Storage Wembley Health and Safety Policy
This Health and Safety policy sets out the principles, arrangements, and responsibilities adopted by Storage Wembley to protect the health, safety, and welfare of employees, contractors, customers, visitors, and others who may be affected by our storage and removal activities.
We are committed to maintaining a safe environment across all facilities and in all services, including handling, loading, unloading, and transporting goods associated with our removal and storage operations.
Policy Statement and Objectives
Storage Wembley will, so far as is reasonably practicable, provide and maintain safe premises, vehicles, equipment, and systems of work. We will identify and manage risks relating to lifting and carrying, vehicle movements, storage of goods, and access to and from our sites.
Our objectives are to prevent injury and ill health, comply with relevant health and safety legislation, continually improve our safety performance, and promote a positive safety culture throughout our organisation.
Management Responsibilities
Senior management has overall responsibility for health and safety within Storage Wembley. This includes approving the policy, ensuring resources are available to implement it, and regularly reviewing its effectiveness.
Managers and supervisors must make sure that risk assessments are completed, control measures are implemented and maintained, workplaces and vehicles are safe and orderly, and all staff receive suitable information, instruction, and training to carry out their duties safely.
Contractors working on our behalf for removal, maintenance, or specialist services must comply with this policy and any relevant site rules. They are required to work safely and cooperate fully with our staff.
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 acts or omissions. Employees must follow safety instructions, use equipment properly, wear any required personal protective equipment, and report hazards, accidents, or near misses promptly.
Removal operatives and warehouse staff must pay particular attention to manual handling techniques, vehicle loading practices, and safe stacking of goods to prevent falls, collapses, and injuries.
Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work
Storage Wembley conducts and maintains suitable and sufficient risk assessments for all significant hazards associated with storage and removal activities. This includes, but is not limited to, manual handling, use of trolleys and lifting aids, operation of vehicles, working in confined or stacked areas, and handling customers possessions.
From these assessments we develop safe systems of work, which are communicated to staff through training, written procedures, and supervision. These systems are reviewed regularly and after any incident or significant change to work practices.
Safe Handling, Lifting, and Removal Operations
We recognise that manual handling and removals work present particular risks of musculoskeletal injury. To reduce these risks we will assess each task, use mechanical aids such as trolleys and lifts where appropriate, plan loading and unloading to minimise carrying distances and awkward postures, and ensure that loads are within safe weight limits for individuals and teams.
Staff are trained in correct lifting and carrying techniques, team handling, and the safe use of any handling equipment. Removal routes within buildings and between vehicles and storage units are planned to avoid slips, trips, and collisions.
Vehicles, Traffic Management, and Site Safety
Company vehicles used for removals and transport are maintained in a safe and roadworthy condition. Drivers must carry out routine checks and report any defects. Loading of vehicles must be secure, evenly distributed, and in line with agreed procedures.
On site, we manage traffic and pedestrian movements to reduce the risk of accidents. This may include designated loading areas, marked walkways, speed restrictions, and clear signage. Customers and contractors are expected to follow all instructions relating to parking, access, and loading bay use.
Storage Units and Warehouse Areas
Storage Wembley is responsible for maintaining the structural safety of storage units, aisles, and common areas. Units and racking systems are inspected and maintained to ensure they are fit for purpose and can safely accommodate typical loads.
We promote safe stacking of goods and discourage the storage of prohibited, hazardous, or illegal items. Customers are required to comply with our terms and conditions relating to permitted goods and safe storage practices.
Housekeeping standards are maintained to keep aisles, stairways, access routes, and fire exits free from obstruction and tripping hazards.
Welfare, Training, and Information
We provide suitable welfare facilities, including access to drinking water, toilets, and rest areas. Where removal and storage tasks are physically demanding, work is planned to allow adequate rest and recovery.
All employees receive induction training, including emergency procedures, accident reporting, and site rules. Role-specific training is provided for removal staff, vehicle drivers, and anyone using lifting equipment or other machinery. Refresher training is provided as necessary and when new equipment or processes are introduced.
Emergency Procedures and First Aid
Storage Wembley maintains documented emergency procedures for fire, serious incidents, and evacuation. Fire detection and protection systems are inspected and tested at appropriate intervals, and escape routes are kept clear at all times.
Designated staff members are trained in basic first aid and are responsible for providing immediate assistance until professional medical help is available, where required. First aid supplies are located at clearly marked points on site, and all staff are informed of their locations.
Accident Reporting and Investigation
All accidents, incidents, and near misses on our premises or during removal operations must be reported as soon as practicable. Records are kept and reviewed to identify patterns and areas for improvement.
Where necessary, incidents are investigated to determine underlying causes and to implement corrective and preventive actions. Lessons learned are communicated to staff and built into updated procedures and training.
Consultation and Continuous Improvement
Storage Wembley encourages the participation of employees in health and safety matters. Staff are invited to raise concerns, suggest improvements, and engage in discussions about safe working practices, especially around manual handling and removal operations.
This policy and associated procedures are reviewed regularly, or sooner if there are significant changes in legislation, operations, or following a serious incident. We are committed to continuous improvement in all aspects of health and safety to ensure that our storage and removal services are delivered in a responsible and secure manner.
