Health and Safety Policy for Storage West Norwood
Storage West Norwood is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for all employees, contractors, customers and visitors. This Health and Safety policy sets out our approach to managing risks associated with storage operations, movement of goods, and removal services, and reflects our intention to continually improve our safety performance.
Our Health and Safety Objectives
We aim to prevent accidents, injuries and work-related ill health through proactive planning and control of our activities. Our objectives are to identify hazards, reduce risks so far as is reasonably practicable, provide safe systems of work, and maintain a clean, well-organised site for storage and removals operations. We will review our objectives regularly to ensure they remain suitable and are effectively implemented.
Management Responsibilities
Senior management at Storage West Norwood holds overall responsibility for health and safety. Management will ensure that appropriate resources are allocated for training, equipment, maintenance and risk management. They will provide clear leadership, set expectations, monitor performance, and review incidents and near misses to prevent recurrence. Managers will make sure that this policy is communicated, understood and applied across all areas of the business.
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 actions or omissions. Staff must follow all safety procedures, use equipment correctly, report hazards promptly, and cooperate with training and supervision. Employees must never misuse or interfere with any safety equipment or safeguards provided. Any concerns about unsafe conditions or practices must be reported to a supervisor without delay.
Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work
We carry out regular risk assessments covering storage facilities, access routes, loading and unloading areas, and removal operations. Significant risks are recorded and control measures are implemented, such as safe lifting techniques, the use of handling aids, restricted access to high-risk areas, and vehicle movement controls. Safe systems of work are developed for tasks such as stacking, packing, manual handling, operating lifting equipment, and working in loading bays.
Safe Storage and Handling of Goods
Storage West Norwood ensures that goods are stored safely to prevent falls, collapses and damage. Racking and shelving are installed and maintained to appropriate standards, and weight limits are clearly communicated. Items are stacked securely, with heavier objects at lower levels wherever possible. Handling procedures are designed to minimise manual lifting and reduce the risk of strains and other injuries. Customers and staff are required to follow guidance on the safe use of trolleys, dollies and other handling equipment.
Manual Handling and Removal Operations
Given the nature of removal and storage work, particular attention is paid to safe manual handling. Staff receive training in correct lifting techniques and the use of handling aids. Team lifting is used where loads cannot be safely managed by one person. Routes are planned to avoid unnecessary carrying, and floors, ramps and access points are kept as clear as possible. For removal operations, risks associated with moving furniture, appliances and personal belongings are assessed in advance to ensure adequate manpower, equipment and time are allocated.
Vehicles, Loading and Site Traffic
Where vehicles are used for transport and removals, Storage West Norwood requires that they are maintained in a safe condition and used only by authorised, competent drivers. Loading and unloading operations are planned to prevent falls from vehicles, crush injuries and other traffic-related incidents. Designated loading areas are used where possible, and vehicle movements are controlled to minimise interaction between vehicles and pedestrians. Staff and, when necessary, customers are given clear instructions on safe access to loading areas.
Customer and Visitor Safety
We are committed to ensuring that customers and visitors can use our storage facilities safely. Clear signage is provided for access routes, restricted areas, emergency exits and fire assembly points. Customers are required to follow site rules, including speed limits, no-smoking areas, safe use of lifts and stairways, and guidance on the size and weight of items they handle themselves. Where customers use shared loading equipment, instructions are provided to help them operate safely.
Training, Information and Supervision
All employees receive appropriate health and safety induction training when they start work and refresher training as required. This includes information on emergency procedures, safe storage practices, manual handling, use of personal protective equipment and reporting procedures. Additional training is provided for tasks such as operating lifting equipment or driving vehicles. Supervisors monitor working practices, provide guidance and correct unsafe behaviour promptly.
Work Equipment and Maintenance
We will ensure that all work equipment, including trolleys, pallet trucks, lifting aids and vehicles, is suitable for its intended use, properly maintained and used only by authorised personnel. Regular inspections are carried out and any defective equipment is taken out of service until repaired or replaced. Storage structures, such as racking, doors and access equipment, are also inspected to maintain their integrity and safety.
Fire Safety and Emergency Procedures
Storage West Norwood maintains fire safety measures appropriate to the nature of the premises and stored materials. Fire detection and, where applicable, suppression systems are installed and maintained. Fire exits are clearly marked, kept unobstructed and checked regularly. Emergency procedures are in place for fire, accidents and other incidents, and staff are trained to respond quickly and calmly. Evacuation drills are carried out where necessary to ensure familiarity with procedures.
Accident Reporting and Investigation
All accidents, incidents and near misses must be reported as soon as possible. Records are kept and investigations are carried out to identify underlying causes and implement corrective actions. Lessons learned are shared with relevant staff and may lead to updates in procedures, training or equipment. We encourage open reporting and do not tolerate retaliation against anyone who raises a genuine health and safety concern.
Monitoring, Review and Continuous Improvement
This Health and Safety policy is monitored on an ongoing basis and formally reviewed at regular intervals, or sooner if there are significant changes to our operations, sites or legal requirements. Storage West Norwood is committed to continuous improvement, using feedback from employees, customers, inspections and incident investigations to enhance safety standards and practices across all storage and removal activities.
