Storage Notting Hill Health and Safety Policy
Storage Notting Hill is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for our employees, customers, contractors, and visitors. This policy sets out our approach to managing health and safety across our storage facilities and associated removal and transportation activities.
Our objective is to prevent accidents, work-related ill health, damage to property, and disruption to services through effective planning, control, and continuous improvement.
Scope and Objectives
This Health and Safety policy applies to all activities carried out by Storage Notting Hill, including but not limited to storage operations, handling and moving goods, loading and unloading vehicles, and associated removal services.
Our main objectives are to identify hazards, assess risks, and implement proportionate controls so that all activities are conducted safely, responsibly, and in compliance with applicable health and safety legislation and industry guidance.
Management Responsibility and Commitment
Senior management at Storage Notting Hill accepts overall responsibility for health and safety. Management will allocate appropriate resources, provide competent supervision, and ensure that safe systems of work are implemented and maintained.
Management will regularly review this policy to ensure it remains suitable, adequate, and effective, particularly when there are changes in operations, technology, legislation, or best practice. Lessons learned from incidents, near misses, and customer feedback will be taken into account in these reviews.
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 staff are expected to follow company procedures, use equipment correctly, and cooperate fully with health and safety measures.
Employees must report hazards, unsafe conditions, near misses, and any incidents immediately to their supervisor or manager so that prompt corrective action can be taken. No one will be penalised for raising genuine safety concerns in good faith.
Customer and Visitor Safety
Storage Notting Hill is committed to ensuring that customers and visitors can access our premises and services safely. We will maintain clearly signed areas, keep walkways and access routes free from obstructions, and provide information on any site-specific safety rules.
Where customers are present during loading, unloading, or removal activities, staff will take reasonable steps to segregate work areas and minimise exposure to moving vehicles, lifting operations, and manual handling activities.
Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work
We will identify and assess risks associated with storage, handling, and removal tasks, including but not limited to manual handling, working at height, vehicle movements, slips and trips, and the handling of customer goods.
Based on these assessments, Storage Notting Hill will implement safe systems of work, including safe loading and unloading procedures, secure stacking and storage practices, and appropriate use of trolleys and lifting aids. These procedures will be communicated clearly to employees and, where relevant, to contractors.
Manual Handling and Lifting
Manual handling is a key part of storage and removal services. We will minimise the need for manual lifting wherever reasonably practicable by using mechanical aids, team lifting, and careful planning of loads.
All employees involved in handling items will be trained in safe lifting techniques, weight assessment, and the importance of avoiding awkward postures and overreaching. Where an item is too heavy or bulky to be handled safely, staff must seek assistance or use suitable equipment rather than attempting to move it alone.
Vehicles, Driving, and Traffic Management
Storage Notting Hill will manage vehicle movements on and around our premises to reduce the risk of collision, injury, or damage. This includes designated loading areas, clear signage, and where appropriate, the use of banksmen or spotters during reversing and manoeuvring.
Drivers and removal operatives are expected to follow all site rules, drive considerately, secure loads properly, and comply with legal requirements relating to driving hours, vehicle condition, and load restraints.
Workplace Environment and Housekeeping
A tidy and well-organised environment is essential for safe storage and removal operations. We will maintain good housekeeping standards by keeping floors clear of spillages and obstructions, ensuring items are stored safely, and promptly removing waste materials and packaging.
Lighting, ventilation, and access routes will be maintained to provide a safe and comfortable working environment. Any defects in the building fabric, fixtures, or fittings must be reported immediately so that they can be addressed without delay.
Equipment, Maintenance, and Personal Protective Equipment
All equipment used in storage and removal activities, such as trolleys, lifting devices, and vehicles, will be maintained in safe working order and inspected at appropriate intervals.
Where personal protective equipment is required, such as gloves, safety footwear, or high visibility clothing, it will be provided and must be used in accordance with training and instructions. Employees are responsible for caring for their issued equipment and reporting any defects or damage.
Training, Information, and Supervision
Storage Notting Hill will provide employees with the training, information, and supervision necessary to carry out their roles safely. This includes induction training, task-specific instruction, and refresher training where needed.
Supervisors and managers will monitor work practices to ensure that procedures are followed and that standards are maintained. Additional guidance will be given if unsafe practices or misunderstandings are identified.
Emergency Procedures and First Aid
We will maintain clear procedures for dealing with emergencies, including fire, accidents, and serious incidents involving vehicles or handling operations. Employees and regular contractors will be made aware of evacuation routes, assembly points, and the location of emergency equipment.
Appropriate first aid arrangements will be in place, including trained first aiders and suitable first aid supplies. All accidents and near misses will be recorded, investigated where appropriate, and used to improve our controls and procedures.
Monitoring, Review, and Continuous Improvement
Storage Notting Hill will monitor health and safety performance through inspections, incident reporting, and staff feedback. Where shortcomings are identified, corrective actions will be taken promptly.
This policy will be reviewed periodically and updated as necessary to reflect changes in our operations, legislation, or best practice. The updated policy will be communicated to employees and made available to customers and visitors upon request.
By working together and following this policy, we aim to provide a safe, reliable, and responsible storage and removal service for everyone who uses or works within our facilities.
