Health and Safety Policy for Storage Enfield Wash
Storage Enfield Wash is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for all employees, customers, contractors, and visitors. This Health and Safety policy sets out the principles and arrangements that guide our daily operations, including storage activities, handling of goods, and removal services in our wider service area.
Policy Statement and Objectives
Our objective is to prevent accidents, injuries, and work-related ill health by identifying and controlling risks associated with our storage and removals operations. We aim to continually improve our health and safety performance through active monitoring, staff engagement, and regular review of our procedures.
The management team accepts overall responsibility for health and safety and will provide the leadership, resources, and support necessary to ensure that this policy is implemented effectively and consistently.
Legal Responsibilities and Compliance
Storage Enfield Wash complies with all relevant health and safety laws and regulations applicable to storage facilities, warehouses, vehicle operations, and manual handling activities. We monitor regulatory changes and industry best practice to ensure our procedures remain up to date and appropriate for our services, including local and regional removals.
All employees are required to co-operate with the company to enable it to fulfil its legal duties and to avoid actions that could put themselves or others at risk.
Management Responsibilities
Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining effective systems of work that protect people, property, and the environment. This includes conducting risk assessments, implementing suitable control measures, and ensuring that safe working methods are documented and communicated.
Managers will:
Provide clear health and safety information, instruction, and supervision to employees and contractors.
Ensure that equipment, vehicles, storage units, and handling aids are inspected, maintained, and suitable for their intended purpose.
Investigate accidents, near misses, and hazardous occurrences to identify causes and implement corrective actions.
Lead by example by following company rules and promoting a strong safety culture throughout all storage and removal operations.
Employee Responsibilities
Every employee has a duty to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of other people who may be affected by their actions or omissions. All staff must:
Follow company procedures and safe systems of work at all times.
Use equipment, vehicles, and personal protective equipment correctly and report any defects immediately.
Refrain from horseplay, unsafe behaviours, or shortcuts that could compromise safety.
Report accidents, near misses, hazards, and unsafe conditions to their manager without delay.
Participate in required training and cooperate with any health surveillance or monitoring programmes.
Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work
Storage Enfield Wash identifies and evaluates risks associated with our premises and activities, including storage of goods, lifting and carrying, loading and unloading vehicles, use of trolleys and lifting aids, and operation of removal vehicles.
Risk assessments are recorded and reviewed regularly, particularly when there are changes to processes, equipment, or layout. Safe systems of work and procedural guidance are developed from these assessments and cover, where relevant:
Access and egress to storage units and loading areas.
Manual handling techniques for boxes, furniture, and bulky items.
Use of mechanical aids, such as sack trucks and pallet equipment.
Stacking and storage of goods to prevent falls, collapse, or obstruction.
Vehicle movements, reversing, and parking in loading zones.
Housekeeping and cleanliness in corridors, stairways, and common areas.
Manual Handling and Removals Safety
Manual handling and removals are core elements of our operations and are carefully managed to reduce the risk of musculoskeletal injuries. Staff receive training in lifting and carrying techniques, team lifting, and the correct use of handling aids.
Where possible, tasks are planned to minimise heavy lifting, awkward postures, and repetitive movements. Customers are advised on safe packing, box weights, and labelling so that handling risks are reduced both in storage and during removal or delivery.
Vehicles, Driving, and Transport Safety
Our removal and transport activities are conducted in a way that prioritises safety on and off site. All drivers must hold the appropriate driving licences, follow road traffic laws, and comply with company driving policies, including safe loading, securing of loads, and vehicle checks before use.
Vehicles are maintained in line with manufacturer recommendations, and defects are reported and addressed promptly. Careful planning of routes and schedules helps reduce time pressure that could lead to unsafe driving behaviours.
Customer, Visitor, and Contractor Safety
Storage Enfield Wash takes reasonable steps to ensure the safety of customers, visitors, and contractors using or working at our premises. Access routes are clearly marked, and areas for vehicles and pedestrians are separated where possible.
Contractors working on site are required to follow our health and safety rules and to operate under permits or specific instructions where required. Customers are expected to follow signage and any instructions provided by staff, particularly in loading bays, corridors, lifts, staircases, and shared access areas.
Emergency Procedures and First Aid
Procedures are in place for dealing with emergencies, including fire, evacuation, and serious incidents. Fire exits, alarms, and emergency equipment are maintained and clearly signposted. Regular drills and checks are carried out so that staff remain familiar with their roles in an emergency and can assist customers and visitors calmly and efficiently.
Appropriately stocked first aid supplies are available on site, and designated staff members receive first aid training to provide basic assistance until professional help arrives. All significant incidents are recorded and reviewed to prevent recurrence.
Training, Information, and Supervision
All employees receive induction training that covers company rules, emergency procedures, and key health and safety requirements. Additional training is provided for specific tasks such as manual handling, use of handling equipment, vehicle driving, and working in higher-risk areas.
Training needs are reviewed regularly, and refresher training is provided as required. Supervisors ensure that staff are competent for the tasks they carry out and provide guidance, coaching, and feedback to promote safe working practices.
Consultation and Continuous Improvement
Storage Enfield Wash encourages employees to raise health and safety concerns and suggestions. Feedback from staff, customers, and contractors is taken seriously and used to improve our procedures, facilities, and equipment.
This Health and Safety policy is reviewed periodically, and whenever significant changes occur in our operations or legislation, to ensure it remains effective, relevant, and aligned with our commitment to safe storage and removal services.
