Storage Blackwall Health and Safety Policy
Storage Blackwall is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for all employees, contractors, visitors and customers using our removal and storage services. This Health and Safety Policy sets out our approach to identifying, managing and minimising risks associated with handling, transporting and storing goods, as well as the general use of our premises and vehicles.
Our Health and Safety Objectives
Our core objectives are to prevent injury, protect health and maintain safe operations across our storage facilities and removal activities. We aim to continually improve our health and safety performance by setting clear responsibilities, providing appropriate training and ensuring that safe systems of work are in place and followed at all times.
Management Responsibilities
The management team at Storage Blackwall holds overall responsibility for implementing and maintaining this Health and Safety Policy. Management will ensure that suitable resources are made available to support safe working practices, including appropriate equipment, training, supervision and time for staff to carry out their duties safely. Managers will monitor compliance, investigate incidents and near misses, and review procedures where improvements are identified.
Management is responsible for carrying out or commissioning risk assessments for our storage areas, offices and removal operations. These assessments will be reviewed periodically and whenever there are significant changes in working practices, equipment or layout.
Employee Responsibilities
All employees of Storage Blackwall have a duty to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions. Staff must cooperate with management in implementing this policy, follow all safety procedures and use any personal protective equipment provided. Employees are expected to report hazards, unsafe conditions, accidents and near misses promptly so that appropriate action can be taken.
No employee should undertake a task for which they have not been trained or which they believe to be unsafe. If in doubt, staff must seek guidance from their line manager or supervisor.
Safe Handling and Manual Lifting
Removal and storage work often involves lifting, carrying and moving items. To reduce the risk of injury, Storage Blackwall provides guidance and training in safe manual handling techniques. Staff are instructed to assess the weight and shape of items before lifting, to use correct posture, to avoid twisting while carrying loads and to ask for assistance or use mechanical aids where appropriate.
Where possible, trolleys, dollies, pallet trucks and other handling equipment will be used to move heavier or bulky items. Employees must inspect such equipment before use and must not use damaged or defective equipment.
Vehicle and Driving Safety
Drivers engaged in removal services are required to follow all road safety laws and company driving procedures. Vehicles must be checked regularly, including tyres, lights, brakes and securing mechanisms for loads. Loads must be distributed evenly and secured to prevent shifting during transit.
Drivers must not operate vehicles if they are unfit to drive due to illness, fatigue, alcohol, drugs or any other impairment. Journey planning should allow adequate time to avoid rushing, and safe loading and unloading procedures must be followed at all times, including the use of hazard warning lights and, where necessary, cones or signage.
Safe Storage Areas and Facilities
Storage Blackwall will maintain its storage units, corridors, loading bays and external areas in a clean, orderly and safe condition. Walkways and fire exits must be kept clear of obstructions at all times. Lighting, ventilation and access controls will be maintained to suitable standards and inspected regularly.
Where goods are stacked, safe stacking guidelines will be followed to prevent collapse or falling items. Racking, shelving and other fixtures will be installed and maintained in line with manufacturer recommendations. Any damage to the building fabric, fixtures or safety equipment must be reported and addressed promptly.
Fire Safety and Emergency Procedures
Fire safety is a key element of our Health and Safety Policy. Storage Blackwall will ensure that appropriate fire detection and firefighting equipment is installed and regularly serviced. Fire exits and escape routes will be clearly marked and kept unobstructed.
Staff will receive induction training on fire procedures, including how to raise the alarm, evacuation routes, assembly points and the safe use of extinguishers where it is appropriate to do so. Periodic drills may be carried out to reinforce awareness of emergency procedures.
Hazardous Substances and Prohibited Items
Certain hazardous or illegal items are not permitted to be stored in our facilities or transported by our removal services. This includes flammable liquids, explosives, compressed gases, corrosive substances, toxic chemicals, perishable goods likely to attract pests, and any items that may present a significant risk to health, safety or property.
Customers are responsible for ensuring that their goods comply with our terms and conditions, and staff are trained to identify and report suspected hazardous materials. Any discovery of prohibited or unsafe items will be dealt with in accordance with company procedures and applicable regulations.
Accident Reporting and Investigation
All accidents, incidents and near misses occurring on our premises or during removal activities must be reported to management as soon as possible. Accurate records will be kept to help identify trends, inform risk assessments and support continuous improvement.
Where appropriate, investigations will be carried out to determine root causes and to implement corrective actions. Outcomes from investigations may lead to changes in procedures, additional training or the introduction of new safety measures.
Training, Information and Supervision
Storage Blackwall will provide suitable health and safety training to employees, including induction training for new starters and refresher training where needed. Staff will receive information about the specific risks associated with their roles and the control measures in place to manage those risks.
Supervisors are responsible for ensuring that employees understand and follow safety instructions, and that new or young workers receive appropriate support and oversight. Where specialised tasks are involved, such as operating mechanical handling equipment, only trained and authorised personnel may carry out those activities.
Consultation and Continuous Improvement
We recognise that effective health and safety management benefits from the input of those who work in and use our facilities. Storage Blackwall encourages employees to raise suggestions or concerns about health and safety, and to participate in discussions about improvements.
This Health and Safety Policy will be reviewed regularly, and whenever changes in our operations or relevant guidance indicate that an update is necessary. Revised versions will be communicated to staff and made available to customers on request.
Policy Commitment
By implementing this Health and Safety Policy, Storage Blackwall demonstrates its commitment to conducting all storage and removal operations in a responsible and safe manner. Everyone involved in our services is expected to support this commitment by working safely, following procedures and helping to maintain a secure environment for staff, customers and visitors.
