Storage Old Malden Health and Safety Policy
Storage Old Malden is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for our customers, visitors, contractors and employees. This Health and Safety Policy sets out our approach to managing risks associated with storage, handling, removals activities and the general use of our premises. Our objective is to prevent injury, protect property and maintain safe working practices at all times.
Policy Statement and Responsibilities
Storage Old Malden recognises its responsibility to manage health and safety risks in a systematic and proactive manner. Senior management is accountable for ensuring that appropriate resources, systems and supervision are in place to support this policy and to promote a culture in which health and safety is a core value.
All employees, including those engaged in removals, handling and storage tasks, have a duty to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions or omissions. Employees are expected to follow all safety instructions, use any equipment provided for their protection and report hazards or incidents at the earliest opportunity.
Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work
We carry out regular risk assessments covering all key activities on site, including loading and unloading vehicles, manual handling of goods, the use of trolleys and handling aids, circulation in corridors and loading areas, and access to storage units. These risk assessments identify potential hazards and set out appropriate controls to reduce risks to an acceptable level.
Safe systems of work are developed from these assessments and are communicated to all relevant staff. Where work involves moving heavy or bulky items, staff are instructed to assess the load, use suitable equipment, seek assistance when required and follow established procedures to prevent musculoskeletal injuries.
Manual Handling and Removals Safety
Manual handling is a significant part of storage and removals activity and is treated as a key risk area. To reduce the likelihood of injury, Storage Old Malden will, so far as reasonably practicable, avoid unnecessary manual lifting by using handling equipment and by planning tasks to minimise strain.
Staff undertaking lifting and carrying work receive training in safe manual handling techniques, including how to assess loads, adopt stable postures, use team lifting where appropriate and avoid twisting while carrying. Customers are reminded to pack items in manageable containers, to avoid overloading boxes and to seek assistance when moving particularly heavy or awkward goods.
Safe Use of Equipment and Vehicles
Any equipment provided by Storage Old Malden, such as trolleys or other handling aids, must be used in accordance with instructions and only for its intended purpose. Equipment is subject to regular inspection and maintenance, and any defects must be reported immediately so that items can be taken out of service and repaired or replaced.
Where vehicles are used for removals and transport services, only authorised and competent persons may drive or operate them. Loading areas are to be kept clear, and vehicles must be parked considerately so that access routes, emergency exits and fire points remain unobstructed at all times.
Workplace Environment and Housekeeping
We aim to maintain our premises in a clean, orderly and safe condition. Good housekeeping is essential in preventing slips, trips and falls. Aisles and walkways should always be kept clear of obstacles, spillages must be cleaned promptly and materials should be stored securely and at safe heights.
Lighting levels in corridors, stairways, loading bays and storage areas will be maintained to provide safe visibility. Any damaged fixtures, fittings or surfaces that may create a hazard must be reported promptly so that remedial work can be arranged.
Fire Safety and Emergency Procedures
Storage Old Malden has procedures in place for fire safety and emergency evacuations. Fire detection and alarm systems, where installed, are tested at suitable intervals and firefighting equipment is maintained in line with manufacturer guidance and relevant regulations.
Emergency exits and escape routes must be kept clear and unlocked during opening hours. Staff receive instruction in emergency arrangements, including the location of exits, assembly points and the procedures to follow in the event of fire or other serious incident. Customers and visitors are expected to follow all instructions given by staff during an emergency.
Hazardous Substances and Prohibited Items
To protect the safety of all users of our facility, certain goods must not be stored or handled on site. This includes flammable liquids or gases, explosives, corrosive chemicals, toxic or hazardous substances, firearms and weapons, perishable foods, live animals and any other items that could present a risk of fire, explosion, contamination or injury.
Customers are responsible for ensuring that goods they bring to the premises comply with our storage rules. Staff are authorised to refuse access to items that they reasonably believe to be unsafe or unsuitable for storage or transport.
Training, Information and Supervision
Employees are provided with appropriate health and safety information, instruction and training for the tasks they undertake. This may include induction training, manual handling training, use of equipment, emergency procedures and any other relevant safety topics related to storage and removals operations.
Supervisors monitor working practices and provide guidance to ensure that employees understand and follow safety rules. Where new processes, equipment or services are introduced, additional training and risk assessment will be carried out as necessary.
Incident Reporting and Investigation
All accidents, near misses, injuries and dangerous occurrences on our premises or during associated removals activities must be reported to management as soon as possible. An accurate record will be kept so that incidents can be reviewed and, where necessary, investigated in order to identify underlying causes.
Findings from incident investigations are used to improve our procedures, update risk assessments and, where appropriate, introduce additional control measures or training. We encourage open reporting so that potential issues can be addressed before they result in harm.
Consultation and Continuous Improvement
Storage Old Malden is committed to continually improving its health and safety performance. We will review this policy periodically and when there are significant changes to our operations, services or legal requirements. Feedback from staff, customers and contractors is welcomed and will be considered when updating our arrangements.
By following this Health and Safety Policy, and by working cooperatively, we aim to ensure that Storage Old Malden remains a safe environment for storage, removals and all related activities.
