Storage Snaresbrook Health and Safety Policy
This Health and Safety Policy sets out how Storage Snaresbrook manages safety for our removals and storage operations. Our aim is to provide a safe, healthy environment for employees, contractors, customers, and visitors, while protecting property and the wider community.
Our Commitment to Health and Safety
Storage Snaresbrook is committed to maintaining high standards of health and safety in all activities, including packing, loading, transportation, storage, and on-site customer access. We will take all reasonably practicable steps to prevent injury, protect health, and control risks arising from our work.
We will regularly review our practices, assess new risks, and improve our systems to promote a culture where safety is everyone’s responsibility.
Legal Compliance and Responsibilities
Storage Snaresbrook will comply with all relevant health and safety legislation and recognised industry best practice. Management is responsible for ensuring that appropriate arrangements, resources, and supervision are in place to meet these duties.
Managers and supervisors must:
Ensure safe systems of work for removals and storage operations are implemented and maintained.
Provide suitable training, information, and instruction to employees.
Monitor working practices and address unsafe behaviour or conditions without delay.
Investigate incidents and near misses to identify causes and prevent recurrence.
Employees must:
Take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions.
Follow all safety procedures, instructions, and training provided.
Use equipment, vehicles, and protective gear correctly and report defects promptly.
Report accidents, incidents, hazards, or near misses to their manager as soon as possible.
Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices
We carry out regular risk assessments for our storage facilities, vehicles, handling equipment, and typical removal activities. These assessments identify potential hazards and specify the measures needed to control them.
As part of our commitment to safe removals and storage, we will:
Plan moves and storage work in advance, considering access, parking, lifting requirements, and any special risks.
Ensure safe loading, unloading, and securing of goods in vehicles to reduce the risk of injury and damage in transit.
Control access to operational areas and maintain clear walkways and fire escape routes.
Introduce safe systems for working at height, using ladders, and handling bulky or heavy items.
Manual Handling and Use of Equipment
Manual handling is a key part of removals and storage services. Storage Snaresbrook seeks to reduce manual handling risks through planning, the use of appropriate equipment, and staff training.
We will:
Assess lifting tasks before work begins, considering the weight, shape, and stability of items, as well as the route to be taken.
Provide and maintain suitable handling aids, such as sack trucks, trolleys, and moving equipment.
Require employees to follow training on safe lifting techniques, team lifting, and the use of equipment.
All equipment and vehicles used in removal and storage operations will be maintained in good working order and inspected regularly. Defective or unsafe equipment must not be used and must be reported immediately.
Training, Information, and Supervision
Storage Snaresbrook recognises that competent and informed staff are essential to safe operations. We will provide appropriate induction and ongoing training covering topics that may include:
General health and safety responsibilities.
Manual handling and use of lifting aids.
Safe operation of vehicles and storage equipment.
Hazard awareness in removal and storage environments.
Emergency and fire procedures.
Supervisors will ensure that new or inexperienced staff are closely monitored until they are competent and confident in their roles.
Fire Safety and Emergency Procedures
We maintain fire safety and emergency arrangements appropriate to our storage facilities and operational activities. This includes:
Clearly marked and unobstructed fire exits and escape routes.
Suitable fire detection and firefighting equipment where required.
Emergency lighting and signage as appropriate.
Documented emergency procedures and evacuation plans.
Employees must familiarise themselves with emergency procedures and participate in any drills or exercises carried out on site.
Customer and Visitor Safety
Storage Snaresbrook takes reasonable steps to ensure that customers and visitors are safe while on our premises or in contact with our removal teams. Visitors are expected to follow all safety instructions and to remain in designated areas.
We will:
Provide clear information on any restricted areas.
Keep floors, corridors, stairs, and loading areas as clear and tidy as reasonably possible.
Highlight any unusual or temporary hazards, such as maintenance work or vehicle movements.
Accident Reporting and Investigation
All accidents, near misses, and dangerous occurrences must be reported promptly so that they can be recorded, investigated, and, where required, notified to the relevant authorities.
We will investigate incidents to understand root causes, learn lessons, and implement corrective actions. Findings will be shared with relevant staff to prevent recurrence.
Continuous Improvement and Policy Review
Storage Snaresbrook is committed to continuous improvement in health and safety performance. This policy and our detailed procedures will be reviewed regularly, and also when there are significant changes to our operations, facilities, or legal requirements.
Suggestions from employees, customers, and contractors for improving safety are welcomed and will be considered in our reviews.
This Health and Safety Policy applies to all activities undertaken by Storage Snaresbrook, with the objective of ensuring that every removal, storage task, and customer interaction is carried out as safely as reasonably practicable.
