Storage New Malden Health and Safety Policy
Storage New Malden 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 managing risks associated with storage operations, removals, handling of goods and the general use of our premises.
We recognise our duty to comply with applicable health and safety legislation and industry best practice. We also expect all individuals who work for or with Storage New Malden to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions.
Health and Safety Objectives
Our main objectives are to prevent accidents and work-related ill health, to identify and control hazards, and to continually improve our health and safety performance. We aim to:
Promote a positive safety culture throughout the company. Provide and maintain safe systems of work for storage and removal activities. Ensure that employees receive relevant information, instruction, training and supervision. Maintain our premises, equipment and vehicles in a safe condition. Consult with employees on matters affecting their health and safety. Review our policies and procedures at regular intervals or when changes occur.
Management Responsibilities
The management team at Storage New Malden has overall responsibility for ensuring this policy is implemented and effective. Management will:
Identify, assess and manage risks arising from our activities, including manual handling, lifting, loading and unloading, working at height, and vehicle movements. Provide appropriate resources to meet health and safety commitments. Ensure that plant, equipment, vehicles and storage facilities are properly maintained, inspected and fit for purpose. Investigate incidents, accidents and near-misses to identify root causes and implement corrective actions. Keep accurate records of health and safety assessments, training, inspections and incidents.
Managers and supervisors must lead by example, reinforce safe working practices and challenge unsafe behaviour or conditions without delay.
Employee Responsibilities
All employees, including temporary and agency workers, share responsibility for maintaining a safe workplace. Employees must:
Take reasonable care for their own health and safety and that of others. Follow all safety instructions, procedures and training provided. Use equipment, vehicles and personal protective equipment correctly. Report hazards, defects, near-misses and accidents promptly to their manager or supervisor. Cooperate with any investigation or remedial action following incidents. Refrain from interference with or misuse of anything provided for health, safety or welfare.
Anyone who is unsure how to carry out a task safely must seek guidance before proceeding.
Safe Working Practices for Storage and Removals
Our operations involve the handling, storage and movement of goods, including domestic and commercial items. To manage these activities safely, we will:
Carry out risk assessments covering manual handling, stacking, racking, use of trolleys and lifting equipment, and access routes. Provide safe loading and unloading procedures for vehicles used in removal and delivery services. Implement clear rules for the use of lifting aids and other mechanical handling equipment. Control access to storage areas and restrict unauthorised entry. Ensure that aisles, stairways and emergency exits are kept clear of obstructions at all times. Establish and enforce limits on stack heights and racking loads to prevent collapse or falling items.
Where specialist services are provided, such as the handling of heavy, bulky or fragile items, specific risk controls will be applied and communicated to staff in advance.
Manual Handling and Use of Equipment
Manual handling is a significant part of storage and removal work and is a key focus of our safety arrangements. We will:
Provide training in safe lifting techniques and team handling. Encourage the use of trolleys, dollies and other handling aids wherever practicable. Assess loads before lifting to determine weight, stability and any special handling needs. Avoid unnecessary lifting by planning routes and using mechanical assistance where possible. Remove or reduce hazards that increase the risk of slips, trips or falls while carrying goods.
All equipment, including trolleys, ramps and lifting aids, will be checked regularly for damage or defects. Defective equipment must be taken out of use immediately and reported to management.
Vehicle and Traffic Safety
Storage New Malden uses vehicles in connection with collection, removal and delivery services. To manage the risks associated with vehicle movements, we will:
Ensure drivers are competent, appropriately licensed and familiar with our safety procedures. Maintain vehicles in a roadworthy and safe condition through regular inspections and servicing. Design and mark out safe traffic routes on site where applicable. Implement safe loading and securing procedures so that goods remain stable in transit. Control the interaction between vehicles and pedestrians through designated walkways, supervision and signage.
Drivers are responsible for pre-use checks on vehicles and for reporting defects or incidents immediately.
Fire Safety and Emergency Procedures
We will take appropriate steps to prevent fire and to protect people in the event of an emergency. This includes:
Carrying out fire risk assessments covering storage units, common areas and offices. Providing suitable fire detection and alarm systems where required. Ensuring that fire exits and routes are clearly marked and kept free from obstruction. Providing fire extinguishers and other equipment as appropriate, and maintaining them. Displaying clear emergency instructions and evacuation information.
Employees will be informed of evacuation procedures and assembly points. Fire drills and emergency exercises may be carried out periodically to test arrangements and ensure readiness.
Health, Welfare and First Aid
We will provide suitable welfare facilities, including access to toilets, washing facilities and drinking water for staff and, where appropriate, for customers and contractors.
First aid arrangements will be maintained, including trained first aiders and stocked first aid kits. All accidents and injuries, no matter how minor, must be reported so that they can be recorded and, where necessary, investigated.
Training, Information and Consultation
Storage New Malden will provide employees with information, instruction and training relevant to their role, including induction training for new starters and refresher training where needed. Training topics may include manual handling, safe use of equipment, vehicle safety, fire safety and emergency procedures.
We encourage open communication on health and safety matters. Employees are invited to raise concerns, suggest improvements and participate in consultations regarding workplace safety. Management will respond to concerns and take appropriate action.
Monitoring, Review and Continuous Improvement
This Health and Safety Policy will be reviewed regularly and whenever there are significant changes to our operations or to relevant legislation. We will monitor performance through inspections, audits, incident reports and feedback from employees and customers.
By working together and following the principles set out in this policy, Storage New Malden aims to provide safe storage and removal services and to protect the health, safety and wellbeing of everyone who may be affected by our activities.
