Storage Collier Row Health and Safety Policy
Storage Collier Row 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 facilities and removal activities, and explains the responsibilities of everyone using our premises and services.
Policy Statement
Our objective is to prevent accidents, work-related ill health, and damage to property or goods. We aim to identify hazards, assess risks, and implement sensible controls, particularly in relation to lifting, handling, vehicle movements, loading and unloading, and the use of storage units. We will review this policy regularly to ensure it remains effective and reflects current operations and best practice.
Management Responsibilities
Senior management at Storage Collier Row has overall responsibility for health and safety performance. This includes ensuring that adequate resources, information, training, and supervision are provided so that all activities, including removals, storage, handling of items, and site maintenance, are conducted safely.
Management will:
Promote a positive safety culture and lead by example on safe working practices.
Ensure risk assessments are carried out for all significant activities, including manual handling, vehicle operations, access to units, and use of equipment.
Implement and maintain appropriate control measures and safe systems of work.
Provide clear instructions, training, and information to staff and, where appropriate, to customers and contractors.
Monitor compliance with this policy and investigate incidents, accidents, and near misses to identify root causes and prevent recurrence.
Review this policy and associated procedures at regular intervals or following significant changes to our operations.
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. All employees must cooperate fully with Storage Collier Row to enable compliance with legal and policy requirements.
Employees are expected to:
Follow all safety instructions, procedures, and training provided.
Use equipment, vehicles, and tools correctly and safely, and only for their intended purpose.
Apply safe lifting and handling techniques when moving goods, both in storage units and during removal and transport tasks.
Wear any personal protective equipment provided and ensure it is used and stored correctly.
Report hazards, damage, defects, or unsafe conditions to management without delay.
Report all accidents, incidents, and near misses, however minor, for investigation and corrective action.
Customer and Visitor Responsibilities
Customers and visitors share responsibility for maintaining a safe environment while on our premises or when interacting with our removal services. Everyone using our facilities must comply with safety instructions, signage, and guidance provided by staff.
Customers and visitors should:
Follow site rules, including any restrictions on vehicle movements, parking, access routes, and loading areas.
Take care when lifting or moving their own goods and ask for guidance where manual handling risks are present.
Keep aisles, access routes, and fire exits clear of obstructions at all times.
Supervise children and vulnerable persons and ensure they stay clear of loading zones and vehicle manoeuvring areas.
Report any hazards or incidents they observe while on the premises.
Risk Management and Safe Working Practices
We will undertake and maintain risk assessments for our storage and removal operations. These assessments will cover key hazards such as manual handling of furniture and boxes, stacking and storing goods, use of trolleys and handling equipment, working in confined or enclosed storage units, and movement of vehicles and pedestrians on site.
Where risks are identified, we will implement control measures such as staff training in safe handling techniques, guidance on safe loading and unloading of vehicles, clear signage in loading bays and yard areas, procedures for maximum stacking heights and safe storage of heavy items, and housekeeping standards to keep walkways and units tidy and free from tripping hazards.
Vehicles, Loading and Unloading
Vehicle movements and loading operations present specific risks in a storage and removal environment. Storage Collier Row will manage these risks by designating safe areas for loading and unloading, controlling access to vehicle movement areas where possible, and encouraging safe driving practices on and around the site.
All employees involved in loading and unloading must follow agreed procedures, including checking the stability of loads, securing items to prevent movement in transit, and using appropriate equipment for lifting and moving heavy or bulky goods. Customers using their own vehicles must also exercise caution and follow site instructions.
Fire Safety and Emergency Procedures
We will implement and maintain suitable fire safety arrangements, including the provision of appropriate fire detection and firefighting equipment, clearly marked fire exits and escape routes, and regular checks to ensure exits and routes remain unobstructed.
Staff will receive information on emergency procedures, including evacuation plans and assembly points. Customers and visitors are required to follow instructions given by staff in the event of an emergency and to familiarise themselves with the location of exits and safety notices when using the site.
Training, Information and Supervision
Storage Collier Row will provide employees with training relevant to their roles, including induction training, manual handling techniques, safe use of equipment, and awareness of site-specific hazards. Refresher training will be provided where necessary, and additional training will be arranged when new equipment or processes are introduced.
Information about safety procedures will be communicated through briefings, notices, and documentation. Supervisors will monitor work practices and provide guidance and support to maintain safe standards.
Continuous Improvement
We are committed to continually improving our health and safety performance. We will review our policy, risk assessments, and procedures regularly, taking into account feedback from staff and customers, changes in our storage and removal activities, and lessons learned from incidents and near misses.
By working together, Storage Collier Row, our employees, customers, and visitors can help maintain a safe, healthy, and efficient environment for storage and removal services.
