Health and Safety Policy for Storage Westcombe Park
Storage Westcombe Park is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for employees, customers, contractors and visitors. This Health and Safety Policy sets out our approach to managing risks associated with storage, handling, and removals-related activities carried out on our premises and in the course of our services.
Our Health and Safety Objectives
Our objectives are to prevent injury and ill health, protect property, and maintain safe and secure storage facilities. We aim to identify and control risks linked to lifting, carrying, vehicle movements, use of equipment, and access to storage units. Continuous improvement in health and safety performance is a core part of our operation.
Management Responsibilities
Senior management has overall responsibility for implementing this policy and ensuring that adequate resources are made available. This includes providing suitable equipment, training, supervision and safe systems of work. Management will regularly review risk assessments, incident reports and procedures to ensure they remain effective and up to date.
Managers and supervisors are responsible for day-to-day implementation of safety measures, monitoring working practices and addressing any issues promptly. They must ensure that employees follow safe methods of work, particularly when loading, unloading, moving goods or operating equipment associated with storage and removal activities.
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. Employees must follow all safety instructions, use equipment correctly, and cooperate fully with training and guidance provided.
Staff are expected to report hazards, defects, near misses and incidents without delay so that corrective action can be taken. Deliberate misuse of equipment, failure to follow procedures, or behaviour that puts others at risk will be treated as a serious disciplinary matter.
Customer and Visitor Safety
Storage Westcombe Park takes reasonable steps to ensure that customers and visitors can access our premises and storage units safely. Clear signage is provided to indicate routes, loading areas, emergency exits and restricted zones. Customers are requested to follow site rules, including speed limits, parking guidance and instructions from staff.
Customers are responsible for the safe packing of their own goods and for using safe lifting and carrying techniques. When using trolleys, sack barrows or similar equipment provided on site, customers should use them only for their intended purpose and return them to designated areas after use.
Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work
We carry out regular risk assessments covering storage areas, loading bays, passageways, stairwells, lifts, access routes and any areas used for handling or moving goods. Specific attention is given to typical risks associated with removals and storage operations, such as manual handling, slips and trips, falling objects and vehicle movements.
Where significant risks are identified, we implement control measures, including safe systems of work, signage, barriers, equipment maintenance and staff training. Risk assessments and procedures are reviewed periodically and following any incident or significant change in operations.
Manual Handling and Lifting
Many tasks in storage and removals involve lifting and carrying items. To reduce the risk of injury, manual handling will be avoided where reasonably practicable by using mechanical aids such as trolleys and pallet equipment, where available and appropriate.
All employees involved in handling goods will receive guidance in safe lifting techniques, including assessing the load, keeping it close to the body, avoiding twisting, and asking for assistance when items are heavy or awkward. Employees must not attempt to lift or move loads beyond their capability.
Vehicles, Loading and Unloading
Vehicle movements in loading areas present significant risk. Pedestrian and vehicle routes are, where possible, separated or clearly indicated. Drivers and staff must follow site rules and manoeuvre slowly and carefully.
Loading and unloading of customer goods, whether for storage or removals, must be carried out in a controlled manner. Items should be stacked securely, avoiding unstable loads. Where ramps or tail lifts are used, they must be operated only by competent individuals following manufacturer instructions and site procedures.
Equipment Safety and Maintenance
Any equipment provided by Storage Westcombe Park, such as trolleys, steps, lifting aids and security devices, must be used in accordance with instructions. Defective or damaged equipment must be taken out of use immediately and reported to management.
We arrange routine checks and maintenance for equipment and building services, including lighting, fire safety systems, access control and other safety-critical installations. Maintenance activities will be managed to minimise risk to occupants and visitors.
Fire Safety and Emergency Procedures
Storage Westcombe Park maintains fire detection and alarm systems and provides suitable fire extinguishers and emergency lighting where required. Fire exits and escape routes are kept clear at all times and are clearly marked.
All persons on site must familiarise themselves with fire exit routes and assembly points. In the event of fire or an alarm activation, everyone must leave the building immediately by the nearest safe exit and follow instructions from staff. Fire doors must not be wedged open and combustible materials should not be stored in escape routes or plant rooms.
Housekeeping and Site Condition
Good housekeeping is essential for safe storage and removals operations. Aisles, corridors and access routes must be kept clear of obstructions, packaging, and waste. Spillages must be cleaned up promptly and reported if assistance is required.
Waste materials, including packaging and discarded items, must be placed in appropriate containers and disposed of safely. Customers are encouraged to pack goods securely in boxes or containers that can be stacked safely within their storage unit.
Training, Information and Supervision
Employees receive induction training on health and safety procedures relevant to their roles, including emergency arrangements, manual handling and site rules. Additional training is provided where tasks involve higher risk activities, such as frequent loading and unloading or the use of specialist equipment.
Information on safety procedures, rules and emergency contacts is made available on site and explained to staff. Supervision is provided to ensure that safe systems of work are followed in practice, with refresher training given where needed.
Contractors Working on Site
Contractors carrying out work at Storage Westcombe Park must comply with this policy and with any site-specific risk assessments and method statements agreed before work begins. Contractors are responsible for the competence of their staff, the safe condition of their equipment and the control of any risks arising from their activities.
Incident Reporting and Policy Review
All accidents, near misses and dangerous occurrences must be reported to management as soon as possible. Incidents will be investigated to identify root causes and to determine any necessary corrective or preventive actions.
This Health and Safety Policy is reviewed regularly and whenever there are significant changes to our operations, facilities or relevant regulations. Storage Westcombe Park is committed to ongoing improvement and to maintaining safe conditions for everyone who uses or visits our storage and removals facilities.
