Storage Kidbrooke Health and Safety Policy
Storage Kidbrooke is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for our employees, customers, contractors, visitors, and anyone affected by our storage and removal activities. This Health and Safety Policy sets out our overall approach to managing risks, complying with relevant health and safety legislation, and continually improving our standards.
Our Health and Safety Commitments
We will take all reasonably practicable steps to prevent accidents, injuries, and ill health arising from our work. This includes storage services, handling of goods, loading and unloading, and any associated removal or transport support activities. We aim to maintain premises, equipment, and working practices that safeguard the wellbeing of everyone on site.
Health and safety are core management responsibilities, and every employee and contractor is expected to cooperate in achieving a safe working environment.
Roles and Responsibilities
The senior management of Storage Kidbrooke has overall responsibility for implementing and reviewing this policy, setting clear objectives, and providing the necessary resources. Managers and supervisors are responsible for day to day implementation, including carrying out risk assessments, monitoring working practices, and ensuring staff follow safe systems of work.
All employees have a duty to take reasonable care of themselves and others, follow instructions and training, and report hazards, near misses, or incidents promptly. Contractors working on our premises are required to comply with this policy and any site specific safety rules. Customers and visitors must follow safety signage and any directions given by our staff.
Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work
We carry out regular risk assessments for our storage facilities, removal handling activities, vehicle loading areas, access routes, and office spaces. These assessments allow us to identify potential hazards and implement control measures, such as improved housekeeping, segregation of vehicle and pedestrian areas, use of mechanical aids, or restrictions on certain activities.
Where risks cannot be eliminated, they will be reduced so far as is reasonably practicable through safe systems of work. These systems are communicated to all relevant employees and are reviewed periodically, particularly after any incident or significant change in operations.
Manual Handling and Removals Safety
Much of our work involves the handling, lifting, and moving of items for storage and removal. We recognise that poor manual handling can cause serious injury. To control this risk, we provide training in safe lifting techniques, team lifts for heavy or awkward items, and the correct use of handling equipment such as trolleys and dollies.
We assess the weight, size, and nature of items before they are moved and ensure that staff do not exceed safe lifting limits. Where necessary, tasks are reorganised to avoid manual lifting altogether. Items must be stacked and stored securely to prevent collapse, and staff must never climb on racking or unstable surfaces.
Safe Storage and Site Access
Storage areas are organised to allow clear access, safe stacking, and sufficient lighting. Walkways, fire exits, and vehicle routes are kept clear at all times. Goods must be stored only in designated areas, and racking or storage structures are used in accordance with manufacturer guidance and internal procedures.
Customers and visitors must follow staff instructions regarding loading and unloading areas, speed limits, and restricted zones. Children must be supervised at all times, and animals should not be brought into storage areas.
Equipment and Vehicles
Any equipment used in the handling, storage, or removal of goods is selected, maintained, and inspected to ensure it is safe and suitable. Employees are trained and authorised before using equipment and must carry out pre use checks. Defective equipment must be taken out of service and reported immediately.
Where we operate or assist with vehicles during loading and unloading, we will manage the interface between vehicles and pedestrians, ensure safe parking and reversing procedures, and provide clear signage where necessary.
Fire Safety and Emergency Procedures
Storage Kidbrooke maintains fire safety arrangements appropriate to the nature of our premises and the goods stored. This includes fire detection and alarm systems where required, clearly marked escape routes, and fire fighting equipment located and maintained in line with legal and industry standards.
Emergency procedures are displayed on site and explained to staff. In the event of an alarm or emergency, all staff, customers, and visitors must follow evacuation instructions immediately and proceed to the designated assembly point. Fire exits and emergency routes must never be blocked or obstructed.
Training, Information, and Supervision
We provide all employees with appropriate information, instruction, and training to carry out their work safely. This includes induction training for new starters, role specific training for storage and removal tasks, refresher training where needed, and specialist training for those using particular equipment.
Supervisors monitor working practices and rectify unsafe behaviour or conditions. Safety rules are communicated clearly, and staff are encouraged to raise concerns or suggestions for improvement without fear of reprisal.
Accident Reporting and Investigation
All accidents, incidents, and near misses must be reported as soon as possible to a manager or supervisor. Records are maintained in an accident log, and where required, incidents will be reported to the appropriate regulatory authorities in accordance with legal requirements.
We investigate incidents to identify underlying causes and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence. Lessons learned are shared with relevant staff, and risk assessments and procedures are updated where necessary.
Health, Welfare, and Working Environment
We are committed to providing welfare facilities and a working environment that support the health and wellbeing of our workforce. This includes access to toilets and washing facilities, rest areas, adequate lighting, ventilation, and temperature control so far as reasonably practicable.
We recognise the importance of mental as well as physical health. Managers are encouraged to be approachable and to support staff who raise concerns about workload, fatigue, or other issues that may affect their safety or performance.
Cooperation with Customers and Contractors
Safe storage and removals require cooperation between Storage Kidbrooke, our customers, and any contractors working with us. We provide clear information about site rules, restricted items, and safe practices for bringing goods to and from our facilities. Customers must pack and label goods responsibly and must not store prohibited or dangerous items.
Contractors are required to demonstrate that they have appropriate competence, insurance, and safety arrangements. They must follow our site rules and coordinate with our staff to manage risks associated with their tasks.
Monitoring, Review, and Continuous Improvement
This Health and Safety Policy is monitored through regular inspections, audits, and feedback from staff and customers. Performance indicators such as accident statistics, near miss reports, and training records are reviewed to identify trends and opportunities for improvement.
The policy will be reviewed periodically and whenever there are significant changes in our operations, services, or relevant legislation. Updated versions will be communicated to employees and made available to customers and other interested parties.
By working together and following this policy, Storage Kidbrooke aims to provide secure storage and removal support services in a safe, responsible, and professional manner.
