Storage Redbridge Health and Safety Policy
Storage Redbridge is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for our employees, customers, contractors, visitors, and members of the public who may be affected by our storage and removal activities. This Health and Safety Policy sets out our objectives, responsibilities, and working practices to prevent accidents, injuries, ill health, and damage to property.
Our operations include storage, handling, loading, unloading, packing, and transporting of goods. We recognise that these activities carry specific risks, and we actively manage them through robust planning, supervision, and continual improvement.
Health and Safety Objectives
We aim to conduct all activities in a manner that:
Minimises risks arising from storage facilities, vehicles, equipment, and handling methods.
Prevents accidents, work-related injuries, and occupational ill health.
Promotes safe behaviour and awareness among employees and contractors.
Protects customers and visitors while on our premises or interacting with our services.
Ensures compliance with applicable health and safety legislation and recognised industry standards.
Management Responsibilities
Senior management at Storage Redbridge holds overall responsibility for health and safety performance and is committed to providing the leadership and resources required to implement this policy effectively. Management responsibilities include:
Establishing and reviewing health and safety objectives and procedures.
Ensuring that risk assessments are carried out and that appropriate control measures are implemented and maintained.
Providing suitable information, instruction, training, and supervision to employees.
Ensuring that equipment, vehicles, and storage facilities are maintained in safe working condition.
Monitoring performance, investigating incidents, and implementing corrective actions where necessary.
Encouraging open communication on health and safety issues and fostering a positive safety culture.
Employee Responsibilities
Every employee shares responsibility for maintaining a safe working environment. Employees must:
Take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions or omissions.
Follow all safety procedures, instructions, and training provided by Storage Redbridge.
Use equipment, vehicles, and personal protective equipment only as trained and intended.
Report hazards, unsafe conditions, near misses, accidents, and incidents immediately to their supervisor or manager.
Cooperate with management in the implementation of this policy and any associated procedures or investigations.
Safe Storage and Handling Practices
Our storage and removal services involve frequent handling, moving, and securing of goods. To manage these risks, Storage Redbridge will:
Conduct risk assessments covering manual handling, loading and unloading, working at height, use of trolleys and lifting equipment, and vehicle movements.
Implement safe systems of work for lifting, carrying, and stacking goods to avoid injuries and product damage.
Ensure aisles, access routes, loading bays, and fire exits are kept clear and well lit.
Provide appropriate manual handling and equipment training to all relevant staff.
Use suitable equipment such as trolleys, dollies, straps, ramps, and protective materials to reduce physical strain and minimise risk.
Secure loads in vehicles and storage units to prevent movement, collapse, or obstruction.
Vehicles and Driving Safety
Where removal and transport services are provided, Storage Redbridge takes specific measures to manage driving and road safety:
Vehicles are maintained according to a planned schedule and inspected regularly for roadworthiness.
Drivers must hold appropriate licences, follow company driving policies, and adhere to road traffic laws.
Loads are checked for correct distribution, weight, and securement before departure.
Safe loading and unloading areas are designated to minimise interaction between vehicles, pedestrians, and customers.
Drivers are expected to report defects, incidents, and any concerns related to vehicle safety without delay.
Workplace Environment and Welfare
Storage Redbridge is committed to maintaining clean, orderly premises and providing appropriate welfare facilities. We will:
Keep floors, walkways, and work areas clean, dry where reasonably practicable, and free from obstruction.
Provide adequate lighting, ventilation, and temperature control relative to the work being carried out.
Provide welfare facilities such as toilets, washing facilities, and rest areas.
Ensure safe access and egress for employees, customers, and visitors, including appropriate signage.
Manage noise, dust, and other environmental factors to reduce risk of discomfort or ill health.
Emergency Preparedness and Fire Safety
Storage Redbridge will prepare for potential emergencies to minimise harm and disruption. This includes:
Maintaining and communicating emergency procedures for fire, evacuation, severe weather, and other foreseeable events.
Providing and maintaining appropriate fire detection, alarm, and firefighting equipment.
Clearly marking emergency exits and keeping them unobstructed at all times.
Carrying out regular checks and, where appropriate, drills to test emergency arrangements.
Ensuring staff understand their responsibilities in an emergency, including assisting customers and visitors.
Training, Information, and Supervision
Effective health and safety management depends on competence and awareness. Storage Redbridge will:
Provide induction training for new employees covering key health and safety procedures.
Deliver role-specific training on manual handling, equipment use, vehicle safety, and site rules.
Refresh training periodically and when new risks, equipment, or processes are introduced.
Supervise higher-risk activities, such as complex removals, heavy lifting, and work at height.
Display relevant safety information and instructions at appropriate locations within our premises.
Incident Reporting and Investigation
All accidents, near misses, dangerous occurrences, and instances of work-related ill health must be reported promptly. Storage Redbridge will:
Maintain records of accidents and incidents in an appropriate log.
Investigate incidents to identify root causes and implement corrective and preventive measures.
Review trends in incidents to improve risk assessments and working practices.
Encourage reporting without fear of undue blame, focusing on learning and prevention.
Consultation and Continuous Improvement
Storage Redbridge values feedback from employees, contractors, and customers regarding health and safety. We will:
Consult with employees on changes that may affect their health and safety.
Encourage staff to raise concerns, suggest improvements, and participate in safety discussions.
Regularly review this policy, at least annually or following significant changes in operations or legislation.
Update procedures and training as necessary to reflect lessons learned and evolving best practice.
Policy Review and Communication
This Health and Safety Policy is approved by senior management and is communicated to all employees and relevant contractors. It is made available to customers and visitors upon request. The policy will be reviewed periodically and revised as needed to ensure it remains effective, relevant, and aligned with current operations and legal requirements.
