Health and Safety Policy for Storage Monken Hadley
Storage Monken Hadley is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for employees, contractors, visitors and customers. This policy sets out our approach to managing health and safety across our storage facilities and removal operations, including packing, loading, transportation and unloading of goods.
Our Health and Safety Objectives
Our objectives are to prevent accidents and work-related ill health, protect property and equipment, and promote a positive safety culture. We aim to identify and control risks arising from our activities, particularly those linked to manual handling, vehicle movements, use of equipment, and storage of customers possessions.
Management Responsibilities
Company management is responsible for implementing and maintaining this health and safety policy. Management will ensure that suitable resources are provided for safe working practices, that risk assessments are carried out and reviewed, and that staff receive appropriate information, instruction and training.
Managers must lead by example, monitor performance on site and during removals, investigate incidents, and take corrective action where necessary. They are responsible for ensuring that all employees understand their duties and work in accordance with established procedures.
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 instructions, use equipment correctly, and cooperate with management in implementing this policy.
All staff are required to report accidents, near misses, unsafe conditions and defects in equipment at the earliest opportunity. Employees must not misuse or interfere with anything provided for health, safety or welfare and must attend required training sessions and toolbox talks.
Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices
We conduct regular risk assessments for our storage facilities, removal vehicles, loading operations and associated activities. These assessments identify hazards and evaluate the likelihood and severity of potential harm. Control measures are then implemented to reduce risks as far as reasonably practicable.
Safe systems of work are developed for typical tasks such as lifting and carrying items, loading vehicles, securing loads, stacking goods in storage, operating handling equipment and working in customer premises. These procedures are communicated to staff and are reviewed periodically or after any significant change in operations.
Manual Handling and Lifting
Manual handling is a core part of removal and storage work and is managed carefully. Wherever possible we use mechanical aids and handling equipment to reduce the need for lifting and carrying heavy or awkward items. Staff are trained in correct lifting techniques, team lifts and load assessment.
Employees are instructed not to exceed safe personal limits, to plan the route before moving items, to clear obstructions and to use appropriate protective equipment. Particular attention is given to fragile, sharp, bulky or unbalanced items and to work carried out on stairs, in confined areas or on uneven ground.
Vehicles, Driving and Site Traffic
We maintain our vehicles in a safe and roadworthy condition and carry out routine checks on brakes, tyres, lights, securing points and access steps. Drivers must hold the appropriate licence and follow road traffic requirements at all times.
Loading and unloading areas are organised to minimise reversing and to separate vehicles from pedestrians as far as practicable. When reversing is unavoidable, drivers should use a competent guide where available and proceed slowly. Loads are distributed and secured to prevent movement during transit and doors are checked before departure.
Equipment, Tools and Personal Protective Equipment
All work equipment, including sack trucks, trolleys, ramps, lifting straps and other aids, is selected for suitability and maintained in good condition. Faulty equipment is removed from use immediately and reported for repair or replacement.
Personal protective equipment may include safety footwear, gloves, high visibility clothing and other items as required by the task. Employees are responsible for using this equipment correctly, keeping it in good condition and reporting any loss or damage.
Housekeeping, Storage and Fire Safety
Good housekeeping is essential to safe storage and removal operations. Access routes, fire exits and emergency escape routes must be kept clear at all times. Floors and stairs should be free from trip hazards and spillages should be cleaned promptly.
Goods are stacked safely and within safe height limits, with heavier items stored at lower levels where appropriate. Fire safety arrangements include suitable detection and alarm systems where required, clear evacuation routes, appropriate fire extinguishers and regular checks of fire safety equipment.
Incident Reporting and Emergency Procedures
All accidents, injuries, near misses, property damage and safety concerns must be reported as soon as possible to the responsible manager or supervisor. Records are kept and used to identify trends and opportunities for improvement. Serious incidents are investigated to establish root causes and prevent recurrence.
Emergency procedures are in place for fire, medical emergencies and other foreseeable incidents. Staff are instructed in evacuation arrangements, assembly points, first aid provision and how to summon emergency assistance. These procedures are communicated during induction and refreshed as required.
Training, Consultation and Continuous Improvement
We provide health and safety induction for all new employees and ongoing training relevant to their roles, including manual handling, equipment use, vehicle safety and emergency arrangements. Competence is maintained through refresher training and on the job supervision.
Storage Monken Hadley encourages open communication on health and safety matters. Employees are invited to raise suggestions, highlight risks and participate in improving procedures. We regularly review our policy, risk assessments and working practices to reflect operational changes, legal requirements and industry good practice.
Policy Review and Commitment
This health and safety policy is reviewed periodically and whenever there are significant changes to our activities or relevant standards. The company is committed to continuous improvement in health and safety performance across storage facilities and removal operations, ensuring that work is carried out safely and responsibly at all times.
