Storage Morden Park Health and Safety Policy
Storage Morden Park is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for all employees, customers, contractors, and visitors. This Health and Safety Policy sets out our approach to managing risks associated with storage operations, removals activities, transportation, manual handling, and the general use of our premises.
Policy Statement
Our objective is to prevent accidents, injuries, and work-related ill health by identifying hazards, assessing risks, and implementing effective control measures. We will take all reasonably practicable steps to provide safe working conditions, safe systems of work, and appropriate information, instruction, and training.
This policy applies to all activities undertaken by Storage Morden Park, including storage operations, removals services, loading, unloading, packing, handling of goods, and any associated office or site-based work.
Management Responsibilities
Senior management holds overall responsibility for health and safety performance and for ensuring this policy is implemented, monitored, and reviewed. Management will:
Provide and maintain safe premises, facilities, vehicles, and equipment for storage and removal activities. Ensure that risk assessments are completed, regularly reviewed, and that appropriate control measures are applied. Provide employees with training, supervision, and information to enable them to perform their duties safely. Promote a positive safety culture in which health and safety is considered an integral part of operational planning and decision-making. Ensure that suitable welfare arrangements are available and maintained for all staff and visitors.
Employee Responsibilities
All employees, including temporary and agency workers, 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 must:
Follow all safety procedures, instructions, and guidance provided by Storage Morden Park. Use correctly any equipment, machinery, personal protective equipment, and safety devices provided. Report without delay any hazards, unsafe conditions, accidents, near misses, or health concerns to their line manager or supervisor. Cooperate with management in implementing this policy and attend all relevant training.
Customer and Visitor Safety
We are committed to ensuring that customers and visitors can use our storage facilities and removal services safely. Access routes, walkways, loading bays, and parking areas will be kept as clear and well maintained as reasonably possible. Clear signage will be used to direct customers and visitors and to highlight any specific risks, such as vehicle movements or lifting areas.
Customers are expected to follow site rules, comply with any safety instructions provided by staff, and avoid unsafe practices such as overloading trolleys, obstructing fire exits, or climbing on racking.
Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work
We will identify hazards and assess the risks associated with typical storage and removal operations, including lifting and carrying, warehouse activities, packing, loading and unloading vehicles, and the movement of goods. Risk assessments will be documented, kept up to date, and communicated to relevant staff.
Safe systems of work will be developed and implemented for higher-risk tasks, such as working with lifting equipment, moving large or heavy items, using vehicles and handling fragile or high-value goods.
Manual Handling and Use of Equipment
Manual handling activities, particularly those involved in moving furniture, boxes, and bulky items, are a core part of our operations. To manage these risks, we will:
Provide appropriate manual handling training to staff involved in removals, loading, and storage tasks. Encourage the use of handling aids such as trolleys and dollies wherever reasonably practicable. Assess items prior to moving them to determine the safest method and the correct number of people required. Ensure that equipment such as sack trucks, pallet trucks, and lifting devices is properly maintained and used in accordance with training and instructions.
Vehicles and Transport Safety
Vehicle movements on and around our premises, including removal vans and other service vehicles, present potential hazards. We will implement measures to separate vehicles and pedestrians where reasonably practicable, provide clearly marked loading zones, and ensure drivers follow safe driving and parking procedures.
Drivers will be expected to carry out basic safety checks on vehicles, secure loads appropriately, and observe relevant traffic and site rules to protect themselves and others.
Fire Safety and Emergency Procedures
Storage Morden Park will maintain appropriate fire safety arrangements, including the provision of fire detection systems, alarms, and extinguishers, as applicable to the premises. Fire exits and escape routes will be kept clear at all times and clearly signed.
Emergency procedures, including evacuation plans, will be communicated to employees and displayed prominently on site. Regular checks and drills will be carried out to make sure that employees understand what to do in the event of an emergency.
Accident Reporting and Investigation
All accidents, incidents, and near misses occurring on our premises or during work activities must be reported promptly. Records will be maintained and monitored to identify trends or recurring issues.
Where necessary, investigations will be carried out to determine root causes, and corrective actions will be implemented to prevent recurrence. Lessons learned will be shared with relevant staff and taken into account when reviewing risk assessments and procedures.
Health, Welfare and Training
We will provide appropriate welfare facilities for employees and visitors, including access to rest areas and sanitary facilities. Where work activities could impact health, such as repeated manual handling or extended driving, we will take reasonable measures to minimise harm.
Health and safety training will be provided at induction and refreshed periodically. Additional role-specific training will be provided for those who operate equipment, drive vehicles, or carry out higher-risk tasks.
Policy Review and Continuous Improvement
This Health and Safety Policy will be reviewed regularly and updated as needed to reflect changes in our operations, legal requirements, or identified risks. We will seek feedback from employees, customers, and other stakeholders to support continual improvement in our health and safety performance.
By working together and following the principles and procedures set out in this policy, Storage Morden Park aims to maintain safe, efficient storage and removal services for all who use or work within our facilities.
