Storage Biggin Hill Health and Safety Policy
This Health and Safety Policy sets out the commitments and arrangements in place at Storage Biggin Hill to protect the wellbeing of employees, customers, contractors, and visitors. It applies to all activities on our premises and to our removal, transport, and storage services carried out off site.
Our Health and Safety Commitment
Storage Biggin Hill is committed to providing a safe and healthy working and visiting environment. We will take all reasonably practicable steps to prevent accidents, injuries, and work-related ill health, and to maintain safe systems of work for storage, loading, unloading, and removals operations.
We aim to continuously improve our health and safety performance by reviewing our procedures, training, and risk assessments, and by encouraging an open culture where safety concerns are raised and addressed promptly.
Responsibilities for Health and Safety
Overall responsibility for health and safety rests with the company management, who ensure that appropriate resources, information, and supervision are provided to implement this policy effectively.
Managers and supervisors are responsible for day-to-day health and safety management in their areas, including enforcing safe working practices, carrying out inspections, and ensuring staff follow training and procedures relevant to storage units and removal operations.
All employees have a duty to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions. They must follow safety instructions, use equipment correctly, wear any required personal protective equipment, and report hazards, near misses, or incidents without delay.
Customers, contractors, and visitors are expected to cooperate with our safety requirements while on site or when interacting with our removal teams. This includes following any instructions, signage, and access controls that are in place to keep everyone safe.
Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work
We conduct regular risk assessments covering all key activities, including the use of storage units, manual handling of goods, operation of vehicles, use of lifting equipment, and access to loading bays and shared areas. These assessments identify hazards, evaluate risks, and set out control measures to eliminate or reduce those risks as far as reasonably practicable.
Safe systems of work are implemented based on these assessments. These include procedures for loading and unloading vehicles, securing items within storage units, stacking and shelving goods, using trolleys and handling aids, and managing vehicle and pedestrian movements on site.
Safe Handling, Storage, and Transport of Goods
Our services involve handling, moving, and storing a wide range of items. To prevent injuries and damage, staff receive training on correct lifting techniques, team lifts, and the use of handling aids. Heavy or bulky items are moved using appropriate equipment, and staff are instructed not to exceed safe lifting limits.
Goods are stored in a manner that prevents collapse, obstruction of walkways, or damage to units and vehicles. Stacks are kept stable and within recommended height limits. Aisles, emergency exits, and access routes to storage units are kept clear at all times.
During removal and transport operations, loads are secured within vehicles to prevent movement. Drivers are instructed to check load security before departure and during longer journeys. Route planning takes account of road safety, parking, and safe access for loading and unloading at customer premises.
Use of Equipment and Vehicles
All work equipment, including trolleys, lifting devices, and any mechanical aids, is inspected and maintained at appropriate intervals. Defective or damaged equipment is taken out of service immediately and only returned to use when it is safe.
Only trained and authorised staff may operate company vehicles and any specialist handling equipment. Drivers must comply with road traffic laws, company driving policies, and any site-specific traffic management arrangements. Speed limits, one-way systems, and marked pedestrian routes on site must be observed at all times.
Workplace Environment and Welfare
We strive to maintain clean, orderly, and well-lit premises. Floors, stairs, and external areas are kept as free as reasonably practicable from slip and trip hazards such as spills, loose materials, and obstructions. Weather-related risks in external loading and parking areas are monitored and addressed through gritting or other control measures when necessary.
Suitable welfare facilities are provided for staff, including access to toilets, handwashing facilities, drinking water, and rest areas. We will also consider the specific needs of individuals and make reasonable adjustments where required to support their health and comfort at work.
Emergency Procedures
Storage Biggin Hill maintains documented procedures for emergencies, including fire, evacuation, and serious accidents. Emergency routes and exits are clearly marked and kept unobstructed. Fire detection and firefighting equipment are provided, inspected, and maintained at appropriate intervals.
Staff are made aware of evacuation procedures, assembly points, and the location of emergency equipment. Practice drills are carried out periodically to ensure everyone understands their role in an emergency and can evacuate the premises efficiently and safely.
Health, Training, and Consultation
We recognise that training and clear communication are essential to safe working, particularly in activities involving lifting, storage, and removals. All employees receive induction training on health and safety, including site rules, reporting procedures, and emergency arrangements. Additional job-specific training is provided as required, and refresher training is carried out at appropriate intervals.
We encourage staff to raise any concerns about health and safety or suggestions for improvement. Issues reported will be considered promptly and acted upon where necessary. We support an open, no-blame culture for the reporting of near misses and hazards, so that learning and prevention are prioritised.
Monitoring, Review, and Policy Availability
Our health and safety performance is monitored through inspections, incident reporting, and feedback from staff and customers. Where shortcomings are identified, corrective actions are taken and procedures updated.
This Health and Safety Policy will be reviewed regularly and revised as needed to reflect changes in our operations, best practice, or legal requirements. The current version of the policy is made available to employees and can be viewed by customers, contractors, and other interested parties on request.
By working together, following agreed procedures, and maintaining a proactive approach to risk, Storage Biggin Hill aims to ensure that our storage, removals, and associated services are delivered in a safe and responsible manner for everyone involved.
