Storage East Finchley Health and Safety Policy
This Health and Safety policy sets out the principles and procedures that Storage East Finchley follows to provide a safe and healthy environment for employees, contractors, customers, and visitors. It applies to all storage operations, office activities, and any related removal or handling services carried out on or off site.
Our Health and Safety Commitments
Storage East Finchley is committed to preventing accidents, injuries, and ill health associated with storage and removal activities. We will identify and control risks arising from our work, provide safe equipment and systems of work, and ensure that all staff are competent to perform their duties safely. We will regularly review this policy and improve our practices where needed.
Management Responsibilities
Senior management has overall responsibility for health and safety within Storage East Finchley. Management will set clear objectives, allocate adequate resources, and ensure compliance with applicable health and safety laws and industry best practice. Managers and supervisors are responsible for implementing this policy in day to day operations, monitoring standards, and addressing any health and safety issues that arise.
Management will ensure that risk assessments are carried out, documented where appropriate, and reviewed periodically or when working practices change. Any necessary control measures will be implemented promptly and their effectiveness monitored.
Employee Responsibilities
Every employee has a duty to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions. Staff must follow all safety procedures, training, and instructions provided by Storage East Finchley. This includes using equipment correctly, wearing any required protective equipment, and reporting hazards, near misses, or incidents without delay.
Employees must not interfere with or misuse anything provided for health, safety, or welfare. Any concerns about safety, including unsafe practices or defective equipment, should be raised with a manager or supervisor so that timely action can be taken.
Risk Assessment and Safe Working Procedures
We conduct risk assessments covering storage facilities, loading and unloading areas, vehicle movements, manual handling tasks, and any associated removal and transport operations. These assessments identify potential hazards such as slips and trips, falls from height, collisions, manual handling injuries, and damage to goods or property.
From these assessments we develop safe systems of work, which may include designated walkways, traffic management plans, stacking and racking rules, safe use of access equipment, and controlled lifting procedures. Staff are required to follow these systems at all times.
Manual Handling and Lifting
Handling and moving items is a key element of storage and removal services. Storage East Finchley places strong emphasis on safe manual handling to reduce the risk of musculoskeletal injuries. We will:
Provide training on correct lifting techniques, team lifts, and the use of handling aids such as trolleys or pallet trucks where available.
Encourage staff to assess the load before lifting, considering weight, shape, and stability, and to ask for assistance or equipment whenever needed.
Plan tasks to minimise unnecessary carrying distances, repetitive lifting, and awkward postures, particularly when moving items to or from vehicles or storage units.
Vehicles, Driving, and Loading
Where vehicles are used in connection with storage and removal operations, we will ensure they are suitable for the task and maintained in a safe condition. Drivers must hold the appropriate licences and follow all road safety rules. Loads must be evenly distributed, properly secured, and within permitted weight limits before any journey begins.
Vehicle movements on site will be managed to protect pedestrians and other road users. Staff and customers must use designated access routes and follow signage and instructions provided.
Equipment and Maintenance
All equipment used for storage and removal activities, including handling aids, access equipment, and safety devices, must be used in accordance with training and manufacturer instructions. Inspections and maintenance will be carried out at appropriate intervals to ensure equipment remains safe and fit for purpose.
Any defects or damage must be reported immediately. Equipment that is unsafe or suspected to be unsafe must be taken out of use until it has been inspected and, where necessary, repaired or replaced.
Fire Safety and Emergency Procedures
Storage East Finchley will maintain appropriate fire detection, alarm, and firefighting equipment based on the findings of our fire risk assessments. Fire exits and escape routes must be kept clear at all times. Staff will be informed of evacuation procedures, assembly points, and the location of fire safety equipment.
Regular checks and drills may be carried out to ensure that staff know what to do in the event of fire or other emergencies. Customers and visitors will be guided by staff in an emergency and are expected to follow instructions immediately.
Training, Information, and Supervision
We will provide staff with suitable and sufficient health and safety training relevant to their roles, including induction training for new starters and refresher training as needed. Training may cover manual handling, equipment use, fire safety, first aid awareness, and other topics relevant to storage and removal tasks.
Supervisors will monitor working practices and provide guidance to ensure that safe procedures are followed consistently. Additional information and instructions will be provided when work changes, new equipment is introduced, or new risks are identified.
Accidents, Incidents, and Reporting
All accidents, injuries, incidents, and near misses must be reported as soon as reasonably practicable, whether they involve employees, contractors, or customers. Details will be recorded and investigated to identify root causes and implement corrective measures to prevent recurrence.
Where required, certain incidents will be reported to the relevant authorities in line with applicable regulations.
Consultation and Continuous Improvement
Storage East Finchley recognises that effective health and safety management benefits from input and feedback from those carrying out the work. We will consult with employees on health and safety matters, welcome suggestions for improvement, and encourage open communication about any concerns.
This policy will be reviewed periodically and whenever there are significant changes in our operations, legislation, or best practice. Our aim is to ensure that health and safety remains an integral part of all storage and removal activities we undertake.
