Storage Bounds Green Health and Safety Policy
This Health and Safety Policy sets out the approach taken by Storage Bounds Green to protect the health, safety and welfare of employees, contractors, customers and visitors. It applies to all storage activities, removals operations, office functions, and any related work carried out on our premises or at customer locations.
Policy Statement
Storage Bounds Green is committed to providing and maintaining a safe and healthy working environment. We will identify and manage risks arising from our activities, provide suitable equipment and facilities, and ensure that staff are trained and supervised to work safely. Health and safety is an integral part of our day to day management and is never compromised for speed, convenience or cost.
Scope of the Policy
This policy covers all aspects of our business, including storage unit operations, loading and unloading activities, handling, packing and moving of goods, use of vehicles and lifting equipment, office work, and interactions with customers, visitors and contractors on site or at external locations.
Legal Compliance
Storage Bounds Green will comply with all relevant health and safety legislation and associated regulations. We will monitor changes in law and recognised industry guidance for storage and removals operations, and update our procedures to meet or exceed those standards.
Health and Safety Responsibilities
Management Responsibilities
Senior management has overall responsibility for health and safety performance. This includes providing adequate resources, setting clear objectives, appointing competent persons to assist in managing health and safety, and reviewing performance regularly.
Managers and supervisors are responsible for implementing this policy in their areas, ensuring that risk assessments are completed, safe systems of work are followed, incidents are reported and investigated, and corrective actions are taken promptly.
Employee Responsibilities
All employees have a duty to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their work. Employees must follow safety procedures, use equipment correctly, wear any required personal protective equipment, report hazards and incidents, and cooperate with training and instruction provided.
Contractors and Visitors
Contractors working on our premises must follow our site rules and any specific safety instructions given. Visitors must comply with safety signage, remain in authorised areas, and follow any guidance provided by staff. Where necessary, visitors will be accompanied by a member of the team.
Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices
Storage Bounds Green will carry out regular risk assessments for all significant activities, including warehouse storage, handling of customer goods, vehicle movements, loading and unloading, manual handling tasks, and any work at height. Results of risk assessments will be used to establish safe working practices and to select appropriate equipment and controls.
Written procedures will be maintained for key processes such as accepting goods into storage, stacking and retrieving items, securing loads in vehicles, operating lifting equipment, and conducting removals at customer premises. These procedures will be communicated to all relevant staff and reviewed periodically.
Manual Handling and Use of Equipment
The nature of storage and removals work involves frequent manual handling of items of various sizes and weights. Storage Bounds Green will minimise manual lifting where reasonably practicable by using trolleys, pallet trucks, dollies, ramps and other mechanical aids. Staff will receive manual handling training covering safe lifting techniques, team lifts, and recognising when an item is too heavy or awkward to move safely.
Only trained and authorised personnel may operate equipment such as pallet trucks, lifts, stackers and any powered equipment we use. All equipment will be inspected, maintained and used in accordance with manufacturer instructions and our internal procedures.
Vehicle and Driving Safety
For removals and transport services, vehicle safety is essential. Vehicles will be maintained in a roadworthy condition and subject to appropriate checks. Drivers must hold the correct licence, follow driving regulations, and adhere to company rules on safe loading, securing of goods, route planning and working hours.
Loading areas and access routes will be managed to minimise the risk of collisions, slips, trips or falls. Pedestrian and vehicle movements will be coordinated where possible to reduce risk during busy periods.
Customer Goods and Site Safety
Careful handling of customer goods is both a service and a safety priority. Items will be stacked in a stable manner, with heavier goods placed at lower levels, and clear walkways maintained. Where units are accessed by customers, we will provide guidance on safe storage practices and display appropriate signage.
Our premises will be kept as clean and orderly as reasonably possible, with attention to clear fire exits, unobstructed access routes, safe lighting levels and appropriate temperature and ventilation where staff are working.
Emergency Preparedness
Storage Bounds Green will maintain emergency procedures covering fire, evacuation, accidents, spills and other foreseeable incidents. Appropriate fire safety equipment will be provided and maintained. Staff will receive instructions on emergency routes, assembly points and how to raise the alarm.
Emergency drills will be carried out periodically to ensure staff understand what to do. The results of drills will be reviewed to identify improvements in our preparedness and response.
Accident Reporting and Investigation
All accidents, near misses and hazardous conditions must be reported to management as soon as practicable. Records will be kept of all reported events. Where necessary, incidents will be investigated to identify root causes and to implement corrective and preventive measures.
Storage Bounds Green will encourage open reporting without blame, focusing on learning and improvement to prevent recurrence and to enhance overall safety.
Training, Information and Supervision
We will provide appropriate health and safety training for all employees when they start work and on a refresher basis. This includes induction training, role specific training for removals and storage tasks, equipment training and instruction in emergency procedures.
Supervision levels will reflect the risks of the work being carried out and the competence of the individuals involved. Clear information and instructions will be provided in a way that is understandable and accessible to staff.
Health, Welfare and Wellbeing
Storage Bounds Green recognises the importance of physical and mental wellbeing. We will provide appropriate welfare facilities, including access to rest areas and drinking water. We will take reasonable steps to manage fatigue, stress and workload, especially during busy periods for removals and storage turnover.
Monitoring, Review and Continuous Improvement
Compliance with this Health and Safety Policy will be monitored through inspections, audits and feedback from employees and customers. Performance will be reviewed at management level on a regular basis.
This policy will be reviewed periodically and whenever there are significant changes to our operations, legislation or recognised good practice. Storage Bounds Green is committed to continuous improvement in health and safety, ensuring that safe, reliable storage and removals services are delivered to all customers.
