Storage Norbury Health and Safety Policy
Storage Norbury is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for employees, contractors, visitors and customers using our storage and removal services. We recognise our legal and moral responsibilities to prevent accidents, injuries and work-related ill health, and to promote a culture in which safety is an integral part of all activities.
This policy applies to all Storage Norbury locations and to all operations, including storage, handling, packing, loading, transportation, and removal services.
Health and Safety Objectives
Our primary objectives are to prevent injury and ill health, protect property and the environment, and maintain safe systems of work. We aim to identify hazards, assess risks and implement effective control measures for all tasks associated with storage and removals, including manual handling, vehicle operations and use of equipment.
We seek continuous improvement in our health and safety performance through regular monitoring, review and staff engagement.
Management Responsibilities
The management of Storage Norbury has overall responsibility for implementing and maintaining this Health and Safety Policy. Management will provide clear leadership, appropriate resources and support to ensure health and safety requirements are met in all areas of the business.
Management responsibilities include establishing safe working procedures, ensuring risk assessments are completed and kept up to date, maintaining equipment and premises in a safe condition, and ensuring staff receive suitable information, instruction, training and supervision.
Managers will investigate all accidents, incidents and near misses, identify root causes and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence. They will also ensure that any changes to operations, equipment or premises are assessed for health and safety implications before being introduced.
Employee Responsibilities
All employees share responsibility for achieving high standards of health and safety. Every member of staff must take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions or omissions at work.
Employees are required to follow all safety procedures, use equipment properly, wear appropriate personal protective equipment where required and report hazards, defects, accidents and near misses to management without delay. Staff must not interfere with or misuse anything provided in the interests of health, safety or welfare.
Employees involved in removals, loading, unloading and storage activities must adhere to safe manual handling techniques, vehicle safety rules and site-specific instructions at all times.
Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices
Storage Norbury conducts risk assessments for all significant hazards associated with storage, handling and removal operations. These assessments are used to identify appropriate control measures, develop safe systems of work and establish specific procedures for higher-risk tasks.
Safe working practices are in place for manual handling, operation of lifting equipment, stacking and storage of goods, use of trolleys and mechanical aids, traffic management in loading areas and general workplace safety. Staff are informed of these procedures and are expected to follow them as a condition of their employment.
Manual Handling and Physical Safety
Manual handling is a core element of storage and removal activities. To reduce the risk of musculoskeletal injuries, we provide training on safe lifting, carrying and team-handling techniques. Wherever reasonably practicable, mechanical aids such as sack trucks, dollies and pallet equipment are used to minimise manual lifting.
Loads are assessed for weight, size and stability before being moved. Staff are instructed not to attempt to lift or move items that are beyond their capability and to request assistance or mechanical support when needed.
Vehicle and Driving Safety
For removal and transport activities, vehicle safety is a priority. Drivers must hold the appropriate licence, follow road traffic laws and operate vehicles in a safe and considerate manner. Vehicles used for removals and deliveries are maintained in a roadworthy condition and inspected at regular intervals.
Loading and unloading operations are planned and controlled to prevent falls, crush injuries, and damage to property. Loads are secured properly before travel, and access to loading areas is managed to protect staff, customers and visitors.
Workplace Environment and Welfare
Storage Norbury aims to maintain clean, orderly and well-maintained premises. Walkways, stairs, loading bays and storage areas are kept clear of obstructions, and floors are monitored for slip and trip hazards. Lighting, ventilation and temperature conditions are managed, as far as reasonably practicable, to provide a comfortable and safe environment.
Welfare facilities are provided and maintained to a good standard, including access to drinking water, sanitary facilities and rest areas. Employees are encouraged to raise any concerns about workplace conditions so that these can be addressed promptly.
Training, Information and Supervision
All employees receive an appropriate level of health and safety training relevant to their role. This includes induction training for new starters, specific training for storage and removal tasks, and refresher training when required.
Information on risks and control measures is communicated clearly, and supervision is provided to ensure that procedures are understood and followed. Additional specialist training is provided for tasks involving significant risk, such as use of lifting equipment or driving company vehicles.
Accident, Incident and Near Miss Reporting
All accidents, incidents and near misses must be reported to management as soon as possible. These events are recorded and investigated to determine causes and to implement corrective and preventive measures.
Storage Norbury is committed to learning from incidents and sharing findings with staff where appropriate, to support a culture of openness and continuous improvement in health and safety.
Health, Wellbeing and Occupational Health
We recognise the importance of employee health and wellbeing in delivering safe and efficient storage and removal services. Where appropriate, reasonable adjustments and support measures will be considered for employees with health concerns that may affect their work.
Employees are encouraged to inform management of any health issues that could be impacted by their duties, so that suitable support or alternative arrangements can be explored.
Consultation and Communication
Storage Norbury values open communication on health and safety matters. Employees are consulted on changes that may affect their safety and are encouraged to contribute ideas for improvement. Regular discussions and briefings are used to raise awareness of key risks and reinforce safe behaviours.
Policy Review
This Health and Safety Policy is reviewed periodically, and whenever there are significant changes in our operations, legislation or best practice. The updated policy will be communicated to all employees so that they remain aware of their responsibilities and the standards expected.
By working together and following this policy, Storage Norbury aims to ensure that all storage and removal activities are carried out safely, responsibly and with respect for the wellbeing of everyone involved.
