Health and Safety Policy for Storage Cambridge Heath
Storage Cambridge Heath is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for employees, contractors, customers, and visitors. This Health and Safety policy sets out our approach to managing risks associated with storage operations, handling of goods, and removal activities carried out on our premises and at customer locations.
Policy Statement and Objectives
Our objective is to prevent accidents, injuries, and work-related ill health by identifying hazards, assessing risks, and implementing effective controls. We aim to continually improve health and safety performance through clear responsibilities, safe systems of work, staff training, and regular monitoring.
This policy applies to all employees and contractors engaged by Storage Cambridge Heath, including those working off site on packing, loading, transport, and removals.
Management Responsibilities
Senior management holds overall responsibility for health and safety and will provide appropriate resources to implement this policy. Management will:
Assess and manage risks associated with storage, lifting, manual handling, vehicle movements, and removal activities. Ensure work equipment, vehicles, and lifting aids are suitable, maintained, and used correctly. Provide information, instruction, and training so that staff can carry out their duties safely. Consult with employees on health and safety matters and encourage reporting of hazards and near misses. Review the Health and Safety policy regularly and update it when operations or legal requirements change.
Employee Responsibilities
All employees share responsibility for maintaining a safe workplace. Employees must:
Take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their acts or omissions. Follow all safe working procedures, signage, and instructions given by supervisors and managers. Use equipment, vehicles, and personal protective equipment correctly and report defects immediately. Co operate in health and safety training and participate in risk assessments when requested. Report accidents, incidents, near misses, or unsafe conditions without delay so that corrective action can be taken.
Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work
Storage Cambridge Heath will identify foreseeable hazards and carry out risk assessments for key activities, including:
Loading and unloading goods for storage or removal. Handling heavy, bulky, or fragile items. Use of forklifts, trolleys, and other handling equipment. Vehicle movements in and around the site. Working at height when required to access storage areas or vehicles. Packing, wrapping, and securing goods for transport.
Based on these assessments, safe systems of work and method statements will be developed and communicated to all relevant staff. These will be reviewed regularly and whenever there is a significant change in equipment, processes, or work locations.
Manual Handling and Lifting Operations
Many tasks in storage and removals involve lifting, carrying, and moving goods. To reduce the risk of injury, the company will:
Provide training in correct manual handling techniques and safe lifting limits. Use mechanical aids, trolleys, pallet trucks, and lifting equipment where practical. Plan lifting operations to avoid unnecessary carrying distances, awkward movements, and over reaching. Encourage team lifting for heavy or awkward items and ensure loads are within a safe capacity for the individuals involved. Assess loads for stability, weight, and potential hazards before moving them.
Use of Vehicles and Driving for Work
Staff involved in driving company vehicles or attending customer premises must work safely on the road and on site. The company will ensure that vehicles are roadworthy, regularly inspected, and suitable for the loads carried. Drivers must carry out basic pre use checks, secure loads properly, and follow route instructions and safe parking procedures.
Drivers must comply with road traffic laws, drive responsibly, and avoid distractions. Any incidents, collisions, or damage must be reported as soon as possible so that investigations and remedial measures can be put in place.
Control of the Working Environment
Storage areas, loading bays, and access routes will be kept in a safe condition. This includes:
Maintaining good housekeeping to prevent slips, trips, and falls. Keeping walkways, emergency exits, and fire escape routes clear at all times. Providing adequate lighting in storage units, corridors, and external areas. Managing temperature, ventilation, and noise levels so far as reasonably practical.
Where hazardous substances are used, such as cleaning materials, they will be assessed, stored, and used in accordance with safety guidance and manufacturer instructions.
Fire Safety and Emergency Procedures
Storage Cambridge Heath will implement appropriate fire safety measures, including suitable fire detection, alarm systems, and fire extinguishers. Emergency exits will be clearly marked and kept unobstructed. Staff will receive fire safety information and be made aware of the procedures for evacuation, assembly points, and contacting emergency services.
Fire evacuation drills will be carried out periodically to confirm that procedures are effective and understood. Any issues identified during drills or actual incidents will be used to improve our arrangements.
Welfare, Health, and First Aid
Appropriate welfare facilities, including access to toilets, washing facilities, drinking water, and rest areas, will be provided and maintained in a clean and hygienic condition. First aid provisions will be suitable for the nature and scale of our operations, and trained first aiders will be appointed where required.
All accidents and work related ill health issues reported to the company will be recorded and, where necessary, investigated. Lessons learned will inform improvements in our risk controls and working methods.
Information, Instruction, and Training
Storage Cambridge Heath recognises that competent and informed staff are essential for safe operations. Induction training will cover key risks, emergency arrangements, and safe practices relating to storage and removal activities. Additional role specific training will be provided for tasks such as driving, operating mechanical handling equipment, and supervising work on customer sites.
Training records will be maintained, and refresher training will be given when required or when new equipment or procedures are introduced.
Monitoring, Review, and Continuous Improvement
Health and safety performance will be monitored through regular inspections, audits, and review of incident records. Where deficiencies are identified, corrective and preventive actions will be taken promptly.
This policy will be reviewed periodically, and whenever operations or relevant legislation change, to ensure that it remains suitable and effective. Storage Cambridge Heath is committed to continuous improvement and expects all employees and contractors to support and uphold this Health and Safety policy in their daily work.
