Storage White City Health and Safety Policy
Storage White City is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for employees, customers, contractors and visitors. This Health and Safety Policy sets out our approach to managing risks associated with storage, handling, removals and related activities carried out on our premises and at customer locations.
Policy Statement and Objectives
Our objective is to prevent accidents, injuries and work-related ill health by identifying hazards, assessing risks and implementing appropriate control measures. We aim to continually improve our health and safety performance and to integrate safety considerations into everyday decision-making, especially in relation to lifting, loading, transport and storage of goods.
Legal and Regulatory Compliance
Storage White City will comply with all applicable health and safety legislation, regulations and approved codes of practice relevant to storage facilities, warehousing and removals operations. We will monitor changes in law and recognised guidance and update our arrangements as necessary to remain compliant and to reflect industry best practice.
Management Responsibilities
Senior management has overall responsibility for implementing this policy and providing adequate resources to maintain safe working conditions. Managers are responsible for ensuring that risk assessments are completed, that safe systems of work are developed and followed, and that staff are competent to carry out their duties safely.
Management will ensure that equipment and vehicles used for removals, handling and storage are suitable for their tasks, maintained in safe working order and checked at appropriate intervals. Any defects or concerns raised by employees, contractors or customers will be investigated promptly and corrective actions taken.
Employee Responsibilities
All employees share responsibility for their own safety and the safety of others who may be affected by their actions. Employees must:
Follow all safety instructions, training and safe systems of work, particularly when lifting, carrying, loading vehicles, operating handling equipment or working in storage areas.
Use personal protective equipment provided for tasks such as manual handling, working in confined storage spaces or handling fragile or heavy items.
Report hazards, unsafe conditions, near misses and incidents without delay so that corrective measures can be taken.
Not misuse or interfere with any safety equipment, guarding, fire protection or emergency systems.
Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work
We will carry out regular risk assessments for key activities, including but not limited to loading and unloading vehicles, moving goods in and out of storage units, stacking and racking, driving on site, and working at customer premises. These assessments will identify hazards and set out practical control measures and procedures.
Safe systems of work will be communicated to all relevant staff and, where appropriate, to contractors. These will cover matters such as lifting techniques, use of trolleys and handling aids, maximum stacking heights, vehicle access routes, reversing and parking rules, and safe access to storage units.
Manual Handling and Removals Safety
Manual handling is a significant part of storage and removal operations. To reduce the risk of strain injuries and accidents, Storage White City will:
Provide training on correct lifting and carrying techniques, team lifting and task planning.
Encourage the use of handling equipment and aids whenever reasonably practicable.
Assess individual moves and items for weight, shape and condition before handling.
Avoid unnecessary carrying by planning routes and loading patterns efficiently.
Vehicle and Traffic Management
Where vehicles operate on or near our premises, we will implement sensible traffic management arrangements. These may include designated loading areas, clear signage, speed limits, one-way systems where feasible and separation of vehicles and pedestrians. Drivers and staff involved in removals must follow these rules at all times and remain alert to changing site conditions.
Workplace and Storage Area Safety
We will maintain storage units, corridors, loading bays and office areas in a clean, orderly condition. Access routes and emergency exits must be kept clear of obstructions. Lighting will be adequate for safe movement and for loading and unloading operations. Racking, shelving and storage systems will be installed and used in line with manufacturer guidance and safety limits.
Fire Safety and Emergency Preparedness
Storage White City will take appropriate measures to reduce fire risks, including control of ignition sources and housekeeping standards. Fire detection and alarm systems, as appropriate to the premises, will be maintained and checked. Clear information on evacuation procedures will be provided, and fire exits will be kept accessible at all times.
Staff will be informed of emergency procedures, including what to do in the event of fire, structural damage, leaks, or other incidents that could affect stored goods or personal safety. Drills and refresher briefings will be carried out periodically.
Training, Information and Supervision
All employees will receive suitable induction training, including an introduction to this policy, site rules and key hazards associated with their roles. Additional task-specific training will be provided where needed, for example for handling fragile items, operating handling aids or working in restricted spaces.
Supervisors will monitor working practices to ensure that training is understood and applied. Where shortcomings are identified, we will provide further guidance and, where necessary, adjust procedures.
Contractors, Visitors and Customers
Contractors working on our premises must follow our safety rules and cooperate with our risk control measures. We will provide them with relevant safety information and require them to work safely and competently.
Visitors and customers will be informed of any rules that apply while they are on site, including areas that are off limits, safe routes and any restrictions on access to loading or storage zones. Staff will provide guidance where customers handle their own goods in or out of storage.
Incident Reporting and Investigation
All accidents, near misses and dangerous occurrences must be reported as soon as possible. We will investigate such events to identify causes and implement measures to prevent recurrence. Records of incidents and remedial actions will be maintained and reviewed as part of our safety management processes.
Monitoring, Review and Continuous Improvement
Storage White City will regularly review this Health and Safety Policy, our risk assessments and our working practices. We will consider incident trends, staff feedback, changes to operations and legal developments when updating our arrangements. Our aim is to continually improve the safety and wellbeing of everyone involved in our storage and removals activities.
Policy Availability
This policy is available to employees, contractors, customers and visitors on request and is displayed or made accessible at relevant points within our premises. All staff are expected to familiarise themselves with its contents and to uphold the standards set out within it.
