Storage Woolwich Health and Safety Policy
Storage Woolwich is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for employees, customers, contractors and visitors. This policy sets out our approach to managing health and safety risks in our storage facilities and removal operations. Everyone working for or with Storage Woolwich has a responsibility to cooperate in maintaining high standards of safety and care.
Our Health and Safety Objectives
Our primary objectives are to prevent injury, protect health, and promote safe working practices across all storage, handling and removal activities. We aim to identify hazards, assess risks, and implement effective controls, so that staff and customers can use our services confidently and safely.
Management Responsibilities
Senior management holds overall responsibility for health and safety within Storage Woolwich. They ensure that suitable resources, information, training and supervision are provided. Management will:
Plan and maintain safe systems of work for storage, lifting, loading, unloading and transportation. Regularly review health and safety arrangements and performance. Ensure that incidents, near misses and hazards are reported, investigated and acted upon. Promote a positive safety culture where concerns can be raised without hesitation.
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 their actions or omissions. Employees are required to:
Follow all health and safety procedures, instructions and signage. Use equipment, vehicles and tools only as trained and authorised. Wear appropriate personal protective equipment as provided. Report hazards, defects, accidents and near misses promptly to a supervisor. Cooperate with investigations, training and safety initiatives.
Customer and Visitor Safety
We take reasonable steps to ensure that customers and visitors can access and use our storage facilities safely. This includes clear signage, maintained walkways, and guidance from staff when moving goods. Customers are expected to follow site rules, observe safety notices, and take care when lifting or handling their own items within our premises.
Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work
Storage Woolwich conducts risk assessments for key activities, including manual handling, use of mechanical aids, vehicle movements, loading and unloading, and work at height where applicable. Control measures are introduced to reduce risk to the lowest level reasonably practicable. Safe systems of work and method statements are implemented for removal and transportation tasks, including packing, lifting heavy or awkward items, and securing loads in vehicles.
Manual Handling and Use of Equipment
Manual handling is a significant part of storage and removal activity. To manage this safely, we:
Provide training on correct lifting techniques and team lifting methods. Encourage the use of trolleys, dollies, sack trucks and other handling aids. Plan removal routes to avoid unnecessary carrying or awkward manoeuvres. Instruct staff to refuse lifts that they consider unsafe or beyond their capability.
All equipment, including handling aids, pallet trucks and any mechanical lifting devices, is inspected regularly. Defective equipment is taken out of service immediately and reported for repair or replacement.
Vehicles, Driving and Traffic Management
Our removal vehicles and any other company vehicles are maintained in a roadworthy condition and inspected at appropriate intervals. Drivers must hold the correct licence, follow route planning and loading guidelines, and obey all road safety rules. Loads must be secured to prevent shifting during transit.
On our premises, vehicle and pedestrian movements are managed to reduce the risk of collision. Designated loading areas and marked walkways are used where practicable, and speed is kept low within and around the site.
Workplace Environment and Housekeeping
We seek to maintain storage areas, offices and yards in a clean, orderly and safe condition. Aisles and access routes must be kept clear of obstructions. Stock and customers possessions are stored in a stable manner to prevent falls, collapse or damage. Lighting, ventilation and temperature are monitored to ensure a comfortable and safe environment.
Regular inspections are carried out to identify slip, trip and fall hazards, such as spillages, uneven surfaces or damaged flooring. Any hazards identified are dealt with promptly.
Fire Safety and Emergency Procedures
Storage Woolwich maintains appropriate fire safety arrangements, including alarms, detection systems, extinguishers and clearly signed escape routes. Staff receive instruction on fire evacuation procedures and the location of assembly points.
Emergency procedures cover fire, serious accidents, spills and other potential incidents. Drills and training are used to ensure that staff know how to respond quickly and safely, including raising the alarm, assisting others where safe, and cooperating with the emergency services.
Hazardous Substances and Prohibited Items
Customers and staff must not store or transport prohibited or unsafe items using our facilities or services. This includes flammable, explosive, corrosive or otherwise hazardous substances that are not suitable for standard storage or removal operations. Clear information is provided regarding items that cannot be accepted. Any suspected hazardous materials are reported immediately and managed in line with company procedures.
Training, Information and Supervision
All employees receive induction training covering general health and safety, site rules, emergency arrangements and responsibilities. Additional role-specific training is provided for tasks such as driving, operating equipment, manual handling and supervising removal teams.
Supervisors are responsible for monitoring working practices, correcting unsafe behaviour, and ensuring that new or temporary staff are supported until they are competent to work independently. Safety information is communicated through briefings, notices and ongoing guidance.
Accident Reporting and Investigation
All accidents, incidents, near misses and dangerous occurrences must be reported as soon as possible. Records are maintained in an accident log and reviewed to identify trends and opportunities for improvement. Where necessary, investigations are carried out to determine root causes and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence.
Continuous Improvement and Policy Review
Storage Woolwich is committed to continuous improvement in health and safety performance. This policy and associated procedures are reviewed periodically, and also after any significant changes to operations, facilities or relevant legislation. Feedback from employees, customers and contractors is welcomed and considered as part of this review process.
This health and safety policy is supported by more detailed procedures and guidance applicable to particular tasks and locations. Together, they form the framework through which Storage Woolwich seeks to provide a safe, healthy and well managed environment for all.
