Storage Hoxton Health and Safety Policy
Storage Hoxton is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for all employees, customers, contractors, visitors and any other persons who may be affected by our removal, storage and associated services. We recognise that effective health and safety management is an integral part of our business and essential to the high standard of service we aim to deliver.
Policy Statement and Objectives
The objective of this policy is to prevent injury, ill health, property damage and work-related incidents in connection with our storage facilities and removal operations. We will take all reasonably practicable steps to:
Identify, assess and control risks arising from our activities, including lifting, carrying, driving, loading, unloading, packing and handling goods within storage areas. Maintain safe and clean premises, including loading bays, corridors, stairways, storage units and associated outdoor spaces. Provide and maintain safe plant, vehicles, equipment and systems of work. Ensure employees receive information, instruction, training and supervision appropriate to their roles and responsibilities. Consult with employees on matters affecting their health, safety and welfare. Continually improve our health and safety performance and standards.
Roles and Responsibilities
Overall responsibility for health and safety rests with senior management, who ensure that sufficient resources are made available to implement this policy. Management will set clear safety expectations and lead by example in promoting a positive safety culture.
Managers and supervisors are responsible for day-to-day implementation of this policy within their areas of control. This includes ensuring that risk assessments are in place and up to date, that safe systems of work are followed, and that staff are properly trained and equipped for the tasks they undertake, particularly in relation to removal and storage activities.
All employees, including removal crews, warehouse operatives, drivers and office staff, have 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 safety procedures, use equipment correctly, report hazards or defects promptly and cooperate fully with any investigation or improvement action.
Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work
We carry out risk assessments for our key activities, including customer access to storage units, handling and stacking of goods, use of trolleys and lifting aids, operation of vehicles, and manual handling during removals and deliveries. These risk assessments are reviewed regularly and when changes occur in processes, equipment or working conditions.
Safe systems of work are developed from these assessments and communicated clearly to staff. This includes procedures for loading and unloading vehicles, securing goods in transit, using ramps and lifting equipment, working in confined or elevated storage areas, and managing traffic flow in and around our premises.
Manual Handling and Use of Equipment
Manual handling is a key part of our removal and storage operations. We are committed to reducing the risk of injury by avoiding hazardous lifting where possible, using mechanical aids such as trolleys and pallet trucks, and ensuring that items are packed and handled in a way that minimises strain.
All employees whose roles involve lifting, carrying or moving items receive manual handling training appropriate to their duties. Staff are required to follow this training, use correct techniques and seek assistance with heavy or awkward loads.
All equipment, including vehicles, trolleys, ramps and storage fittings, is maintained in a safe condition. Defective or damaged items must be reported immediately and taken out of use until repaired or replaced.
Safe Premises and Customer Areas
We aim to keep all areas of our premises safe, clean and well maintained. This includes internal corridors, stairwells, lifts, storage units, office areas, loading bays and external access routes used by customers, staff and vehicles.
We monitor and manage hazards such as spills, trailing cables, obstructions, uneven surfaces and poor lighting. Where necessary, warning signs, barriers and markings are used to alert people to potential risks. Fire exits and emergency routes are kept clear at all times.
Fire Safety and Emergency Procedures
Appropriate fire detection and protection measures are installed and maintained in accordance with relevant regulations and guidance. Fire risk assessments are carried out and reviewed periodically.
Clear emergency procedures are in place for evacuation in the event of fire or other serious incidents. Employees receive instruction on alarm points, escape routes, assembly points and the use of fire extinguishers where appropriate. Fire drills and emergency practice exercises are carried out at suitable intervals.
Vehicle, Driving and Transport Safety
For removal and transport services, we take reasonable steps to ensure that vehicles are roadworthy, regularly inspected and maintained in a safe condition. Drivers are required to hold the appropriate licences and to follow road traffic laws and company procedures at all times.
Loads must be secured safely in vehicles, with weight distributed appropriately to avoid instability or damage. Drivers and crew members must follow safe loading and unloading procedures, including the use of suitable equipment and attention to traffic and pedestrian safety around the vehicle.
Information, Instruction, Training and Supervision
Employees receive induction training that includes health and safety information relevant to their role. Additional task-specific training is provided for activities such as manual handling, use of equipment, vehicle operation and working in storage areas.
Training needs are reviewed on an ongoing basis, and refresher training is given where necessary. Supervisors monitor compliance with safety procedures and provide guidance and correction when required.
Accident Reporting and Investigation
All accidents, incidents, injuries, near misses and dangerous occurrences must be reported as soon as possible to a manager or supervisor. Records are kept of such events and are reviewed to identify trends and opportunities for improvement.
Where appropriate, incidents are investigated to determine root causes and to implement corrective and preventive actions. Employees are encouraged to report concerns and hazards without fear of blame, as early reporting helps prevent more serious incidents.
Consultation and Continuous Improvement
We value the input of employees, contractors and customers in maintaining and improving health and safety standards. Reasonable opportunities are provided for staff to raise concerns and suggestions about working practices, equipment, layout and procedures, particularly where removal and storage activities are involved.
This policy and associated procedures are reviewed regularly and updated as necessary to reflect changes in legislation, industry best practice and our own operations. We are committed to continual improvement and to maintaining a culture where safety is a shared priority across all aspects of our storage and removal services.
