Storage Hadley Wood Health and Safety Commitment
Storage Hadley Wood is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for employees, contractors, customers, and visitors. This Health and Safety Policy sets out our principles and procedures for managing risk across our storage facilities and removal operations. Our objective is to prevent accidents, injuries, and work-related ill health and to promote a positive safety culture throughout the business.
The leadership team accepts overall responsibility for health and safety performance and provides the resources, information, and training necessary to maintain high standards. Every employee and contractor is expected to take reasonable care of their own safety and the safety of others who may be affected by their work.
Scope of This Policy
This policy applies to all activities carried out by Storage Hadley Wood, including but not limited to storage operations, handling and movement of goods, removals and transport, office activities, and interactions with customers and visitors on any premises or at client locations.
Health and Safety Responsibilities
Management is responsible for implementing this policy, reviewing its effectiveness, and ensuring compliance with applicable health and safety requirements. This includes maintaining suitable and sufficient risk assessments, providing safe systems of work, and ensuring that equipment and premises are fit for purpose.
Supervisors are responsible for communicating safe working practices, monitoring day-to-day operations, correcting unsafe behaviour, and reporting hazards and incidents promptly.
Employees must follow all safety instructions, use equipment correctly, wear any required personal protective equipment, report hazards or near misses, and co-operate with any health and safety initiative or investigation. No employee will be disadvantaged for raising genuine safety concerns.
Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices
Storage Hadley Wood identifies and assesses risks associated with its storage and removal services, including manual handling, the use of vehicles, lifting operations, use of equipment, slips and trips, fire safety, and interaction with members of the public.
Risk assessments are reviewed regularly and whenever there is a significant change in operating procedures, equipment, or location. Control measures are implemented in line with the level of risk and may include training, protective equipment, improved workplace layout, or revised working methods.
Safe systems of work are developed for key tasks such as loading and unloading vehicles, stacking and storing items, operating mechanical handling equipment, and carrying out removals at customer premises. These are communicated clearly to all relevant staff.
Manual Handling and Storage of Goods
Manual handling activities are planned to minimise the risk of strain, injury, or damage to goods. Staff are trained in correct lifting techniques, the use of trolleys and similar aids, and the importance of assessing load weight and route suitability before moving items.
Storage areas are kept organised and orderly. Items are stored to maintain stability and safe access, with heavy or bulky goods placed at appropriate heights and racking or shelving used in accordance with manufacturer guidance. Aisles and emergency routes are kept clear of obstructions at all times.
Vehicles, Driving, and Removal Operations
Vehicles used for removals and transport are maintained in a roadworthy condition with regular inspections and servicing. Drivers must hold appropriate licences, follow all traffic and parking rules, and operate vehicles with due care for pedestrians and other road users.
Loading and unloading operations are planned to prevent falls, crush injuries, and property damage. Loads are secured properly for transit, and staff are instructed not to exceed safe weight limits or climb on vehicles or unstable loads. When working at customer premises, staff must assess the environment for hazards such as uneven surfaces, restricted access, or other site-specific risks.
Workplace Environment and Welfare
Storage Hadley Wood aims to maintain clean, tidy, and well-maintained premises. Floors, steps, and access routes are inspected regularly, and any defects are reported and addressed promptly. Lighting, ventilation, and temperature are managed so far as reasonably practicable to provide a comfortable and safe environment.
Suitable welfare facilities are provided, including access to drinking water and rest areas. Toilets and washing facilities are kept clean and hygienic. Employees are encouraged to take regular breaks, especially when undertaking physically demanding tasks such as removals and heavy lifting.
Training, Information, and Supervision
All employees receive health and safety induction training on joining the company. Additional training is provided where specific risks are identified, for example in manual handling, vehicle operation, or the use of specialist equipment.
Information on safe practices, emergency procedures, and any changes to working methods is communicated through briefings, notices, and ongoing supervision. Supervisors are expected to monitor safe behaviour and provide guidance, coaching, and refresher training where necessary.
Accidents, Incidents, and Near Miss Reporting
All accidents, injuries, incidents, and near misses must be reported promptly to management, whether they involve employees, contractors, customers, or visitors. An internal record is kept of such events, and where appropriate, an investigation is carried out to identify root causes and implement corrective actions.
Learning from incidents is shared with relevant staff so that similar events can be prevented in future. Where required, incidents are reported to external authorities in line with applicable regulations.
Emergency Preparedness and Fire Safety
Emergency procedures are in place for fire, medical emergencies, and other foreseeable incidents. Clear instructions are displayed on site, and staff are made aware of evacuation routes, assembly points, and the location of alarm call points and fire extinguishers.
Fire exits and routes are kept clear at all times. Fire detection and alarm systems and fire-fighting equipment are checked and maintained at appropriate intervals. Staff receive guidance on safe evacuation and must comply immediately with any instruction to evacuate.
Health, Wellbeing, and Occupational Health
Storage Hadley Wood recognises the importance of physical and mental health in maintaining a safe and effective workforce. Tasks are planned to avoid excessive physical strain, and staff are encouraged to speak up if they believe work is putting their health at risk.
The company will consider reasonable adjustments for employees with health conditions and may seek professional advice where necessary. Fatigue is recognised as a potential risk, particularly in driving and manual handling, and working hours and workloads are managed accordingly.
Consultation and Continuous Improvement
Storage Hadley Wood is committed to continuous improvement in health and safety performance. Employees are encouraged to contribute ideas for safer working methods and to raise concerns without fear of reprisal. Regular reviews of procedures, incidents, and risk assessments are used to identify opportunities for improvement.
This Health and Safety Policy is reviewed periodically to ensure it remains relevant, effective, and appropriate to the nature and scale of our storage and removal operations. Any significant changes will be communicated to all employees and, where appropriate, to customers and contractors.
