Storage Putney Health and Safety Policy
Storage Putney is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for all employees, customers, contractors, visitors, and members of the public who may be affected by our activities. This policy applies to all operations, including storage, removals, transport, loading and unloading, and associated office functions.
Our Health and Safety Objectives
We aim to prevent injury, ill health, and damage to property by identifying hazards, assessing risks, and implementing effective control measures. Our objectives are to maintain safe working conditions, promote safe systems of work for storage and removals, and foster a culture where health and safety are integral to all decision-making.
Legal and Regulatory Compliance
Storage Putney will comply with all relevant health and safety legislation, approved codes of practice, and recognised industry standards relating to manual handling, workplace transport, lifting operations, fire safety, work equipment, and the management of hazardous substances. Where specific regulations apply to removals or storage environments, we will ensure our procedures and training reflect those requirements.
Management Responsibilities
Senior management has overall responsibility for ensuring that this policy is implemented, maintained, and regularly reviewed. Managers and supervisors are responsible for:
Ensuring that risk assessments are carried out for all key activities, including loading and unloading vehicles, moving goods, operating handling equipment, and working in storage areas. Implementing control measures and safe systems of work arising from risk assessments. Providing appropriate resources to maintain safe premises, vehicles, tools, and equipment. Monitoring health and safety performance and investigating incidents, near misses, and unsafe conditions. Leading by example and promoting a positive safety culture throughout the company.
Employee Responsibilities
All employees have a legal and moral duty to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their acts or omissions. Employees are expected to:
Follow all safety procedures, instructions, and method statements related to storage, removals, driving, and handling of goods. Use provided personal protective equipment correctly and report any defects. Immediately report hazards, unsafe conditions, near misses, and incidents to their manager. Refrain from misusing or interfering with safety equipment or emergency systems. Participate in health and safety training and apply the knowledge in day-to-day work.
Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work
Storage Putney carries out systematic risk assessments covering activities such as collection and delivery of items, dismantling and reassembly, packing, lifting and carrying, stacking, use of trolleys or lifting aids, vehicle loading, unloading, and movement within storage facilities.
From these assessments, we develop safe systems of work and method statements that set out the correct processes, equipment, and precautions required for each task. These procedures are communicated to staff and, where relevant, explained to customers and contractors so that everyone understands how risks are controlled.
Manual Handling and Use of Equipment
Manual handling is a key element of both storage and removal activities. We take particular care to reduce the risk of musculoskeletal injuries by:
Planning lifts to avoid unnecessary manual handling where mechanical assistance is reasonably practicable. Providing appropriate handling aids, such as trolleys, dollies, and lifting equipment, and ensuring they are properly maintained. Training staff in correct lifting techniques, team lifting, load assessment, and the importance of working within personal limits.
All equipment used in storage areas and for removals, including vehicles, lifting equipment, and accessories, will be inspected, serviced, and maintained in line with manufacturer guidance and legal requirements.
Workplace, Vehicle, and Storage Safety
We are committed to maintaining premises and vehicles in a safe condition. This includes:
Keeping walkways, loading areas, and storage aisles clear of obstructions and trip hazards. Ensuring adequate lighting in storage units, corridors, stairways, loading bays, and parking areas. Managing vehicle movements safely, with consideration for reversing, parking, and pedestrian routes. Ensuring safe stacking, securing of loads, and appropriate segregation of customer goods to prevent collapse or damage.
Fire Safety and Emergency Procedures
Storage Putney will assess fire risks and implement appropriate preventive and protective measures. We will maintain fire detection and alarm systems, fire-fighting equipment, and clearly signed escape routes. Emergency procedures will be communicated to employees and displayed where appropriate. All staff are required to familiarise themselves with evacuation routes, assembly points, and the procedures for raising the alarm.
Information, Instruction, and Training
We provide suitable information, instruction, and training to ensure employees understand their responsibilities and can work safely. This includes induction training, role-specific training for removals and storage operations, refresher training, and briefings on changes in procedures or equipment.
Where necessary, specialist training is provided for tasks such as operating lifting equipment, driving vehicles, and handling unusual or fragile items. Training records are maintained and reviewed to ensure ongoing competence.
Consultation and Communication
Storage Putney is committed to open communication on health and safety matters. Employees are encouraged to raise concerns, suggest improvements, and discuss any safety issues with their manager. Where appropriate, we will consult directly with staff or representatives to review risk assessments, procedures, and any significant changes to working practices.
Contractors, Customers, and Visitors
We take reasonable steps to ensure that contractors working on our behalf are competent and aware of relevant health and safety requirements. Contractors must cooperate with our procedures and follow site rules at all times.
Customers and visitors to our premises will be given any necessary safety information. We expect them to follow instructions, remain in authorised areas, and respect signage, barriers, and any guidance provided by staff.
Monitoring, Review, and Continuous Improvement
Storage Putney monitors health and safety performance through inspections, audits, incident reporting, and feedback from staff and customers. Findings are used to identify trends, address weaknesses, and improve our systems.
This policy and its associated procedures will be reviewed regularly, and whenever there are significant changes in legislation, operations, or organisational structure. Revisions will be communicated to employees and, where relevant, shared with contractors and other stakeholders.
By working together, we aim to ensure that all storage and removal activities are carried out safely, efficiently, and with full regard for the wellbeing of everyone involved.
