Storage Ruxley Health and Safety Policy
Storage Ruxley is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for our employees, customers, contractors and visitors. This Health and Safety Policy sets out our approach to managing risks associated with storage facilities, removals services and associated activities carried out on or from our premises.
We aim to prevent accidents, work related ill health and unsafe practices by maintaining high standards of safety in all areas of our operations, including handling, lifting, transportation, loading, unloading and storage of goods.
Policy Statement and Objectives
Our objective is to ensure that all work at Storage Ruxley is carried out safely and that health risks are properly controlled. We will do this by implementing effective procedures, providing adequate resources and making health and safety an integral part of our decision making.
We are committed to the following key objectives:
Identifying, assessing and controlling risks arising from our removal and storage activities.
Complying with all applicable health and safety legislation and relevant industry standards.
Providing safe and well maintained premises, vehicles, equipment and systems of work.
Ensuring employees are competent to carry out their tasks through appropriate training, supervision and information.
Consulting with employees and encouraging a positive safety culture in which everyone takes responsibility for their own safety and that of others.
Continually improving our health and safety performance through monitoring, review and actions arising from audits and incident reports.
Responsibilities
The overall responsibility for health and safety at Storage Ruxley rests with senior management. They are responsible for ensuring that adequate arrangements, resources and competent persons are in place to implement this policy.
Managers and supervisors are responsible for day to day implementation of safety procedures, ensuring that safe systems of work are followed, that employees are properly trained and equipped, and that hazards are identified, reported and controlled in a timely manner.
All employees, including removals operatives, drivers, warehouse staff, office staff and contractors working on our behalf, have 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. They are required to follow safety instructions, use equipment correctly, report hazards, near misses and accidents, and cooperate with any investigation or improvement measures.
Visitors and customers are expected to comply with safety information provided on site, including any restrictions on access to operational areas and any instructions given by staff.
Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work
We will carry out suitable and sufficient risk assessments for all significant hazards arising from our storage and removals activities. This includes manual handling, use of lifting equipment, operation of vehicles, working in warehouses, loading bays and loading areas, and handling of customers goods.
Based on these assessments we will implement safe systems of work, including clear procedures for:
Planning and carrying out removals jobs and storage operations.
Assessing loads for weight, stability and handling requirements.
Using trolleys, dollies, ramps and other moving equipment.
Safe stacking and storage of goods to prevent falls or collapse.
Vehicle movements, reversing, parking and loading dock operations.
Emergency situations including fire, accidents, spills and structural incidents.
Risk assessments will be reviewed regularly and whenever there is a significant change in operations, equipment, premises layout or legislation.
Manual Handling and Lifting Operations
Manual handling is a core activity in our removals and storage services. We will minimise the risk of injury by:
Avoiding hazardous manual handling where reasonably practicable.
Using mechanical aids and suitable equipment wherever possible.
Planning lifts in advance, including route checks and obstacles.
Providing manual handling training for staff involved in lifting and moving tasks.
Encouraging safe lifting techniques and team lifting where appropriate.
Ensuring that lifting equipment is properly maintained, inspected and used only by trained personnel.
Vehicles, Driving and Transport Safety
Our vehicles and any transport equipment used for removals or on site movements will be maintained in a roadworthy and safe condition. Regular inspections, servicing and defect reporting procedures will be in place.
Drivers will receive appropriate training and instruction for safe driving, load security, route planning and customer deliveries. They are expected to comply with all traffic legislation, avoid driving while fatigued and report any incidents or hazards encountered on the road or at customer premises.
On site, vehicle and pedestrian routes will be clearly defined where appropriate. Reversing manoeuvres will be controlled and, where necessary, assisted by a banksman. Loading and unloading will be carried out in accordance with safe systems of work.
Premises, Equipment and Housekeeping
We will maintain our premises, storage units, yards and operational areas in a safe condition, with attention to lighting, flooring, access routes, emergency exits and signage.
All work equipment, including trolleys, lifting aids, packing tools and warehouse fixtures, will be suitable for their intended use, properly maintained and inspected at appropriate intervals.
Good housekeeping will be promoted at all times. This includes keeping walkways clear, promptly cleaning up spillages, ensuring materials are stored safely and removing waste regularly to avoid obstruction or fire risk.
Training, Information and Supervision
We will provide employees with the information, instruction, training and supervision they need to work safely. This may include induction training, task specific training for removals and storage operations, refresher training, and training for first aiders or fire marshals.
Employees will be informed of relevant risks and control measures, including site rules, emergency procedures and the correct use of protective equipment. Supervisors will monitor work practices and intervene where unsafe behaviour or conditions are observed.
Accidents, Incidents and Emergency Procedures
All accidents, incidents, near misses and dangerous occurrences must be reported as soon as possible to the appropriate manager or supervisor. We will investigate incidents to identify root causes and take corrective actions to prevent recurrence.
First aid arrangements will be provided, including trained personnel and suitable first aid equipment. Records of injuries and treatments will be kept in accordance with legal requirements.
Emergency procedures will be in place for fire, evacuation, serious accidents and other foreseeable emergencies. Employees and, where relevant, customers and contractors will be made aware of these procedures, and drills may be carried out periodically.
Health, Welfare and Wellbeing
We recognise that health and safety includes both physical and mental wellbeing. We will provide welfare facilities appropriate to our operations, such as toilets, washing facilities, drinking water and rest areas.
We will seek to manage risks related to work related stress, fatigue and lone working where these arise. Employees are encouraged to raise any health or welfare concerns so that support and reasonable adjustments can be considered.
Consultation and Continuous Improvement
Storage Ruxley will consult with employees on matters relating to health and safety, encouraging suggestions for improvement and open reporting of hazards without fear of reprisal. Feedback from customers and contractors regarding safety on our sites or during removals operations will also be considered.
This policy will be reviewed regularly, and at least annually, to ensure it remains suitable, adequate and effective. Updates will be communicated to all relevant parties, and supporting procedures and guidance will be amended where necessary to reflect changes in legislation, best practice or our operations.
By working together, we aim to provide safe storage and removals services that protect people, property and the environment while supporting the long term success of Storage Ruxley.
