Storage Charlton Health and Safety Policy
Storage Charlton is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for all employees, customers, visitors, and contractors. This policy sets out our approach to managing health and safety risks across our storage and removal activities, including handling, transporting, loading, and storing customers possessions.
We aim to prevent accidents, injuries, and work-related ill health by identifying hazards, assessing risks, and implementing effective control measures. Everyone at Storage Charlton shares responsibility for maintaining a safe workplace and following the procedures outlined in this policy.
Health and Safety Objectives
Our primary objectives are to protect people, property, and the environment by managing health and safety in a systematic and proactive way. Storage Charlton will
Comply with all relevant health and safety legislation and recognised industry standards. Provide safe systems of work for storage, removals, and associated services. Maintain premises, equipment, and vehicles in a condition that is safe and without risks to health. Provide appropriate information, instruction, training, and supervision to enable employees to work safely. Encourage consultation and participation of employees on health and safety matters. Monitor performance, investigate incidents, and seek continuous improvement.
Management Responsibilities
Senior management at Storage Charlton is ultimately responsible for implementing this policy and ensuring that adequate resources are made available for health and safety. Management will
Set clear health and safety standards and communicate them to all staff. Ensure risk assessments are carried out for all key activities, including removal operations, manual handling, vehicle use, and storage activities. Provide and maintain safe plant and equipment, including vehicles, lifting aids, and storage systems. Ensure the workplace, including loading areas, corridors, stairways, and storage units, is kept in a safe and orderly condition. Review this policy periodically and following any significant change in operations or relevant legislation.
Employee Responsibilities
Every employee has a duty to take reasonable care for their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions. All staff are expected to
Follow all health and safety procedures and instructions provided by Storage Charlton. Use equipment, vehicles, and personal protective equipment correctly and report any defects immediately. Cooperate with management in meeting health and safety obligations. Report all accidents, incidents, near misses, and hazards as soon as possible. Avoid horseplay, unsafe shortcuts, and any behaviour that could put themselves or others at risk.
Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work
Storage Charlton undertakes risk assessments for all significant activities, including but not limited to
Manual handling of furniture, boxes, and bulky items during removals and storage. Loading and unloading vehicles at customer locations and at our premises. Operation and movement of vehicles in yards, loading bays, and car parks. Working in storage units, corridors, stairwells, and on ramps. Use of trolleys, sack trucks, lifting aids, and other equipment.
Control measures identified through risk assessment are used to create safe systems of work. These may include specific handling techniques, team lifting, route planning, use of lifting aids, restricted access areas, and clear signage.
Manual Handling and Lifting
Manual handling is a key part of removal and storage work. To reduce the risk of injury
Staff are trained in safe lifting techniques and the importance of assessing each load before lifting. Team lifts are used for heavy or awkward items. Mechanical aids such as trolleys and barrows are used whenever reasonably practicable. Staff are instructed to avoid overreaching, twisting while lifting, or attempting to lift items beyond their capability. Customers are advised not to overload boxes and to ensure items are packed in a way that allows safe handling.
Vehicles, Driving, and Transport Safety
Vehicles used in connection with Storage Charlton operations are maintained in a safe and roadworthy condition. Drivers must be competent, appropriately licensed, and medically fit to drive.
We require that
Pre use checks are carried out on vehicles and any defects are reported immediately. Loads are secured properly before vehicles move off, with particular attention to heavy or high items. Reversing and manoeuvring are planned carefully, using a banksman where necessary. Speed limits and safe driving practices are followed both on the road and on company premises. Rest periods and journey planning take account of driver fatigue.
Premises, Storage Areas, and Housekeeping
Storage Charlton maintains its premises and storage areas to minimise risks to employees, customers, and visitors. This includes
Keeping walkways, fire exits, and access routes clear of obstructions. Ensuring floors, ramps, and stairs are in good condition and free from slip and trip hazards. Stacking goods safely, with heavier items at lower levels and stable loading of shelves and units. Providing suitable lighting in all storage areas, corridors, and loading zones. Managing contractors who carry out maintenance or building work so that their activities do not compromise safety.
Personal Protective Equipment
Where risks cannot be fully controlled by other means, personal protective equipment may be provided, such as safety footwear, gloves, or high visibility clothing. Employees must use all protective equipment as instructed, keep it in good condition, and report any loss or damage.
Fire Safety and Emergency Procedures
Storage Charlton maintains fire safety measures appropriate to its premises and activities. This includes suitable fire detection and warning systems, fire extinguishers, and clearly marked escape routes.
Staff and regular contractors are made aware of emergency procedures, including evacuation routes and assembly points. Emergency exits must remain unobstructed at all times, and fire doors must not be wedged open. Periodic checks and drills are carried out to ensure procedures remain effective.
Accident Reporting and Investigation
All accidents, incidents, near misses, and dangerous occurrences must be reported promptly. Storage Charlton records and investigates such events to identify root causes and implement corrective measures. Where required, statutory reporting obligations will be complied with.
The findings from investigations are used to improve training, procedures, and risk controls and to prevent recurrence.
Training, Information, and Supervision
Storage Charlton ensures that employees receive suitable and sufficient training and information relevant to their role. This may include induction training, manual handling instruction, vehicle safety, use of lifting equipment, and emergency procedures.
Supervisors are responsible for monitoring working practices, providing guidance, and correcting unsafe behaviour. Additional or refresher training is provided when work changes, new equipment is introduced, or incident investigations identify the need.
Consultation and Review
Storage Charlton encourages open communication on health and safety matters. Employees are invited to raise concerns, suggest improvements, and participate in discussions about safe working. Feedback from staff, customers, and contractors is valued and considered when reviewing procedures.
This Health and Safety Policy is reviewed regularly to ensure it remains current, effective, and aligned with our operations and legal duties. Revisions are communicated to all relevant parties so that everyone understands their responsibilities and the standards expected at Storage Charlton.
By working together and following the principles in this policy, Storage Charlton aims to provide a safe and secure environment for storage, removals, and related services.
