Storage Barnet Health and Safety Policy
Storage Barnet 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 activities. This policy applies to all storage operations, office activities, and associated removal and transport services under our control.
Policy Aims and Objectives
The primary aim of this Health and Safety Policy is to prevent injury, ill health, and damage to property. We seek to identify hazards, assess risks, implement effective control measures, and continually improve our safety performance. Health and safety considerations form an integral part of our planning, decision-making, and day-to-day operations, including storage, loading, unloading, and removal services.
Management Responsibilities
Senior management has overall responsibility for implementing this policy and ensuring that adequate resources, information, and supervision are provided. Management will set clear health and safety objectives and review performance regularly. Responsibilities include establishing safe systems of work, enforcing safe behaviour, and ensuring that all work equipment and facilities are maintained in a safe condition.
Managers and supervisors are responsible for ensuring that employees and contractors follow safe working practices, use protective equipment where required, and immediately report hazards, incidents, or near misses. They must ensure that staff are competent for the tasks they perform, especially where manual handling, vehicle operation, or use of mechanical lifting equipment is involved.
Employee Responsibilities
Employees at Storage Barnet have a duty to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions. Employees must follow all safety instructions, use equipment correctly, and cooperate with management to meet legal and policy requirements.
All staff must promptly report unsafe conditions, defects in equipment, incidents, near misses, or health concerns related to work activities. Employees are expected to attend mandatory training and safety briefings and to refrain from horseplay, misuse of equipment, or any behaviour that could cause harm.
Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work
We carry out regular risk assessments covering storage units, common areas, loading bays, vehicle access routes, office areas, and removal operations. Identified risks are evaluated and managed through appropriate control measures, such as safe handling techniques, traffic management plans, housekeeping procedures, and access control.
Written safe systems of work are established where necessary. This includes procedures for moving and storing heavy items, stacking goods safely, operating lifting aids, and securing loads for transport. These procedures are communicated to all relevant employees and monitored for effectiveness.
Manual Handling and Removals Operations
Manual handling is a key element of storage and removals work, and we recognise the risks of musculoskeletal injury associated with lifting, carrying, and moving items. Tasks are assessed to minimise manual lifting wherever reasonably practicable, using trolleys, sack trucks, dollies, or mechanical aids when available and suitable.
Employees involved in removals and handling activities receive training in correct lifting techniques, team lifting, and the safe movement of large, awkward, or fragile items. Loads must be assessed before movement, including route planning, ensuring clear walkways, and checking that surfaces are stable, dry, and well lit.
Use of Vehicles and Equipment
Vehicles used for storage and removal services must be operated only by authorised and competent drivers. Vehicle safety checks are carried out regularly, and any defects are reported and rectified before use. Loads must be evenly distributed, secured, and checked prior to departure.
All work equipment, including lifting aids, pallet trucks, racking, and access equipment, is maintained in accordance with manufacturer guidance and relevant safety standards. Equipment is not to be modified or misused, and only trained personnel may use specialised machinery.
Site Safety, Access, and Housekeeping
Storage Barnet is committed to maintaining clean, orderly, and clearly signed premises. Walkways, stairs, and access routes must be kept free from obstruction at all times. Spills, debris, and waste are to be dealt with promptly using suitable methods and protective equipment.
Emergency exits must remain unobstructed and clearly marked. Adequate lighting is maintained in corridors, stairwells, loading areas, and external access points. Customers and visitors are required to follow any displayed safety notices and instructions provided by staff.
Fire Safety and Emergencies
We maintain appropriate fire detection and fire-fighting equipment, which is inspected and serviced at regular intervals. Fire evacuation routes and assembly points are clearly indicated. Staff receive information on emergency procedures, including how to raise the alarm, evacuation arrangements, and the role of fire wardens where appointed.
Drills may be carried out periodically to ensure that staff are familiar with procedures. All occupants must evacuate immediately if a fire alarm sounds and must not re-enter the building until authorised to do so by a responsible person or the emergency services.
Health, Welfare, and First Aid
Suitable welfare facilities are provided for employees, including access to drinking water, sanitary facilities, and rest areas. We are committed to preventing work-related ill health by managing risks such as manual handling strain, stress, and exposure to hazardous substances where they arise.
Trained first aiders or appointed persons are designated in the workplace, and first aid supplies are maintained. Any accident, injury, or near miss must be reported as soon as possible so that appropriate treatment, investigation, and corrective action can be undertaken.
Training, Consultation, and Communication
Storage Barnet provides health and safety training appropriate to each role, including induction training for new employees and refresher training as required. Specialised training is provided for high-risk activities such as vehicle operation, lifting equipment use, and complex removals.
We encourage communication and consultation on health and safety matters. Employees are invited to raise concerns, suggestions, or questions with their manager or designated safety representative. Information on health and safety is communicated through briefings, notices, and internal documentation.
Monitoring, Review, and Continuous Improvement
Compliance with this policy is monitored through inspections, audits, incident investigations, and performance reviews. Where shortcomings are identified, corrective and preventive actions are implemented promptly.
This Health and Safety Policy is reviewed periodically, and whenever there are significant changes to our operations, legislation, or best practice. Storage Barnet is committed to continuous improvement in health and safety, striving to provide a secure environment for storage, handling, and removal activities for all who use or work within our facilities.
