Storage Lewisham Health and Safety Policy
This Health and Safety policy sets out the principles, procedures and responsibilities that guide Storage Lewisham in protecting the health, safety and welfare of all employees, contractors, customers and visitors. Our commitment applies to all storage, handling, transport and removals activities carried out on our premises and at customer locations.
Policy Statement
Storage Lewisham is committed to providing and maintaining a safe and healthy working environment. We aim to prevent accidents, work-related ill health and damage to property through proactive risk management, staff training and continuous improvement of our practices.
Health and safety performance is integral to the quality of our storage and removals services. All levels of management are responsible for promoting safe working practices and ensuring that adequate resources are allocated to meet our legal and moral obligations.
Scope of the Policy
This policy applies to all employees, agency staff, contractors and any other persons working on behalf of Storage Lewisham. It also extends to customers and visitors who may be affected by our operations, including activities within storage facilities, offices, vehicles and at client sites where removal or delivery work is undertaken.
Management Responsibilities
Management at all levels will:
Ensure compliance with relevant health and safety legislation, regulations and industry guidance applicable to storage and removals activities.
Provide and maintain safe premises, storage units, vehicles, equipment and systems of work.
Identify hazards, assess risks and implement appropriate control measures.
Provide information, instruction, supervision and training to enable employees to work safely and competently.
Consult with employees on health and safety matters and encourage feedback for improvement.
Monitor and review health and safety performance and update this policy as required.
Employee Responsibilities
All employees and those working on behalf of Storage Lewisham 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 health and safety procedures, safe systems of work and instructions provided.
Use correctly any equipment, personal protective equipment and safety devices provided.
Report accidents, incidents, near misses, hazards or unsafe conditions to their manager without delay.
Cooperate with management in fulfilling legal and policy requirements, including attending training and health and safety briefings.
Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work
Storage Lewisham will carry out suitable and sufficient risk assessments for all significant activities, including warehouse operations, customer access, loading and unloading, vehicle movements and on-site removals work.
Risk assessments will be used to develop safe systems of work, which will be communicated to relevant staff. These systems will be reviewed regularly and following any incident, change in work practices or introduction of new equipment or substances.
Manual Handling and Lifting Operations
As a storage and removals focused business, manual handling is a key area of risk. Storage Lewisham will:
Minimise manual handling where reasonably practicable by using mechanical aids such as trolleys, pallet trucks and lifting equipment.
Ensure employees receive appropriate training in safe lifting techniques and load assessment.
Assess manual handling tasks and introduce controls to reduce the risk of injury, including team lifting where required.
Set clear limits for weight and size of loads that can be handled by individuals, and ensure staff understand when to request assistance.
Vehicle and Driving Safety
For removal and delivery services, Storage Lewisham will:
Ensure all vehicles are maintained in a safe and roadworthy condition through regular inspections and servicing.
Confirm that drivers are competent, appropriately licensed and aware of their responsibilities under road traffic and health and safety law.
Plan routes and schedules to minimise time pressure, reduce fatigue and support safe driving practices.
Provide guidance on the safe loading, securing and unloading of goods to prevent injury and damage.
Workplace Environment and Housekeeping
We will maintain storage areas, corridors, loading bays and offices in a clean, orderly and safe condition. This includes:
Keeping walkways clear and free from slip and trip hazards.
Ensuring adequate lighting, ventilation and where applicable, temperature control.
Storing goods securely and safely to prevent falls from height, collapse or obstruction of emergency routes.
Managing waste and recycling safely and responsibly.
Fire Safety and Emergency Procedures
Storage Lewisham will implement robust fire safety and emergency arrangements, including:
Fire risk assessments and appropriate control measures.
Provision and maintenance of fire detection, alarm and firefighting equipment.
Clearly marked and unobstructed emergency exits and escape routes.
Emergency evacuation procedures, with drills carried out at suitable intervals.
Staff training on fire precautions, alarms, assembly points and assisting customers or visitors in an emergency.
Accidents, Incidents and First Aid
All accidents, incidents and near misses will be reported, recorded and investigated, with actions taken to prevent recurrence. Storage Lewisham will ensure:
Availability of suitable first aid equipment and trained first aiders during operating hours.
Clear procedures for summoning medical assistance in the event of serious injury or illness.
Confidential reporting and appropriate follow-up support for those involved in incidents.
Consultation, Training and Communication
Storage Lewisham recognises that effective health and safety management depends on clear communication and active involvement. We will:
Consult employees on health and safety issues, either directly or through representatives.
Provide induction training for new employees and ongoing refresher training where necessary.
Display relevant health and safety information and signage in prominent locations.
Ensure contractors and agency workers are informed of site rules and relevant procedures before work begins.
Wellbeing and Occupational Health
We are committed to promoting the general wellbeing of employees. Where work may give rise to specific health risks, proportionate measures will be taken to prevent or control exposure. Employees are encouraged to raise any concerns about their health in relation to their work so that appropriate support and adjustments can be considered.
Monitoring and Review
This Health and Safety policy will be monitored on an ongoing basis to ensure its effectiveness and will be formally reviewed at regular intervals or whenever there are significant changes in our activities or relevant legislation. Any necessary amendments will be communicated to all employees and incorporated into our management systems.
Every person working for or with Storage Lewisham shares responsibility for upholding the standards set out in this policy and for helping to maintain a safe environment for storage, removals and associated services.
