that any incidents or near misses are reported and investigated.
Employee Responsibilities
All employees have 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. Staff must follow safety procedures, attend required training, use equipment correctly and report any hazards, defects, accidents or unsafe practices to management without delay.
Employees must cooperate with Storage Earls Court to enable the company to comply with legal and policy requirements. This includes following instructions on manual handling, vehicle use, storage practices and personal protective equipment where required.
Health and Safety in Storage Facilities
We will keep storage areas, corridors, stairwells and loading bays clear of obstructions to reduce trip, slip and collision risks. Items stored for customers will be stacked and secured safely to prevent falls and instability. Maximum load limits for shelving, lifts and handling equipment will be respected at all times.
Lighting, ventilation and access routes will be maintained to a safe standard to allow staff, customers and contractors to move safely within the premises. Fire exits and emergency routes will be clearly marked and kept unobstructed.
Safe Handling and Removal Operations
Our removal services involve the loading, unloading and transportation of customer goods. To manage risks associated with these activities, Storage Earls Court will implement safe working procedures for manual handling, use of trolleys, lifts, ramps and vehicles.
Staff will receive training on lifting techniques, team handling and the use of handling aids to minimise the risk of musculoskeletal injuries. Where heavy or awkward items are involved, appropriate planning, assessment and equipment will be used. Drivers and removal teams must comply with road safety requirements and company protocols for vehicle loading, securing of loads and route planning.
Risk Assessment and Control Measures
We will identify and assess significant risks relating to our storage and removal activities. This includes risks associated with manual handling, slips and trips, working at height where applicable, fire, vehicle movements, lone working and interaction with customers and contractors.
Control measures will be introduced to eliminate risks where possible or reduce them to an acceptable level. These measures may include physical safeguards, safety signage, safe systems of work, training, supervision and emergency procedures. Risk assessments will be reviewed regularly and following any significant change to operations or incidents.
Equipment, Vehicles and Maintenance
Storage Earls Court will provide and maintain equipment and vehicles that are safe and suitable for the tasks required. This includes trolleys, pallet trucks, lifting aids and company vehicles used for removals and transport.
Equipment and vehicles will be inspected at appropriate intervals, and any defects will be reported and rectified promptly. Items that present an immediate risk will be taken out of service until safety can be assured.
Training, Information and Supervision
We will ensure that all staff receive appropriate health and safety training for their roles. This includes induction training, safe use of equipment, manual handling, fire safety, incident reporting and any specialist training required for removal and transport duties.
Supervisors will monitor working practices to confirm that procedures are followed and that standards remain high. Additional guidance or refresher training will be provided where required.
Fire Safety and Emergency Procedures
Storage Earls Court will maintain fire detection and alarm systems appropriate to the premises and ensure that extinguishers and emergency equipment are regularly checked. Clear instructions on fire evacuation procedures will be made available to employees and, where relevant, to customers and visitors.
Regular fire drills and emergency practice exercises will be carried out to confirm that staff understand their roles and can respond promptly in an emergency. Any deficiencies identified during drills or incidents will be addressed without delay.
Accident Reporting and Investigation
All accidents, incidents, injuries and near misses occurring on our premises or during removal operations must be reported in accordance with company procedures. Records will be kept to help identify trends and areas for improvement.
Management will investigate incidents to determine root causes and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence. Where legally required, relevant authorities will be notified in line with applicable regulations.
Health, Welfare and Wellbeing
We will provide basic welfare facilities, including access to toilets, hand washing facilities and drinking water for staff and, where appropriate, for contractors and customers using our services. Working arrangements will take account of the physical demands of storage and removal work, including breaks and workload planning.
We recognise that health and safety includes both physical and mental wellbeing. Management will encourage open communication so that employees can raise concerns about work related stress, fatigue or any health issues that may impact safety.
Contractors, Visitors and Customers
Contractors working on our premises must follow Storage Earls Court safety rules and provide evidence of their own health and safety arrangements where appropriate. Visitors and customers will be given clear guidance on safe conduct within storage areas, loading zones and reception areas.
Access to operational zones, including active loading and unloading areas, may be restricted to authorised personnel only to reduce risks to the public and ensure controlled working environments.
Monitoring, Review and Continuous Improvement
This Health and Safety Policy will be monitored and reviewed regularly to ensure it remains effective and relevant to our storage and removal operations. Reviews will take into account changes in legislation, technology, company activities and feedback from employees and other stakeholders.
Storage Earls Court is committed to continuous improvement in health and safety performance and will update procedures, training and control measures as necessary to protect everyone who works with or visits our facilities and uses our services.
