Storage Bethnal Green Health and Safety Policy
This Health and Safety Policy sets out the principles and procedures that guide Storage Bethnal Green in protecting the health, safety and welfare of employees, customers, contractors, visitors and members of the public. Our work includes storage, handling, removals and associated services, and we are committed to managing all activities in a safe and responsible way.
The objectives of this policy are to prevent injury and ill health, protect property, and promote a positive safety culture across all locations where we operate.
Management Commitment
Senior management accepts overall responsibility for health and safety within Storage Bethnal Green. We will provide clear leadership, allocate appropriate resources and ensure that effective arrangements are in place for the planning, implementation, monitoring and review of safety performance.
Health and safety considerations form an integral part of business planning and operational decisions, including the design of storage areas, vehicle routing, lifting operations, and handling of goods and customer property.
Legal and Regulatory Compliance
Storage Bethnal Green will comply with all applicable health and safety legislation, regulations and recognised industry standards relevant to storage, removals and associated transport activities. Where it is reasonably practicable, we aim to exceed minimum legal requirements by adopting best practice approaches to risk management.
Risk Assessment and Hazard Control
We will identify and assess risks arising from our activities, including use of storage units, loading and unloading vehicles, manual handling of items, moving large or bulky goods, and the movement of people and vehicles around our sites.
Suitable and sufficient risk assessments will be carried out and kept under review. Control measures will be implemented to reduce risks so far as is reasonably practicable. These measures may include, but are not limited to:
Clear walkways, safe stacking of goods and protection from falling objects
Safe systems of work for loading, unloading and removals operations
Use of appropriate manual handling techniques and mechanical aids
Vehicle and traffic management arrangements on and around sites
Restrictions on hazardous, flammable or prohibited items in storage
Housekeeping standards to minimise slips, trips and fire risks
Safe Storage and Handling of Goods
All storage and removals activities will be organised and supervised to prevent damage and avoid harm to people. This includes:
Ensuring racking, shelving and storage units are used within their rated capacity
Positioning heavier items at lower levels to reduce the risk of injury
Securing goods to prevent shifting or falling during transport or handling
Maintaining clear access to emergency exits, fire equipment and safety signage
Following agreed procedures for handling fragile, high-value or awkward loads
Manual Handling and Use of Equipment
Manual handling is a key part of removal and storage work. Storage Bethnal Green will reduce manual handling risks by planning tasks carefully and using appropriate equipment where possible. Employees will be trained in safe lifting and carrying techniques and encouraged to ask for assistance when needed.
Equipment such as sack trucks, trolleys, lifting straps and other aids will be maintained in safe working order. Only trained and authorised personnel may operate specialist equipment or vehicles used in removals and storage operations.
Training, Information and Supervision
We will provide employees with suitable information, instruction and training to enable them to work safely and understand their responsibilities. This includes induction training, task-specific safe working practices, and refresher training as required.
Supervisors and managers will monitor working practices, provide guidance, and intervene where unsafe behaviour or conditions are observed. Employees are expected to follow training, adhere to procedures, and cooperate with all safety measures.
Employee Responsibilities
All employees share responsibility for maintaining a safe workplace. Employees must:
Take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions
Follow company safety procedures and use equipment correctly
Report accidents, near misses, hazards or unsafe conditions promptly to management
Use any personal protective equipment provided and keep it in good condition
Refrain from horseplay, misuse of equipment or any behaviour that could cause harm
Customer and Visitor Safety
Storage Bethnal Green is committed to providing a safe environment for customers and visitors using our storage facilities or present during removals work. We will:
Provide clear safety information and signage around facilities
Maintain well lit, unobstructed access routes where customers are permitted
Control access to operational areas where vehicles, lifting or loading activities are taking place
Advise customers on safe packing, loading and stacking of their goods where relevant
Vehicles, Driving and Transport Safety
Vehicles used for removals and transport will be maintained in a safe and roadworthy condition. Drivers must be competent, hold the appropriate licence and follow company policies on safe driving, loading, securing of loads, and route planning.
We will manage the interaction between vehicles and pedestrians at our sites through designated parking, loading areas, speed limits and other controls aimed at reducing the risk of collision.
Emergency Preparedness and Response
We will maintain clear procedures for dealing with emergencies such as fire, accidents, spills or structural damage. This includes:
Emergency evacuation procedures and assembly points
Appropriate fire detection and firefighting equipment
Access to first aid provisions and trained first aiders where required
Reporting and recording of accidents and incidents for investigation
Emergency arrangements will be communicated to staff, and where relevant, to customers and contractors.
Monitoring, Review and Continuous Improvement
Storage Bethnal Green will monitor health and safety performance through inspections, audits, accident and incident analysis, and feedback from employees and customers. Findings will be used to improve risk controls, procedures and training.
This Health and Safety Policy will be reviewed regularly, and sooner if there are significant changes to our operations, legislation or identified risks. Updates will be communicated to all employees and made available to customers and contractors upon request.
By working together and following this policy, Storage Bethnal Green aims to provide safe and reliable storage and removals services while protecting people, property and the environment.
