Storage Northwood Health and Safety Policy
Storage Northwood 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 identifying, managing, and reducing risks associated with storage facilities and removal services. Our objective is to prevent injuries, protect property, and maintain a culture where safety is a shared responsibility.
Policy Aims and Scope
This policy applies to all Storage Northwood activities, including storage operations, removals, packing, loading, unloading, and handling of goods on site and at customer premises. It covers permanent and temporary staff, subcontractors, and any person who may be affected by our work. We aim to comply with all applicable health and safety legislation and recognised best practice in the storage and removals sector.
Management Responsibilities
Senior management is responsible for establishing, implementing, and reviewing this Health and Safety Policy. They ensure that adequate resources, equipment, and training are provided, and that health and safety considerations are factored into operational decisions. Management will regularly review risk assessments, accident reports, and near misses to identify trends and implement improvements.
Managers and supervisors must promote safe working practices, lead by example, and make sure that staff understand and follow procedures. They will monitor working conditions, address safety concerns promptly, and stop any activity that poses an unacceptable risk.
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 actions. Staff must follow safety instructions, attend required training, and use equipment correctly. Any hazards, defects, or incidents must be reported immediately to a supervisor so that corrective action can be taken.
Employees must not misuse or interfere with any equipment provided for health and safety purposes. They are expected to participate in risk assessments where relevant and to cooperate fully with investigations into accidents or near misses.
Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work
Storage Northwood identifies and assesses hazards associated with storage units, handling of customer goods, vehicle movements, use of equipment, and work undertaken at customer addresses. Risk assessments are reviewed periodically and whenever there are significant changes in operations, equipment, or layout.
Based on these assessments, safe systems of work are developed and communicated to staff. These include procedures for manual handling, working in confined or restricted spaces within storage areas, operating lifting aids, and coordinating removal activities at residential and commercial properties.
Training and Competence
All staff receive induction training that covers general health and safety requirements, emergency procedures, and specific risks linked to storage and removals. Further role-specific training is provided where necessary, such as manual handling, use of trolleys and lifting equipment, and safe driving of company vehicles.
Competence is maintained through periodic refresher training, supervision, and on-the-job assessments. No one is permitted to undertake tasks for which they have not been adequately trained or where their competence is in doubt.
Manual Handling and Safe Lifting
Manual handling is a core part of storage and removal work and presents a significant risk of injury if not carried out correctly. Storage Northwood emphasises safe lifting techniques, planning of lifts, and the use of mechanical aids wherever reasonably practicable.
Staff are trained to assess load weight, shape, and stability before moving items, to work in teams when handling heavy or awkward goods, and to avoid unsafe practices such as overreaching or twisting while lifting. Where loads are assessed as too heavy or hazardous, alternative methods and equipment must be used.
Use of Vehicles and Driving Safety
Company vehicles used for removals and transport must be operated safely at all times. Drivers are required to hold the appropriate licences and follow road safety regulations. Vehicles are inspected regularly to ensure they are roadworthy and suitable for their intended loads.
Loading and unloading procedures are designed to prevent falls, crush injuries, and damage to goods. Loads must be properly secured, and access areas around vehicles kept clear. Drivers and porters must maintain communication when manoeuvring vehicles in tight or busy locations.
Workplace Environment and Housekeeping
Storage Northwood maintains clean, orderly premises to minimise slips, trips, and falls. Walkways, staircases, and access routes to storage units are kept clear of obstructions. Spills are cleaned promptly, and suitable lighting is provided in all working areas, including corridors and loading bays.
Waste materials, discarded packaging, and used equipment are disposed of or stored safely to avoid fire risks and physical hazards. Regular inspections are conducted to ensure that housekeeping standards are maintained.
Equipment, Plant, and Personal Protective Equipment
All equipment and plant used for storage and removals, including trolleys, sack trucks, ramps, and lifting devices, are maintained in good condition and inspected at appropriate intervals. Defective equipment must be reported and taken out of service until repaired or replaced.
Where risks cannot be adequately controlled by other means, suitable personal protective equipment, such as gloves or safety footwear, is provided. Staff are instructed in its correct use, storage, and maintenance, and are expected to wear it as required.
Fire Safety and Emergency Procedures
Fire safety arrangements include clearly marked escape routes, maintained fire detection and alarm systems, and appropriate firefighting equipment. Fire exits must remain accessible at all times. Regular checks and drills are carried out so that staff understand how to respond to alarms and assist customers or visitors in evacuating safely.
Emergency procedures cover a range of scenarios, including fire, accidents, and medical emergencies. These procedures are communicated to staff during training and displayed prominently where appropriate.
Visitor and Customer Safety
Storage Northwood recognises its duty of care to visitors and customers who access storage units or meet staff at premises. Visitors are asked to follow site rules, observe safety signage, and stay within designated areas. Children must be supervised at all times.
During removals at customer properties, staff will take reasonable steps to reduce risks from trip hazards, vehicle movements, and lifting activities. Customers are encouraged to remain clear of work areas while heavy lifting or manoeuvring is underway.
Incident Reporting and Continuous Improvement
All accidents, injuries, near misses, and hazardous situations must be reported and recorded. Storage Northwood investigates these events to identify root causes and implement corrective measures. Lessons learned are shared with staff and reflected in updated risk assessments and procedures.
This Health and Safety Policy is reviewed regularly to ensure it remains relevant and effective. Storage Northwood is committed to continual improvement of safety standards across all storage and removal services, promoting a workplace where everyone accepts responsibility for protecting themselves and others.
