Storage Ilford Health and Safety Policy Statement
Storage Ilford is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for all employees, contractors, customers and visitors. This policy sets out our approach to managing health and safety in connection with our storage and removal services, including handling, lifting, loading, transport and the use of storage facilities.
We recognise our duty to comply with relevant health and safety legislation and to work towards continual improvement in our safety performance. Health and safety is an integral part of how we plan and deliver our services, from initial enquiry through to final delivery or storage of goods.
Policy Aims
The aims of this Health and Safety Policy are to prevent injury and ill health, protect property, and reduce risks arising from our activities. To support these aims we will identify hazards, assess risks, implement control measures and review our performance regularly.
We will provide information, instruction, training and supervision to ensure that employees and contractors can carry out their duties safely, particularly when undertaking manual handling, driving, loading, unloading and working within storage areas.
Management Responsibilities
Senior management at Storage Ilford is responsible for establishing and maintaining effective health and safety arrangements. This includes setting clear objectives, allocating adequate resources and ensuring that health and safety implications are considered in all business decisions.
Managers and supervisors must lead by example, promote a positive safety culture and ensure that safe systems of work are followed. They are responsible for carrying out risk assessments within their areas, communicating findings to staff, and ensuring that appropriate control measures and equipment are in place.
Employee Responsibilities
Every employee has a responsibility 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 cooperate with Storage Ilford in implementing this policy and any associated procedures.
Employees must use equipment properly, follow safe working practices, attend relevant training, and report hazards, near misses, accidents and unsafe conditions without delay. No one should attempt any task for which they are not trained or authorised.
Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work
Storage Ilford will carry out risk assessments for key activities, including packing, lifting, carrying, loading, unloading, driving, use of handling equipment and working within storage units and yards. The findings will be used to develop safe systems of work that are communicated and monitored.
Risk assessments will be reviewed periodically, and whenever there are significant changes in work processes, equipment, substances, or the working environment. Employees are encouraged to contribute to the assessment process by sharing their experience and identifying potential improvements.
Manual Handling and Use of Equipment
Manual handling is a significant aspect of our removals and storage work. Storage Ilford will minimise manual handling risks by planning moves carefully, using mechanical aids where appropriate and avoiding unnecessary lifting.
All staff engaged in lifting and handling will receive training on correct techniques, including team lifts, assessing load weight, avoiding twisting, and protecting their back and joints. Trolleys, dollies, lifting straps and other equipment will be maintained in good condition and used in accordance with instructions.
Only trained and authorised personnel may operate specialist equipment such as pallet trucks or other lifting devices. Faulty or damaged equipment must be taken out of service immediately and reported for repair or replacement.
Vehicle Safety and Driving Standards
Our vehicles are essential to the safe delivery of removal and storage services. Storage Ilford will maintain all vehicles in line with manufacturer recommendations and legal requirements. Pre use checks must be carried out and recorded so that defects can be identified and rectified promptly.
Drivers must hold the appropriate licences, follow road traffic laws, and adhere to company policies on driving hours, journey planning and load security. Loads must be distributed safely, secured correctly, and checked before departure and at suitable intervals during journeys.
Safe Storage and Facility Standards
Storage facilities, yards and access routes will be kept clean, tidy and free from unnecessary obstructions. Lighting, ventilation and signage will be maintained to help users move safely around the premises.
Goods will be stored in a stable and secure manner, avoiding overloading of shelving or stacking that could collapse. Walkways, emergency exits and fire fighting equipment must never be blocked by stored items or vehicles.
Hazardous Substances and Prohibited Items
For the safety of staff and customers, certain items cannot be packed, transported or stored. Storage Ilford restricts or prohibits substances that are flammable, explosive, corrosive, toxic or otherwise hazardous. Customers will be informed of items that cannot be handled or stored and are expected to comply fully with these requirements.
Where substances such as fuels or cleaning agents are used by staff, appropriate safety data information will be followed, and suitable protective measures will be put in place, including secure storage, ventilation and use of personal protective equipment where needed.
Fire Safety and Emergency Procedures
Storage Ilford will maintain appropriate fire detection and fire fighting equipment and ensure that fire exits and escape routes remain clear and well marked. Fire safety arrangements, including evacuation procedures, will be communicated to employees and tested through periodic drills where appropriate.
In the event of fire or other emergencies, preserving life is the priority. Staff must follow instructions, raise the alarm, assist customers and visitors where safe to do so, and report to the designated assembly point.
Training, Supervision and Competence
Health and safety training forms part of induction for all new starters and continues throughout employment. This includes training in manual handling, safe driving standards, use of handling equipment, incident reporting and emergency procedures.
Supervisors will monitor work practices to ensure that training is applied in practice. Additional training will be provided when tasks change, new equipment is introduced or when risk assessments identify a need for further instruction or supervision.
Accident, Incident and Near Miss Reporting
All accidents, incidents and near misses must be reported promptly in line with Storage Ilford procedures. Accurate reporting allows us to investigate causes, identify trends and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence.
Where required by law, incidents will be reported to the relevant enforcing authorities. Records of accidents and corrective actions will be reviewed by management as part of our commitment to continuous improvement.
Monitoring, Review and Continuous Improvement
Storage Ilford will monitor health and safety performance through inspections, audits, feedback from employees and customers, and analysis of incident data. The findings will be used to update risk assessments, procedures, training and equipment.
This Health and Safety Policy will be reviewed regularly and updated where necessary to reflect changes in legislation, best practice, our operations and the results of monitoring activities. Revisions will be communicated to all employees and, where relevant, to contractors and customers.
By working together, following this policy and supporting a positive safety culture, Storage Ilford aims to ensure that all activities related to removals and storage are carried out safely and responsibly.
