Health and Safety Policy for Storage Emerson Park
Storage Emerson Park is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for all employees, customers, contractors, visitors, and others who may be affected by our activities. This policy applies to all areas of our storage facilities and to all removal and handling activities we carry out, including loading, unloading, transport preparation, and associated services.
Our objective is to prevent accidents, injuries, ill health, and damage to property or the environment through effective planning, control, and continual improvement of our health and safety practices.
Policy Aims and Responsibilities
We aim to manage health and safety as an integral part of our storage and removal operations. Senior management has overall responsibility for ensuring that appropriate arrangements, resources, and competent personnel are in place to implement this policy. Managers and supervisors are responsible for day-to-day implementation, ensuring that safe systems of work are followed and that employees are properly trained and supported.
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 company procedures, report hazards and incidents, and use equipment safely and correctly. Contractors working on our premises are required to comply with this policy and all relevant safety instructions issued by Storage Emerson Park.
Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work
We will identify and assess significant hazards associated with our storage and removal activities, including manual handling, vehicle movements, use of equipment, working at height, and handling of potentially hazardous goods. Formal risk assessments will be completed and reviewed periodically or following any significant change in operations or incident.
From these assessments, we will develop and maintain safe systems of work. These may include standard operating procedures for loading and unloading, stacking and racking, use of lifting equipment, and safe customer access to storage units. These procedures will be explained to employees and, where relevant, to contractors and customers.
Safe Storage and Handling of Goods
We will ensure that storage areas, racking systems, and containers are suitable for the types and quantities of goods being stored. Maximum load limits will be clearly communicated and must not be exceeded. Items will be stored in a stable and secure manner to avoid collapse, obstruction, or damage.
Manual handling tasks, such as lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling items during removals or within storage areas, will be planned to reduce the risk of injury. Where practicable, mechanical aids such as trolleys, pallet trucks, and lifting equipment will be provided and maintained. Employees will receive training in safe lifting techniques and in the correct use of handling equipment.
Vehicles, Traffic Management and Removal Operations
Vehicle movements on site, including removal vehicles, customer vehicles, and delivery vehicles, will be managed to minimise risk. Designated access routes, loading bays, and parking areas will be clearly marked where appropriate. When loading or unloading vehicles, care will be taken to ensure stable loads, safe access to vehicle beds, and secure placement of ramps or lifts.
Removal and transport preparation work will be planned to consider load stability, securing of goods, and safe access for staff and customers. Where customers carry out their own loading and unloading, staff will provide general safety guidance and may restrict access to areas deemed unsafe at any time.
Workplace Environment and Housekeeping
We will maintain our premises, including storage units, corridors, loading areas, and offices, in a clean, orderly, and safe condition. Good housekeeping will be promoted to prevent slips, trips, and falls. Walkways and emergency exits must be kept clear of obstructions at all times.
Lighting and ventilation will be provided to a level suitable for the tasks being undertaken. Any defects in the building fabric, fixtures, or fittings that may present a safety risk must be reported promptly so that corrective action can be taken.
Equipment, Maintenance and Safety Devices
All plant, equipment, and tools used in storage and removal operations will be suitable for their intended purpose and properly maintained. This includes, but is not limited to, trolleys, pallet trucks, lifting equipment, handling aids, and any powered machinery. Where statutory inspection or testing is required, it will be carried out at the appropriate intervals and records will be maintained.
Safety devices, guards, and protective features must not be removed, bypassed, or tampered with. Defective equipment must be taken out of use immediately and reported to management.
Fire Safety and Emergency Procedures
We will take appropriate measures to reduce the risk of fire and to ensure safe evacuation in the event of an emergency. This includes maintaining suitable fire detection and firefighting equipment, ensuring clear and marked escape routes, and displaying instructions for evacuation procedures.
Employees will be informed of emergency arrangements, including the location of exits, assembly points, and the procedure for raising the alarm. Where necessary, drills or practice exercises will be conducted. Customers and visitors will be required to follow staff instructions in any emergency.
Information, Instruction, Training and Supervision
We will provide employees with adequate information, instruction, training, and supervision to enable them to carry out their duties safely. This includes induction training for new starters, ongoing task-specific training, and refresher training where appropriate. Topics may cover manual handling, use of equipment, hazard awareness, emergency procedures, and safe working practices within storage and removal operations.
Health and safety responsibilities and expectations will be clearly communicated to all employees, and additional guidance will be provided to contractors and, where relevant, to customers using our storage and removal-related services.
Accident Reporting, Investigation and Continuous Improvement
All accidents, incidents, near misses, and unsafe conditions must be reported promptly to management. We will keep appropriate records, investigate incidents where necessary, and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence.
We are committed to continually improving our health and safety performance by monitoring our activities, reviewing procedures, and engaging with employees to identify opportunities for safer ways of working within our storage and removal service operations.
Health and Safety Policy Review
This health and safety policy will be reviewed regularly to ensure it remains effective, relevant, and aligned with current operational practices. It may also be updated following significant changes in our services, introduction of new equipment, alterations to the workplace, or in response to incidents or regulatory developments.
All persons working for or with Storage Emerson Park are expected to cooperate fully in the implementation of this policy and to contribute positively to maintaining a safe and healthy environment for everyone who uses our storage facilities and removal-related services.
