Storage Eastcote Health and Safety Policy
Storage Eastcote is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for all employees, customers, contractors and visitors. This Health and Safety policy supports our wider removals and storage services by setting clear standards for safe working practices, risk management and continuous improvement.
Policy Aims and Scope
This policy applies to all activities carried out by Storage Eastcote, including office operations, warehousing, storage, loading and unloading, packing, handling of goods and any associated removal services. Our aim is to prevent injury and ill health, comply with relevant health and safety legislation, and promote a culture where safety is integral to our daily work.
Management at all levels is responsible for implementing this policy. All staff, whether permanent, temporary or agency, as well as contractors engaged in removal or storage work, are required to follow the procedures set out in this document.
Management Responsibilities
Senior management at Storage Eastcote will provide leadership on health and safety and ensure that sufficient resources are available to maintain safe operations. Responsibilities include:
Assessing risks arising from storage, lifting, carrying and transport activities and putting appropriate controls in place.
Ensuring that premises, vehicles, plant and equipment are maintained in a safe condition and inspected at suitable intervals.
Providing information, instruction, training and supervision so that staff can work safely and competently.
Reviewing this policy regularly to ensure that it remains effective and reflects changes in legislation, guidance or company activities.
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. Employees must:
Follow company procedures and safe systems of work for storage, packing, lifting and removals.
Use equipment, vehicles and personal protective equipment correctly and report any defects immediately.
Cooperate with management in the implementation and improvement of health and safety measures.
Report accidents, incidents, near misses and hazards so that corrective action can be taken.
Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work
Storage Eastcote carries out risk assessments for key activities, including manual handling of furniture and cartons, operation of handling equipment, stacking and storing goods, vehicle movements on site and at customer premises, and working in confined or restricted spaces during removals.
Based on these assessments, we develop safe systems of work and method statements. These instructions cover planning of jobs, load limits, team sizes, route planning for removal work, and restrictions on working at height or in unsafe conditions. Staff are required to follow these systems at all times and to seek guidance where a situation falls outside normal procedures.
Manual Handling and Safe Lifting
Manual handling is a significant part of storage and removal operations. To minimise the risk of injury, we:
Provide training on correct lifting techniques, team lifts and the use of handling aids such as trolleys and dollies.
Encourage staff to assess every lift before starting, considering the weight, shape and stability of the load, as well as the route and destination.
Limit individual lifting where possible and organise work so that heavy or awkward items are moved using mechanical assistance or by a suitably sized team.
Monitor manual handling practices and reinforce good technique during supervision and toolbox talks.
Use of Vehicles and Equipment
All vehicles and equipment used for storage and removals are selected and maintained to ensure safety and fitness for purpose. This includes vehicles for transport, lifting and handling equipment, storage racking, and tools used for dismantling and reassembly of furniture.
Only trained and authorised personnel may operate vehicles and powered equipment. Pre-use checks must be completed, and any defects reported so that equipment can be taken out of service if necessary. Loads must be secured properly to prevent movement during transit or storage.
Premises, Housekeeping and Fire Safety
We maintain our storage facilities and offices to provide safe access and egress for staff and customers. This includes well marked walkways, clear signage, non obstructed emergency exits, and appropriate lighting in storage areas, loading bays and external spaces.
Good housekeeping is essential to reduce slips, trips and falls. Aisles, stairways and fire routes must be kept clear of cartons, furniture, packing materials and waste. Spills must be cleaned promptly using appropriate materials.
Fire safety arrangements include suitable fire detection and firefighting equipment, clear evacuation procedures, and regular drills. Staff must familiarise themselves with escape routes, assembly points and the location of fire equipment at each site.
Hazardous Substances and Prohibited Items
Certain goods cannot be accepted for storage or removal due to safety risks. These include flammable, explosive, corrosive or otherwise hazardous materials, as well as items that may present a health risk. Customers are informed of prohibited items and must declare the contents of consignments.
Where cleaning products, fuels or maintenance substances are used on site, they are stored, handled and disposed of in accordance with their safety data information. Staff are trained in the safe use of such substances and provided with any necessary protective equipment.
Training, Information and Supervision
Storage Eastcote provides health and safety induction for new starters, refresher training at regular intervals, and specific instruction for tasks such as packing, lifting, racking use and vehicle loading. Training is supported by written procedures, signage and verbal briefings.
Supervisors monitor working practices on site and during removals work, correcting unsafe behaviour and ensuring that staff understand job requirements. Additional coaching is provided where needed, and lessons learned from incidents are shared with relevant teams.
Accident Reporting and Emergency Procedures
All accidents, injuries, near misses and dangerous occurrences must be reported to management as soon as possible. Details are recorded and investigated to identify root causes and implement corrective actions.
Emergency procedures cover fire, medical emergencies, vehicle incidents and other events that may affect the safety of staff or customers. Arrangements include first aid provision, clear communication during incidents and coordination with emergency services where required.
Consultation and Continuous Improvement
Storage Eastcote believes that effective health and safety management depends on open communication. We encourage staff to raise concerns, suggest improvements and participate in discussions on safe working practices. Where appropriate, we consult employees about changes that may affect their health and safety.
This policy is reviewed regularly and updated when necessary to reflect changes in law, guidance, technology or our operations. By working together, we aim to ensure that storage and removals services are delivered in a safe, responsible and professional manner.
