Health and Safety Policy for Storage Leytonstone
Storage Leytonstone is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for all employees, customers, contractors and visitors. This Health and Safety Policy sets out our approach to managing risk in our storage facilities and during associated removal and transportation activities.
Our objective is to prevent accidents, work-related ill health and unsafe practices by identifying hazards, assessing risks and implementing effective control measures. Health and safety is an integral part of our operational planning and day-to-day management.
Management Responsibilities
The management team at Storage Leytonstone is responsible for implementing and maintaining this policy. Management will provide clear leadership on health and safety, allocate appropriate resources and ensure that safe systems of work are in place for storage operations, handling, lifting and transport.
Managers will regularly review risk assessments, ensure that staff are properly trained and supervised, and confirm that all equipment used in our storage units and removal services is fit for purpose and maintained in safe condition. Management will also investigate incidents, near misses and complaints related to health and safety, and will take corrective action where necessary.
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. Employees must follow all safety procedures, use equipment correctly and cooperate fully with management in implementing this policy.
Staff are required to report hazards, damaged equipment, unsafe conditions and any incident or near miss as soon as possible. Employees must not interfere with or misuse anything provided in the interests of health, safety and welfare, including fire safety equipment, first aid supplies and personal protective equipment.
Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work
Storage Leytonstone conducts regular risk assessments covering storage facilities, loading and unloading areas, vehicle access, manual handling activities, use of trolleys and lifting equipment, and the movement of goods during removal services.
Based on these assessments, we develop safe systems of work that include clear procedures for stacking and storing items, securing loads, operating handling equipment and working in confined or shared spaces. Staff receive instruction on these procedures, and compliance is monitored as part of routine supervision and inspection.
Manual Handling and Lifting
Manual handling and lifting activities are central to storage and removal operations and present a significant risk of injury if not managed correctly. Storage Leytonstone provides guidance and training on safe lifting techniques, team lifts and the use of handling aids such as trolleys and dollies.
Whenever possible, mechanical aids are used to reduce the need for manual lifting. Staff are required to assess the weight, size and shape of items before moving them and to request assistance when needed. Loads must be stable, appropriately wrapped and clearly labelled to minimise the risk of injury or damage.
Workplace Environment and Housekeeping
We maintain our storage areas in a clean, orderly and well-lit condition. Aisles, walkways and emergency exits must remain clear at all times. Items are stored safely to prevent falls, trips, collisions and structural instability.
Good housekeeping is essential for safe operations. Waste materials, packaging and other obstructions are to be removed promptly and disposed of safely. Any defects in floors, doors, lighting or storage fittings are to be reported immediately so that timely repairs can be arranged.
Vehicles, Transport and Loading Areas
Where removal vehicles and customer vehicles access our premises, Storage Leytonstone implements measures to control traffic movements and reduce the risk of accidents. Loading areas are to be used in accordance with site rules and marked zones.
Drivers and loading staff must follow agreed procedures for parking, loading, unloading and securing loads. Engines should be switched off when vehicles are stationary for loading where practical, and reversing should be minimised or carried out under guidance where visibility is restricted.
Customer and Visitor Safety
Customers and visitors using our storage facilities or attending the premises in connection with removal services are expected to follow all safety information and instructions provided by staff. This includes observing restricted areas, using designated walkways and complying with any temporary controls such as barriers or signage.
Children and vulnerable persons must be supervised at all times on site. Customers must not attempt to move items that are beyond their capability and are encouraged to ask staff for guidance on safe handling and storage.
Fire Safety and Emergency Procedures
Storage Leytonstone maintains appropriate fire detection, alarm and firefighting equipment for the premises. Fire exits and escape routes are clearly marked and kept unobstructed. Staff receive training on fire safety awareness, the location of equipment and the actions to take in the event of an emergency.
Emergency procedures, including evacuation routes and assembly points, are communicated to employees and displayed on site. In the event of an alarm or emergency instruction, all persons must leave the premises promptly and follow the guidance of authorised personnel.
Training, Information and Supervision
We provide staff with information, instruction and training appropriate to their roles. This may include induction training, manual handling instruction, equipment operation training, and updates on changes to procedures or equipment.
Supervision levels are set according to the complexity and risk of the tasks being undertaken. New and temporary staff are provided with additional support to ensure they understand and can follow all relevant safety requirements.
Health, Welfare and Reporting Concerns
Storage Leytonstone is committed to supporting the general health and welfare of employees. Reasonable steps are taken to manage workload, reduce unnecessary physical strain and address any health concerns related to work activities.
Employees, customers and contractors are encouraged to raise any health and safety concerns with a member of management. All reports are taken seriously and will be investigated with the aim of identifying improvements and preventing recurrence.
Continuous Improvement and Policy Review
We are committed to continuous improvement in our health and safety performance. Incidents, near misses, customer feedback and inspection findings are reviewed to identify trends and opportunities for better control measures.
This Health and Safety Policy is reviewed regularly and whenever there are significant changes to our operations, facilities or legal requirements. Updated versions are communicated to employees and made available to customers and contractors on request.
By working together and following this policy, Storage Leytonstone aims to provide a safe environment for storage, removals and associated services for everyone who uses or works within our facilities.
