Storage Woodford Health and Safety Policy
This Health and Safety Policy sets out how Storage Woodford manages the safety and wellbeing of employees, contractors, customers and visitors across our storage and removal operations. Our aim is to provide a safe, healthy and well managed environment in which all work relating to removals, transport, loading, unloading and storage is carried out responsibly and professionally.
Our Health and Safety Objectives
Storage Woodford is committed to preventing accidents and work-related ill health, and to continually improving health and safety performance. We will ensure that health and safety is integrated into our daily decision making for removal services, storage operations and office activities. We seek to identify hazards early and manage risks so that injury, damage and disruption are minimised.
Management Responsibilities
The management team at Storage Woodford has overall responsibility for implementing this policy and maintaining effective health and safety arrangements. Management will provide clear leadership on safety matters, ensure that suitable resources are available, and review performance regularly. Managers will set and monitor safe systems of work for lifting, carrying, vehicle use, warehouse activities and on-site removal services.
Management will ensure that health and safety information is communicated clearly, that staff understand their responsibilities and that procedures remain appropriate for the scale and nature of our operations.
Employee Responsibilities
All employees share responsibility for maintaining a safe working environment. Every member of staff must:
Work in accordance with company procedures and training, particularly when lifting, carrying, using equipment or operating vehicles. Take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of colleagues, customers and visitors. Report hazards, defects, near misses and incidents promptly so that corrective actions can be taken. Use personal protective equipment provided, as instructed, and treat equipment and vehicles with care and respect.
No employee should attempt any task for which they have not been trained or that they believe cannot be carried out safely. Any concerns about safety must be raised with a manager without delay.
Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work
Storage Woodford conducts risk assessments for key activities including packing, loading, unloading, manual handling, vehicle use, storage operations and customer access to units. These assessments identify hazards, potential harm and the measures needed to control the risk.
Safe systems of work will be established based on these assessments. They may include specific procedures for moving large or heavy items, stacking and securing goods in vehicles and storage units, controlling traffic flows in yards and loading areas, and maintaining clear access routes. Risk assessments are reviewed regularly and after any significant change to processes, equipment or premises.
Manual Handling and Use of Equipment
Manual handling is a key part of removal and storage services. Storage Woodford provides training and guidance to staff on correct lifting techniques, use of trolleys and aids, team lifting and planning of moves to reduce strain and risk of injury. Wherever possible, mechanical aids will be used to minimise manual handling.
Equipment such as sack trucks, dollies, ramps, lifting straps and other devices must be inspected regularly and used only for their intended purpose. Defective equipment must be removed from service and reported immediately so that repair or replacement can be arranged.
Vehicles and Driving Safety
Storage Woodford is committed to safe operation of vehicles used in connection with removals and storage. Only authorised and competent drivers may operate company vehicles. Drivers must carry out basic pre-use checks, report defects and follow road safety rules at all times.
Loads must be packed and secured to prevent movement during transit. Access to loading areas will be managed to minimise reversing and vehicle movements near pedestrians. Where reversing is unavoidable, banksmen or additional controls will be used when necessary to maintain safety.
Site Safety and Housekeeping
Good housekeeping is essential for a safe storage and removals environment. Aisles, stairways, loading bays and fire exits must be kept clear of obstructions. Goods in storage units and warehouses must be stacked safely, with attention to stability, height and weight distribution.
Spillages, waste and packaging materials must be dealt with promptly to prevent slips, trips and falls. Lighting levels will be maintained so that work areas, corridors and external zones are adequately illuminated. Signage will be used where appropriate to indicate hazards, restricted areas and emergency routes.
Hazardous Substances and Prohibited Items
Storage Woodford will identify and manage any hazardous substances used on site, such as cleaning materials and fuels. These will be stored, handled and used in line with manufacturer guidance and relevant safety data. Staff will be informed of any special precautions required.
Certain goods may not be accepted for storage or transport, including items that are flammable, explosive, corrosive or otherwise hazardous. Customers will be informed of prohibited items, and any suspected dangerous goods will be handled in accordance with internal procedures to protect people and property.
Fire Safety and Emergency Procedures
Fire safety is a core element of our health and safety arrangements. Storage Woodford will maintain suitable fire detection and firefighting equipment appropriate to the premises and activities. Fire exits, routes and assembly points will be clearly marked and kept unobstructed.
Staff will receive basic fire safety instruction, including what to do if they discover a fire or hear an alarm, how to assist in evacuation, and where to assemble. Emergency procedures will also cover incidents such as accidents, dangerous occurrences and significant spillages. Drills and checks will be carried out periodically to keep arrangements effective.
Training, Information and Supervision
Storage Woodford will provide training relevant to each role, including induction for new starters, task-specific training for removals and storage work, and refresher instruction where necessary. Information on risks and controls will be made accessible and presented in a way that staff can understand and apply in practice.
Supervision levels will be set to reflect the competence of staff and the complexity of the work. New or inexperienced staff will be monitored closely until they demonstrate the required level of safe working.
Accident Reporting and Investigation
All accidents, injuries, near misses and dangerous situations must be reported without delay. Storage Woodford will record and, where required, investigate such events to establish causes and identify improvements. Lessons learned will be communicated to relevant staff and incorporated into updated procedures or training.
Accident records will be reviewed to highlight trends and to guide our programme of risk reduction and continuous improvement.
Consultation, Review and Continuous Improvement
Storage Woodford recognises the value of consulting with employees on health and safety matters. Staff are encouraged to make suggestions for improvements and to raise concerns. Reasonable proposals to enhance safety will be considered carefully and, where appropriate, implemented.
This Health and Safety Policy will be reviewed regularly, and also following any significant changes in our operations or relevant legislation. Updates will be communicated to all employees so that everyone is aware of current arrangements and expectations. By working together and maintaining a strong safety culture, Storage Woodford aims to ensure that our removal and storage services are delivered in a safe, reliable and responsible manner for all.
