Storage Silvertown Health And Safety Policy
Storage Silvertown is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for employees, contractors, removal company teams, customers and visitors. This Health and Safety Policy sets out our approach to identifying, managing and reducing risks associated with storage, handling, loading and unloading activities on our premises.
Policy Statement
Our objective is to prevent accidents, injuries and ill health arising from work activities and the use of our storage facilities. We will comply with all applicable health and safety legislation and relevant industry guidance, and we will review this policy regularly to ensure it remains effective and appropriate to our operations.
Health and safety is a core management responsibility and an integral part of all planning and operational decision making in our storage and removal support services.
Scope
This policy applies to all Storage Silvertown employees, agency staff, contractors, removal company staff working on our site, customers and all other visitors. It covers all activities taking place at our storage premises, including but not limited to customer access, movement of goods, vehicle access and parking, loading and unloading, use of lifting equipment and general office operations.
Health And Safety Responsibilities
Overall responsibility for health and safety rests with the company management, who will ensure the provision of adequate resources, personnel and systems to implement this policy. Management will lead by example, promoting a positive safety culture and ensuring that health and safety considerations are prioritised in all business activities.
Managers and supervisors are responsible for implementing this policy in their areas of control. This includes carrying out risk assessments, ensuring staff are properly trained, monitoring compliance with safe working procedures and taking prompt action to address identified hazards or unsafe behaviour.
All employees and contractors must take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their acts or omissions. They must follow all safety instructions, cooperate with management in meeting legal obligations and report hazards, accidents, near misses and unsafe conditions without delay.
Customers and visitors, including removal company personnel and drivers, are required to follow site safety rules, observe signage, use designated access routes and cooperate with staff instructions to maintain a safe environment.
Risk Assessment And Safe Systems Of Work
Storage Silvertown will undertake regular risk assessments of all significant hazards associated with our storage facilities and removal related activities. This includes assessments of manual handling tasks, loading and unloading operations, use of trolleys and handling aids, slips and trips, working at height for stack access where applicable, vehicle movements and security related risks.
Findings from risk assessments will be documented and used to develop safe systems of work. These procedures will be communicated clearly to employees and, where relevant, to contractors and removal partners. Risk assessments will be reviewed periodically and whenever there are significant changes to our operations, facility layout, equipment or work practices.
Training, Information And Supervision
We will provide appropriate health and safety training for all employees to ensure they are competent to carry out their duties safely. Training will include induction training, safe manual handling, correct use of equipment, emergency and fire procedures, incident reporting and any specialist training required for particular roles.
Information on site specific hazards and safety rules will be made available to customers, removal companies and visiting drivers. Where necessary, staff will provide guidance on safe loading and unloading practices, use of loading bays, lifts, ramps and access routes.
Supervision levels will be set according to the nature of the work, the level of risk and the competence of those involved. Additional supervision may be required during busy periods or complex removal and storage operations.
Safe Use Of Equipment And Facilities
All equipment provided for handling and storing goods, such as trolleys, pallet trucks, lifts and access equipment, will be maintained in a safe condition and inspected at appropriate intervals. Defective or damaged equipment will be taken out of service immediately and clearly identified until repaired or replaced.
Customers and removal teams will be encouraged to use suitable handling aids and to avoid unsafe practices such as overloading, obstructing walkways or blocking fire exits. Where customers bring their own equipment, they are responsible for ensuring it is safe and fit for purpose.
Vehicle Movement And Loading Areas
Vehicle movements, particularly those of removal vans and larger commercial vehicles, present a significant risk. Storage Silvertown will manage traffic on site through clear signage, designated parking and loading areas and, where appropriate, separate routes for vehicles and pedestrians.
Drivers must follow on site speed limits, traffic routes and instructions from staff. Loading and unloading activities must be carried out in the designated areas only, with due care taken to avoid falls from vehicles, falling loads and contact with other vehicles or pedestrians.
Manual Handling And Ergonomics
Manual handling is a regular part of storage and removal related work. We will promote safe lifting techniques, use of handling aids and planning of lifts to reduce the risk of musculoskeletal injuries. Where loads are particularly heavy, bulky or difficult to handle, team lifting, mechanical assistance or alternative arrangements will be encouraged.
Emergency Preparedness And Fire Safety
Storage Silvertown will maintain clear emergency procedures covering fire, evacuation, medical emergencies and serious incidents. Fire detection and alarm systems, emergency lighting and fire fighting equipment will be installed and maintained in accordance with legal requirements.
Fire exits and escape routes will be kept clear at all times and clearly signposted. Staff will receive training in emergency procedures and will assist in directing customers and visitors to safety if an incident occurs.
Accident Reporting And Investigation
All accidents, incidents, near misses and dangerous occurrences must be reported promptly to a manager. Storage Silvertown will record and investigate such events to identify root causes and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence.
Where necessary, incidents will be reported to the relevant enforcing authorities in line with legal obligations.
Health, Welfare And Wellbeing
We recognise the importance of promoting general health and wellbeing in the workplace. Suitable welfare facilities, including washing and sanitary facilities, rest areas and drinking water, will be provided and maintained. We will take reasonable steps to manage work related stress and to support staff where health concerns arise that may affect their safety or that of others.
Consultation And Continuous Improvement
Storage Silvertown will consult with employees on health and safety matters and encourage feedback from staff, customers and removal partners on safety issues. Suggestions for improvement will be considered seriously and, where appropriate, incorporated into our policies and procedures.
This Health and Safety Policy will be reviewed regularly and updated as required to reflect changes in legislation, industry standards or our operational practices. Our aim is continuous improvement in health and safety performance across all storage and removal related activities.
