Storage Beckton Health and Safety Policy
Storage Beckton is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for employees, contractors, visitors and customers using our storage and removal related services. We recognise our duties under applicable health and safety legislation and aim to prevent injury, ill health and damage to property through effective planning, implementation and monitoring of safe working practices.
This policy applies to all activities carried out at our premises, including storage operations, handling and moving of goods, vehicle movements, loading and unloading, office work and customer access to units.
Health and Safety Objectives
Our primary objectives are to:
Identify, assess and control risks arising from our storage and removal support activities.
Provide and maintain safe premises, plant, equipment and working systems.
Ensure safe handling, stacking, lifting and transportation of goods.
Provide appropriate information, instruction, training and supervision for all employees.
Ensure that contractors and visitors are made aware of relevant safety requirements.
Promote a positive safety culture that encourages reporting of hazards, near misses and incidents.
Management Responsibilities
Senior management at Storage Beckton has overall responsibility for implementing this Health and Safety Policy and for ensuring that adequate resources are made available. Management will:
Set clear safety standards for storage and removal associated tasks, including manual handling and vehicle operations.
Undertake regular risk assessments and review control measures to keep them effective and up to date.
Ensure that all equipment, such as trolleys, handling aids and loading ramps, is properly maintained and fit for purpose.
Provide suitable personal protective equipment where required and ensure that it is used correctly.
Investigate accidents, incidents and near misses, identify root causes and implement corrective actions.
Review this policy on a regular basis and revise it as necessary in light of experience, changes in legislation or operational developments.
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 or omissions. Employees must:
Follow all safety procedures, instructions and training provided by Storage Beckton.
Use equipment, tools and handling aids correctly and report any defects immediately.
Cooperate with management in meeting health and safety requirements, including attending training and safety briefings.
Report hazards, unsafe conditions, near misses and incidents as soon as possible.
Refrain from horseplay, misuse of equipment or any behaviour that could endanger themselves or others.
Safe Storage and Handling of Goods
Storage Beckton carries out activities that involve manual handling and movement of goods, including items associated with home and office removals. To reduce risks of injury and damage, we will:
Assess manual handling tasks and introduce mechanical aids where reasonably practicable.
Train staff in correct lifting techniques, safe team lifting practices and the use of handling equipment.
Ensure that goods are stacked and stored in a stable manner, with heavier items at lower levels where possible.
Maintain clear access routes, aisles and fire exits, keeping them free from obstruction.
Control access to higher level storage areas and ensure that only competent persons use ladders or access equipment.
Vehicles, Loading and Unloading
Vehicle movements are an important part of our storage and removal related operations. To manage these safely, Storage Beckton will:
Designate safe areas for loading and unloading of vehicles, including removal vans and delivery vehicles.
Implement measures to separate vehicles from pedestrians where reasonably practicable.
Provide clear signage and markings for traffic routes, speed limits and parking areas.
Ensure staff involved in loading and unloading are trained in safe methods of work and understand the risks of falls, crushing and manual handling.
Encourage visiting drivers and removal teams to follow site safety rules and cooperate with our staff.
Workplace Environment and Welfare
Storage Beckton will maintain its premises to provide a safe and comfortable workplace. This includes:
Keeping floors, stairs and access routes in a good condition, dry where practicable and free from trip hazards.
Maintaining adequate lighting, ventilation and temperature conditions in work and storage areas.
Providing suitable welfare facilities, including toilets and rest areas, and keeping them clean and in good order.
Ensuring that emergency exits are clearly marked, accessible and free from obstruction at all times.
Fire Safety and Emergency Arrangements
We recognise the particular importance of fire safety within storage environments. Storage Beckton will:
Carry out fire risk assessments and review them periodically.
Provide appropriate fire detection, alarm and firefighting equipment and maintain it regularly.
Display clear instructions on what to do in case of fire or other emergencies.
Conduct periodic drills and ensure that staff understand evacuation routes and assembly points.
Control prohibited activities such as smoking in non-designated areas and the use of unauthorised electrical equipment.
Training, Information and Supervision
Proper training and supervision are essential to maintaining safe operations. Storage Beckton will:
Provide induction training for all new employees, including health and safety rules, emergency procedures and site layout.
Deliver task specific training for storage and handling activities, including those supporting domestic and commercial removals.
Provide refresher training as needed, particularly when there are changes to equipment, processes or legislation.
Ensure that supervisors are competent to oversee work safely and intervene where unsafe practices are observed.
Contractors, Visitors and Customers
Contractors, visitors and customers, including removal company staff and clients accessing storage units, share responsibility for maintaining a safe environment. Storage Beckton will:
Inform them of relevant site rules and emergency procedures.
Require contractors to demonstrate that they are competent and that they follow safe systems of work.
Expect visitors and customers to follow instructions given by staff, adhere to signage and report any hazards they notice.
Monitoring, Review and Continuous Improvement
Storage Beckton is committed to continually improving health and safety performance. We will:
Monitor compliance with this policy through inspections, audits and incident analysis.
Consult with employees on health and safety matters and encourage open communication.
Review this policy periodically to ensure it remains effective and relevant to our storage and removal support services.
By working together, management, employees, contractors and customers can help ensure that Storage Beckton remains a safe place in which to work, visit and store goods.
