Storage Elmstead Health and Safety Policy
Storage Elmstead is committed to maintaining a safe, healthy and secure environment for our customers, employees, contractors and visitors. This Health and Safety Policy sets out our approach to managing risks associated with our storage facilities and removal services, and explains the responsibilities of everyone who uses or works within our premises.
Our Health and Safety Objectives
Our primary objective is to prevent accidents, injuries and ill health by identifying hazards, assessing risks and implementing effective control measures. We seek to continually improve our health and safety performance through regular review, staff training and open communication with customers and contractors.
We aim to ensure that all storage activities, handling of goods and removal operations are carried out in a way that protects people, property and the environment. All work is planned to minimise risk from manual handling, vehicle movements, working at height, use of equipment and any associated activities.
Management Responsibilities
The management of Storage Elmstead has overall responsibility for health and safety within our facilities and operations. This includes providing appropriate resources, setting standards, monitoring performance and ensuring that this policy is implemented and understood.
Management will ensure that risk assessments are carried out for key activities, including storage procedures, loading and unloading of vehicles, handling heavy or bulky items, and use of any lifting or access equipment. Identified risks will be controlled through safe systems of work, appropriate equipment and clear staff guidance.
We will comply with relevant health and safety legislation and codes of practice that apply to storage and removal services. Management will review this policy at regular intervals, and after any significant change in our operations, to keep it up to date and effective.
Employee Responsibilities and Training
All employees of Storage Elmstead share responsibility for maintaining a safe place of work. Staff are required to follow company procedures, use equipment correctly and report hazards, accidents or near misses without delay.
We provide suitable training and instruction to ensure that employees are competent to perform their duties safely. This includes, where relevant, training in manual handling, safe stacking of goods, operation of lifting aids, use of personal protective equipment and vehicle safety in loading areas.
Employees must never attempt tasks for which they are not trained or authorised, and must not place themselves or others at risk. Any concerns about safety, equipment condition or working methods must be raised with a supervisor or manager so that they can be investigated and addressed.
Customer and Visitor Responsibilities
Customers and visitors also have an important role in maintaining safety on our sites. Everyone entering our premises is expected to follow site rules, signage and instructions from staff. This includes observing speed limits, parking only in designated areas and keeping access routes clear.
When moving goods within our facilities or during removal activities, customers must use appropriate lifting techniques, request assistance with heavy or awkward items and use any equipment provided as instructed. Customers should not enter staff-only or restricted zones, or attempt to operate machinery or vehicles.
Any spills, damage, unsafe stacking, broken items or other hazards noticed by customers or visitors must be reported immediately to a member of staff so that appropriate action can be taken.
Safe Use of Storage Units and Facilities
To protect all users of our storage and removal services, we apply specific rules regarding the types of goods that may be stored and the way they are handled. Hazardous, illegal, perishable or explosive materials must not be brought onto our premises or stored in any unit. Customers are responsible for ensuring that items are suitably packaged, stable and safe to handle.
Goods must be stacked safely within storage units, with heavier items at the bottom and lighter items above. Aisles and access routes must be kept clear to prevent trips, falls and blocked exits. Items must not be stored in a way that could damage fire detection or security systems.
Where trolleys, sack trucks or other handling aids are provided, they must be used safely, loaded within their capacity and returned to designated storage areas after use. Any defect or damage to equipment must be reported immediately.
Vehicle Movements and Removal Activities
Removals and deliveries often involve vehicle movements and the handling of heavy loads. To reduce the risk of collision, injury or property damage, all drivers and those assisting them must follow our site rules and the instructions of staff.
Vehicles should only load or unload in designated bays or areas. Engines must be switched off when not in use and parking brakes applied. Loads must be secured properly before vehicles enter or leave the site. Pedestrians should use marked walkways where provided and remain alert to moving vehicles at all times.
During removal operations, lifting should be planned and carried out with care. Where possible, mechanical aids should be used for heavier items. Staff and customers must avoid overreaching, twisting while lifting or carrying loads that are too heavy or awkward for one person.
Fire Safety and Emergency Procedures
Storage Elmstead maintains fire detection and alarm systems appropriate to the nature of our premises. Fire exits, routes and assembly points are clearly marked and must be kept unobstructed at all times.
In the event of a fire alarm or other emergency, all persons on site must follow staff instructions, evacuate promptly and proceed to the designated assembly point. Customers and visitors must not re-enter the building until they are told it is safe to do so by an authorised person.
Fire safety arrangements, including alarm tests and evacuation procedures, are reviewed and tested regularly to ensure they remain effective.
Incident Reporting and Continuous Improvement
All accidents, injuries, near misses, dangerous occurrences and cases of ill health connected with our operations must be reported as soon as possible. This enables us to investigate, take corrective action and learn from what has happened.
Storage Elmstead is committed to continuous improvement in health and safety. We welcome feedback from employees, customers and contractors on any aspect of safety within our storage and removal services. Suggestions and concerns will be considered as part of our ongoing review and development of safe working practices.
This Health and Safety Policy forms part of our wider commitment to responsible business operations and will be communicated to all relevant parties using our facilities and services.
