Storage Bickley Health and Safety Policy
Storage Bickley is committed to providing a safe, healthy and secure working environment for employees, customers, visitors, and contractors. This Health and Safety Policy sets out the principles and procedures that govern how we manage risks in our storage facilities and removals activities. Our objective is to prevent accidents, injuries and ill health, and to continuously improve our safety performance.
Policy Statement and Scope
This policy applies to all employees of Storage Bickley, whether permanent, temporary, or agency staff, and to all contractors and visitors who enter our premises or engage with our removals services. It covers all work activities, including storage operations, handling and moving goods, loading and unloading vehicles, use of equipment, driving for work, and office-based tasks related to storage and removals.
Management will provide the resources, information, instruction, and supervision necessary to maintain safe systems of work and to comply with all relevant health and safety legislation and industry best practice.
Health and Safety Responsibilities
Ultimate responsibility for health and safety rests with the company management. Management will lead by example, implement this policy, and ensure that health and safety considerations are integrated into all decisions, particularly those involving operational changes, new equipment, or new services.
Supervisors are responsible for ensuring that staff under their control follow safe working procedures, use equipment correctly, and attend required training. They must report hazards, incidents, and near misses promptly, and support staff in addressing safety concerns.
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. Staff must cooperate with management in implementing this policy, follow safety instructions, use protective equipment where required, and report unsafe conditions immediately.
Risk Assessment and Control Measures
Storage Bickley will carry out regular risk assessments for key activities, including lifting and carrying items, packing and unpacking, storage of goods, working in warehouses and yard areas, vehicle movements, and driving for removals work. These assessments will identify hazards, evaluate the level of risk, and define appropriate control measures.
Control measures may include safe systems of work, physical controls such as guarding and barriers, designation of pedestrian walkways, load limits for racking and vehicles, use of mechanical handling equipment, and clear signage. Assessments will be reviewed periodically and whenever there are significant changes to work processes, equipment, or premises layout.
Manual Handling and Safe Lifting
Manual handling is a key component of our removals and storage operations. To reduce the risk of injury, Storage Bickley will provide training on safe lifting techniques, appropriate team lifting, use of trolleys and other aids, and suitable planning of each move. Staff must assess the weight, size, and shape of items before lifting, consider the route, and seek assistance or mechanical support for heavy or awkward loads.
Employees must avoid twisting while lifting, keep loads close to the body, and take regular breaks when engaged in prolonged physical tasks. Any discomfort, strain, or potential injury must be reported immediately so that prompt action can be taken.
Use of Equipment and Vehicles
All equipment used in storage and removals operations, including trolleys, lifting devices, racking systems, and vehicles, must be used only by trained and authorised personnel. Pre-use checks will be carried out where appropriate, and any defects must be reported and the equipment taken out of service until repaired.
Company vehicles will be maintained in a safe and roadworthy condition in line with legal and manufacturer requirements. Drivers must hold the correct licence, follow safe driving practices, plan routes to minimise risk, and comply with all road traffic rules. Loads will be secured properly, and vehicles will not be overloaded.
Safe Workplace and Housekeeping
Storage Bickley will maintain premises in a clean, orderly and safe condition. Walkways and fire exits must be kept clear of obstructions at all times. Spillages will be cleaned promptly, waste will be disposed of safely, and lighting will be adequate for all work areas, including storage aisles, loading bays and offices.
Racking and storage systems will be used in accordance with their rated capacity, and items will be stacked to remain stable and secure. Access equipment, such as steps or platforms, will be used where necessary and inspected regularly.
Fire Safety and Emergency Procedures
Fire safety is of critical importance in storage environments. Storage Bickley will maintain appropriate fire detection and alarm systems, fire extinguishers, and clearly marked escape routes and assembly points. Regular fire drills will be carried out, and employees will receive instruction on what to do in the event of a fire or other emergency.
Emergency procedures will cover evacuation, contacting the emergency services, accounting for staff and visitors, and reporting incidents to management. Staff must familiarise themselves with the arrangements for each site they work from or visit.
Health, Welfare and First Aid
Storage Bickley will provide suitable welfare facilities, including access to drinking water, toilets, and rest areas. First aid arrangements will be in place at all active sites, including appointed first aiders and stocked first aid kits. All accidents, injuries, and near misses must be reported and recorded, so that trends can be identified and preventative measures put in place.
Where work may involve specific health risks, such as prolonged driving or repetitive tasks, Storage Bickley will consider additional measures such as health surveillance, task rotation, and ergonomic assessments.
Training, Information and Consultation
Appropriate health and safety training will be provided during induction and refreshed at regular intervals, especially for staff involved in physical removals work and storage operations. Training topics may include manual handling, equipment use, vehicle safety, fire safety, emergency procedures and hazard awareness.
Employees will receive clear instructions and information relevant to their role. Storage Bickley encourages open communication on health and safety matters and will consult with staff on changes that may affect their safety, inviting suggestions for improvements.
Monitoring, Review and Continuous Improvement
Compliance with this Health and Safety Policy will be monitored through inspections, audits, incident investigations and feedback from staff and customers. Where shortcomings are identified, corrective actions will be taken promptly.
This policy will be reviewed at regular intervals, and sooner if there are significant changes to legislation, company operations, or site arrangements. Updated versions will be communicated to all employees and made available to customers and contractors on request.
By working together and following the principles in this policy, Storage Bickley aims to ensure that its storage and removals services are delivered safely, responsibly and with respect for the wellbeing of everyone involved.
