Storage Nunhead Health and Safety Policy
This Health and Safety policy sets out the principles, responsibilities, and procedures adopted by Storage Nunhead to protect the health, safety, and welfare of employees, customers, visitors, contractors, and members of the public who may be affected by our activities. This includes storage operations, handling of goods, and removal and transport services.
Policy Statement
Storage Nunhead is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment and to preventing injury, ill health, and property damage arising from our operations. We will manage health and safety with the same priority as other core business activities, and we will comply with applicable health and safety legislation and recognised best practice.
We recognise our duty to assess and control risks associated with storage facilities, movement of goods, manual handling, use of vehicles, and customer access, and to ensure that staff are properly trained, supervised, and equipped to carry out their work safely.
Scope of the Policy
This policy applies to all areas operated by Storage Nunhead, including storage units, loading bays, offices, yards, and areas where removal and transportation activities are undertaken. It covers permanent and temporary staff, agency workers, contractors, and any other individuals carrying out work on our behalf, as well as customers and visitors using or accessing our facilities.
Health and Safety Responsibilities
Overall responsibility for health and safety rests with senior management, who will ensure that adequate resources, time, and support are provided to implement this policy effectively.
Managers and supervisors are responsible for:
Ensuring that safe systems of work are implemented and maintained in storage and removal operations. Conducting and reviewing risk assessments for tasks such as lifting, carrying, packing, loading, and unloading. Providing staff with appropriate information, instruction, training, and supervision. Ensuring that equipment and vehicles used in removal and storage activities are properly maintained and safe to use. Monitoring compliance with this policy and taking corrective action where necessary.
Employees and contractors have a duty to:
Take reasonable care for their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their acts or omissions. Follow all safety procedures, instructions, and training provided by Storage Nunhead. Use equipment, vehicles, and personal protective equipment correctly and report any defects immediately. Report accidents, incidents, near misses, unsafe conditions, and hazards without delay. Cooperate with managers and supervisors to enable Storage Nunhead to meet its legal and policy obligations.
Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices
Storage Nunhead will undertake regular and systematic risk assessments covering storage facilities, removal operations, handling of goods, and customer access areas. These assessments will identify significant hazards and set out suitable control measures.
Safe working practices will be implemented for activities including, but not limited to:
Manual handling of boxes, furniture, and bulky items. Use of trolleys, sack trucks, and lifting aids. Vehicle movements within and around the site. Loading and unloading of vehicles. Stacking and storing of items to prevent collapse or obstruction. Housekeeping, cleaning, and maintenance activities.
Risk assessments and procedures will be reviewed periodically and whenever there are significant changes to operations, equipment, or layout.
Manual Handling and Removals Safety
Manual handling presents a significant risk within storage and removal services. Storage Nunhead will minimise the need for hazardous manual handling by using mechanical aids and planning work to reduce lifting, carrying, and awkward postures.
Where manual handling is unavoidable, staff will receive training in safe lifting techniques, assessment of loads, team lifting methods, and how to recognise and report potential injuries. Staff must never attempt to lift or move items beyond their capability and are expected to ask for assistance or use equipment where necessary.
During removal and transport work, care will be taken to secure loads safely, maintain clear access routes, and protect both people and property from impact, trips, and falling items.
Workplace Environment and Housekeeping
Storage Nunhead will maintain premises in a condition that is safe and without health risk. This includes ensuring:
Clear walkways, stairways, and access routes free from obstructions and tripping hazards. Adequate lighting in storage areas, loading bays, corridors, and vehicle access points. Suitable ventilation, temperature, and welfare facilities for staff and visitors. Good housekeeping standards, including regular cleaning and waste removal, to prevent slips, trips, and fire risks.
Equipment, Vehicles, and Personal Protective Equipment
All equipment and vehicles used for storage and removal operations will be maintained in a safe condition and inspected at appropriate intervals. Defective equipment or vehicles must be taken out of use and reported immediately.
Where risk assessments identify the need for personal protective equipment, such as safety footwear or gloves, this will be provided and must be worn as instructed. PPE is regarded as a last line of defence and does not replace the need for effective risk control at source.
Fire Safety and Emergency Procedures
Storage Nunhead will maintain appropriate fire safety arrangements, including clearly marked escape routes, suitable fire detection and firefighting equipment, and clear instructions on what to do in the event of a fire or other emergency.
All employees will be made aware of emergency procedures, assembly points, and how to raise the alarm. Fire exits and access routes for emergency services will be kept clear at all times.
Accident Reporting and Investigation
All accidents, incidents, near misses, and dangerous occurrences must be reported promptly to a manager or supervisor. Storage Nunhead will keep accurate records of such events and investigate them to identify root causes and actions needed to prevent recurrence.
Employees are expected to cooperate fully with any investigation and to implement any remedial measures identified as a result.
Training, Consultation, and Communication
Storage Nunhead will provide suitable and sufficient health and safety training for employees, including induction for new starters and role-specific training for those involved in storage and removal activities.
Where appropriate, staff will be consulted on health and safety matters, and their views will be considered when developing procedures and improvements. Health and safety information will be communicated through briefings, signage, and written instructions.
Monitoring, Review, and Continuous Improvement
Compliance with this Health and Safety policy will be monitored through inspections, audits, and review of incident data. Where shortcomings are identified, corrective and preventive measures will be implemented.
This policy will be reviewed regularly and updated as necessary to reflect changes in legislation, industry standards, or the nature of our storage and removal operations. Storage Nunhead is committed to continual improvement in health and safety performance.
