Storage Shirley Health and Safety Policy
Storage Shirley is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for all employees, customers, contractors and visitors. This Health and Safety Policy sets out the standards and procedures we follow across our storage and removal operations to help prevent accidents, injuries and work-related ill health.
We recognise our responsibilities under relevant health and safety legislation and aim to exceed minimum legal requirements wherever reasonably practicable. Health and safety is an integral part of how we manage and deliver our services, including the handling, loading, unloading and transportation of customers possessions.
Our Health and Safety Objectives
The main objectives of this policy are to prevent harm, promote safe working practices, and continually improve health and safety performance. We aim to identify and control workplace risks, provide suitable training and supervision, and encourage a positive safety culture in which everyone plays an active role.
We will regularly review this policy and our procedures to ensure they remain effective, relevant and proportionate to the risks associated with storage, manual handling and removals activity.
Management Responsibilities
Senior management at Storage Shirley is ultimately responsible for implementing and maintaining this Health and Safety Policy. Management will provide appropriate resources, information and support to enable safe working conditions, safe systems of work and effective risk control measures.
Managers are responsible for ensuring that risk assessments are carried out, recorded and reviewed as necessary, particularly when there are significant changes to processes, equipment, vehicles or premises. They will ensure that staff are trained and competent, that equipment is properly maintained, and that any incidents, near misses or hazards are promptly investigated and addressed.
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 what they do or fail to do. All staff must follow health and safety procedures, use equipment correctly and cooperate with management in implementing control measures.
Employees must report hazards, unsafe conditions, incidents, near misses or defects in equipment or vehicles as soon as they are identified. Staff should not undertake any task for which they have not been trained or authorised, and must always use the personal protective equipment provided when required.
Customer and Visitor Safety
Storage Shirley takes reasonable steps to ensure that customers and visitors are not exposed to unnecessary risks while on our premises or when engaging our removal services. We maintain clear access routes, appropriate lighting, signage and housekeeping standards so that customers can move safely through loading areas, corridors and storage units.
Where necessary, customers are given guidance on safe behaviour on site, including staying clear of moving vehicles and lifting operations, following instructions from staff, and using equipment such as trolleys and lifts in a safe and responsible manner.
Safe Storage and Handling of Goods
We adopt safe systems of work for handling, lifting, stacking and storing goods. Staff are trained in manual handling techniques to minimise the risk of strain or injury. Where practical, mechanical aids such as trolleys and pallet trucks are used to reduce the need for manual lifting.
Goods must be stacked and stored in a stable, secure manner to prevent collapse or falling items. Heavy or bulky items are stored at appropriate heights and are secured where needed. Access routes and emergency exits are kept clear of stored goods at all times.
Vehicle, Driving and Removals Safety
For our removal operations, we maintain our vehicles in a safe, roadworthy condition in accordance with manufacturer recommendations and legal requirements. Drivers hold the necessary licences and receive training on safe driving, load security, and the safe operation of tail-lifts and other equipment.
Loads are planned, distributed and secured to avoid shifting during transit. Staff loading or unloading vehicles must follow agreed procedures and take care around moving vehicles and equipment. Reversing and manoeuvring are managed carefully, with the use of guides where appropriate, to reduce the risk of collision or injury.
Work Equipment and Premises Safety
All work equipment, including trolleys, lifting aids, ladders and any mechanical handling equipment, is inspected and maintained regularly. Faulty equipment is taken out of use until it can be repaired or replaced. Staff receive training in the safe use of all relevant equipment.
Our premises are maintained to a good standard, with attention to floor surfaces, lighting, ventilation and general housekeeping. We aim to prevent slips, trips and falls by keeping floors in good condition, promptly cleaning up spills and avoiding trailing cables or obstructions in walkways.
Fire Safety and Emergency Procedures
Storage Shirley maintains fire safety arrangements in line with current guidance. This includes suitable fire detection and alarm systems, appropriate fire-fighting equipment, and clearly marked escape routes and exits. Fire doors and exits must never be blocked or obstructed.
Staff are trained in fire and emergency procedures, including how to raise the alarm, assist with evacuation and direct customers and visitors to assembly points. Regular checks and tests of fire safety systems are carried out, and evacuation procedures are reviewed and practised as required.
Hazardous Substances and Prohibited Items
We take steps to control the risks associated with any hazardous substances used in our operations through appropriate storage, handling and use of safety data information. Only authorised staff may handle such substances and must follow the safety guidance provided.
Certain items may not be stored or transported by Storage Shirley due to safety and legal reasons. Prohibited items can include flammable or explosive materials, pressurised containers, illegal goods, contaminated items and any other materials that pose an unacceptable risk. Customers are informed of these restrictions and are responsible for ensuring that their goods comply with our terms.
Training, Consultation and Continuous Improvement
All employees receive appropriate induction and ongoing training relevant to their roles, including manual handling, vehicle and equipment operation, fire safety and general health and safety awareness. Additional training is provided when roles change, new equipment is introduced or risk assessments identify a specific need.
We encourage open communication about health and safety. Employees are consulted on changes that may affect their safety and are invited to contribute suggestions for improvements. Incident reports, near misses and customer feedback are reviewed to identify trends and opportunities to reduce risk and improve our safety performance.
Policy Review and Availability
This Health and Safety Policy is reviewed regularly and updated when necessary to reflect changes in legislation, guidance or our operations. The policy is available to all employees, customers and contractors on request and is communicated to staff as part of their training and ongoing management information.
By working together and following the principles and procedures set out in this policy, Storage Shirley aims to provide a safe, efficient and reliable storage and removals service for every customer.
