Storage Croydon Health and Safety Policy
Storage Croydon is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for our customers, employees, visitors, and contractors. This Health and Safety Policy outlines our approach to managing risks associated with storage, handling, and removal activities carried out at our facilities and on customer premises.
Policy Statement
Our objective is to prevent injury, ill health, and damage to property or the environment arising from our operations. We will actively identify, assess, and control risks linked to storage units, removal and transport of goods, manual handling, and the use of equipment. Health and safety considerations are integral to all planning and decision-making within Storage Croydon.
Management accepts overall responsibility for implementing and maintaining this policy. All employees and contractors are required to cooperate with our safety arrangements and to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions.
Legal and Regulatory Compliance
Storage Croydon will comply with all applicable health and safety legislation and recognised industry standards. We will monitor developments in relevant regulations and best practice to ensure our procedures remain up to date and effective.
Where legal requirements set minimum standards, we will strive, where reasonably practicable, to exceed those standards through proactive risk management and continuous improvement.
Roles and Responsibilities
Senior management is responsible for providing leadership on health and safety, ensuring appropriate resources, and regularly reviewing performance. They will ensure that a competent person is appointed to advise on health and safety matters and to support the implementation of this policy.
Supervisors and team leaders are responsible for day-to-day implementation, including communicating safe working procedures, monitoring compliance, and taking prompt action where risks are identified.
Employees must follow safety instructions, use equipment correctly, and report hazards, near misses, and incidents immediately. They are expected to participate in training and contribute to a culture of safety and respect.
Contractors working on our behalf must comply with this policy, our site rules, and all applicable laws. Contractors are required to conduct their own risk assessments for tasks under their control and to cooperate fully with our health and safety arrangements.
Risk Assessment and Safe Working Procedures
We will conduct regular risk assessments covering our storage facilities, removal activities, transport, loading and unloading, and any other significant tasks. These assessments will identify hazards, evaluate the level of risk, and specify control measures required.
Safe working procedures will be developed and maintained for key activities, including but not limited to manual handling of items, use of trolleys and lifting equipment, vehicle movements on site, stacking and storage of goods, and access to higher storage areas.
Risk assessments and procedures will be reviewed following any significant change in operations, an incident, or at regular intervals to ensure they remain suitable and effective.
Manual Handling and Use of Equipment
Manual handling is a core element of both storage and removal work. We will minimise the need for hazardous manual handling wherever reasonably practicable by using mechanical aids and planning work to reduce risks.
All staff involved in lifting, carrying, loading, and unloading will receive training in safe manual handling techniques. Where lifting equipment or trolleys are provided, these must be used in accordance with instructions and kept in good working order.
Only trained and authorised personnel may operate specialised equipment such as pallet trucks, lifting platforms, or similar devices. Equipment will be regularly inspected, maintained, and taken out of service if defects are identified.
Vehicle and Traffic Safety
Vehicle movements within and around our premises and on customer sites will be carefully managed to reduce the risk of collision and injury. Designated routes, loading areas, and parking locations will be clearly identified where relevant.
Drivers must comply with all site rules, speed limits, and safe loading requirements. Loads must be secured appropriately before vehicles move on or off site. Reversing manoeuvres will be controlled and, where possible, supported by a guide or appropriate technology.
Customer and Visitor Safety
Customers and visitors using our storage or removal services will be given clear information about site safety rules. This may include guidance on safe access to storage units, restrictions on certain items, and instructions on how to request assistance with heavy or bulky goods.
Customers are expected to follow all safety signage and instructions from staff. Children and pets must be supervised at all times. Where customers carry out their own loading and unloading, they are encouraged to apply safe lifting techniques and to request help when required.
Fire Safety and Emergency Procedures
We will maintain appropriate fire safety measures, including detection and alarm systems where required, clear escape routes, and suitable fire-fighting equipment. Emergency exits will be kept unobstructed at all times.
Staff will be trained in emergency procedures, including evacuation arrangements and their roles in the event of an incident. Regular checks and, where appropriate, drills will be conducted to ensure readiness.
Information on emergency procedures relevant to customers and visitors will be clearly communicated on site through notices and verbal instructions where necessary.
Hazardous Substances and Prohibited Items
To protect people and property, certain items may not be stored or moved using our services. These include flammable, explosive, corrosive, or otherwise hazardous substances, as well as items that are illegal or present a significant risk to others.
We will inform customers of prohibited items as part of our terms of use and service information. Any breach of these requirements may result in the immediate removal of items and further action where safety is compromised.
Training, Communication, and Consultation
Storage Croydon will provide appropriate health and safety training to all employees, including induction for new starters and refresher training when required. Training needs will be reviewed regularly and following changes in work processes.
We will communicate health and safety information through briefings, notices, and meetings. Employees will be consulted on matters that affect their safety and are encouraged to raise concerns, suggest improvements, and participate actively in creating a safer workplace.
Incident Reporting and Investigation
All accidents, injuries, near misses, and hazardous events must be reported promptly to management. Accurate records will be kept and reviewed to identify patterns and areas for improvement.
Incidents will be investigated to determine root causes and to implement corrective and preventive measures. Lessons learned will be shared with relevant staff and, where suitable, integrated into training and procedures.
Monitoring, Review, and Continuous Improvement
We will monitor our health and safety performance through inspections, audits, incident analysis, and feedback from staff and customers. Where deficiencies are identified, we will take prompt action to address them.
This Health and Safety Policy will be reviewed regularly and updated when necessary to reflect changes in operations, legislation, or best practice. The latest version of the policy will be made available to employees, customers, and other interested parties upon request.
By working together, Storage Croydon aims to maintain a safe and secure environment for storage, removals, and all associated activities, protecting the wellbeing of everyone who interacts with our services.
