Storage Belsize Park Health and Safety Policy
This Health and Safety Policy sets out the approach taken by Storage Belsize Park to protect the wellbeing of employees, contractors, clients, and visitors. It applies to all storage operations, removals activity, handling of goods, and use of vehicles and equipment associated with our services.
Our Commitment to Health and Safety
Storage Belsize Park 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 by identifying hazards, assessing risks, and implementing effective control measures. Health and safety considerations are integral to how we manage storage facilities, moving services, and customer access.
Senior management is responsible for ensuring that adequate resources, information, and supervision are provided so that health and safety obligations are met. All team members are expected to take reasonable care of themselves and others and to cooperate fully with safety procedures.
Roles and Responsibilities
Management is responsible for implementing this policy, setting safety objectives, and reviewing performance. This includes ensuring risk assessments are completed, safe systems of work are in place, and appropriate training is provided for storage and removals tasks.
Employees must follow safety instructions, use equipment correctly, report hazards and incidents promptly, and never attempt tasks for which they are not trained or authorised. Contractors working on our premises must comply with this policy and all site rules, including those related to lifting, vehicle movement, and access to storage areas.
Customers and visitors are required to follow safety signage and any instructions provided by staff, particularly when loading or unloading goods, moving vehicles, or accessing storage units.
Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices
We conduct regular risk assessments covering storage facilities, removal operations, vehicle use, manual handling, and any other activities that could present a risk to health and safety. These assessments identify potential hazards and define control measures, which may include restrictions on access, use of personal protective equipment, and specific loading and handling procedures.
Safe systems of work are developed for key activities such as lifting and carrying items, use of trolleys and lifting aids, loading and unloading vehicles, stacking and storing goods, and working in confined or elevated areas within storage spaces. Staff are trained on these procedures and are required to apply them consistently.
Manual Handling and Use of Equipment
Manual handling is a core part of storage and removals operations and is managed to reduce the risk of injury. Employees receive instruction on correct lifting techniques, team lifting, use of handling equipment, and recognition of loads that are too heavy or awkward to move safely.
Only trained personnel may operate mechanical aids and equipment such as sack trucks, pallet trucks, lifting devices, or platform equipment. All tools and equipment are maintained to a safe standard, and defective items must be taken out of service immediately and reported to management.
Vehicle Safety and Traffic Management
Vehicle movements related to storage and removal services are managed to minimise risk. This includes safe loading practices, securing of loads, and sensible speed and parking rules on and near the premises. Drivers must hold the appropriate licence, comply with road safety laws, and follow company guidance for safe driving, reversing, and parking.
Where possible, separate areas are designated for pedestrian and vehicle routes. Customers loading or unloading their own vehicles are advised to follow staff instructions and use designated zones to maintain a safe environment for everyone on site.
Workplace Environment and Housekeeping
We maintain a clean, orderly, and well-organised workplace. Access routes, emergency exits, stairways, and corridors must be kept clear at all times. Materials are stored in a stable, secure manner to prevent falls, collapse, or obstruction, and shelving or racking is used in line with its rated capacity.
Good housekeeping is essential to reduce slips, trips, and falls. Spills and debris are dealt with promptly, and waste materials are removed regularly. Lighting levels are maintained to support safe movement through storage areas, corridors, and loading points.
Fire Safety and Emergency Procedures
Fire safety measures are in place to protect staff, customers, and property. These include suitable fire detection and alarm systems, clearly marked escape routes, and accessible fire-fighting equipment where appropriate. Exits and fire doors must never be blocked or wedged open.
Emergency procedures cover fire, serious accidents, and other incidents that may require evacuation or urgent response. Staff are made aware of alarm signals, assembly points, and responsibilities during an emergency. Customers and visitors must follow staff directions immediately if an alarm sounds or an incident occurs.
Health, Welfare and Training
We promote the health and welfare of employees by providing appropriate facilities and ensuring access to information on safe working practices. Job-specific training is given to staff involved in removals, storage management, and customer support, covering topics such as manual handling, hazard awareness, and emergency arrangements.
Ongoing refresher training is provided where necessary, and any changes to processes, equipment, or layouts are supported by updated instructions and briefings. Employees are encouraged to raise any concerns about their health and safety or that of others.
Accident Reporting and Investigation
All accidents, near misses, and dangerous occurrences must be reported to management as soon as possible. Accurate records are kept of incidents, and investigations are carried out to identify root causes and implement corrective actions. This helps to prevent recurrence and supports continuous improvement in our safety performance.
Where required, incidents are reported to the appropriate authorities in line with legal obligations. Lessons learned from investigations are shared with relevant staff and reflected in updated risk assessments and procedures.
Monitoring, Review and Continuous Improvement
This Health and Safety Policy is monitored on an ongoing basis and reviewed periodically to ensure it remains effective and relevant to our storage and removals activities. Reviews take into account changes in operations, feedback from staff and customers, incident data, and developments in best practice.
Storage Belsize Park is committed to continually improving health and safety standards. Everyone involved with our services has a role to play in maintaining a safe environment, and we expect cooperation and support from employees, contractors, customers, and visitors in upholding this policy.
