Storage Crossness Health and Safety Policy
Storage Crossness is committed to maintaining a safe and healthy environment for all employees, contractors, visitors, and customers using our storage and associated removal services. This policy sets out our approach to managing health and safety risks, preventing injury and ill health, and promoting a positive safety culture across all activities carried out on our premises and during related handling and transport of goods.
Policy Objectives
The main objectives of this Health and Safety Policy are to prevent accidents and work-related illness, to identify and control risks arising from our work activities, and to provide and maintain safe working conditions, equipment, and systems of work. We aim to ensure that health and safety considerations are integrated into planning, decision-making, and day-to-day operations, including storage, loading, unloading, and the movement of goods associated with removal services.
Management Responsibilities
Senior management at Storage Crossness has overall responsibility for implementing and reviewing this policy. Management will provide suitable resources to manage health and safety effectively, including competent personnel, adequate time, and appropriate financial support. Managers are required to lead by example, promote safe working practices, and ensure that employees understand and follow this policy. They will regularly review performance, investigate incidents, and identify opportunities for improvement.
Employee Responsibilities
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 or omissions. Employees must follow all safety instructions, training, and procedures provided by Storage Crossness. They are expected to report hazards, near misses, accidents, and unsafe conditions immediately to their manager or supervisor, cooperate with investigations, and use equipment and protective gear correctly. Deliberate misuse of equipment, interference with safety devices, or disregard of health and safety instructions will be treated as a serious matter.
Risk Assessment and Control Measures
Storage Crossness conducts regular risk assessments covering storage facilities, handling areas, customer access routes, vehicle loading bays, and any associated removal or transport operations. Identified risks are evaluated and suitable control measures are implemented to eliminate hazards or reduce them to the lowest practicable level. Control measures may include physical safeguards, signage, access controls, safe systems of work, and personal protective equipment where required. Risk assessments are reviewed periodically and whenever significant changes occur in operations, equipment, or layout.
Safe Use of Premises and Equipment
We are committed to maintaining buildings, storage units, walkways, loading areas, and associated facilities in a safe condition. Floors and access routes must be kept clear, well lit, and free from obstruction. Storage racks, trolleys, lifting aids, and any mechanical handling equipment must be used only by authorised and trained personnel. Equipment is inspected and maintained regularly, with defective items taken out of service until repaired or replaced. Fire exits and escape routes must remain unobstructed at all times, and all occupants must be familiar with emergency procedures.
Manual Handling and Goods Movement
Handling, lifting, and moving of goods, including items associated with removals and storage, are recognised as key risk areas. Storage Crossness provides guidance and training on safe manual handling techniques to help prevent musculoskeletal injuries. Where practical, mechanical aids such as trolleys or pallet trucks will be used to reduce physical strain. Employees and contractors must assess the weight, size, and stability of loads before lifting, ensure that routes are clear, and seek assistance where needed. Customers are encouraged to follow safe lifting practices when moving their own goods on site.
Vehicle, Loading, and Traffic Safety
Vehicle movements in and around the premises, including loading and unloading related to removal services, are managed to minimise risk. Designated loading areas, traffic routes, and speed limits must be observed at all times. Reversing and manoeuvring should be carried out with caution and, where appropriate, using guidance from a trained banksman. Parking must only take place in areas identified for that purpose, and emergency access routes must never be blocked.
Training, Information, and Supervision
Storage Crossness ensures that employees receive appropriate health and safety training for their roles, including induction training for new starters and refresher training when necessary. Specific instruction is provided for tasks involving manual handling, use of equipment, working at height, or handling of potentially hazardous materials. Information on procedures, hazards, and emergency arrangements is communicated clearly through signage, briefings, and written guidance. Supervisors are responsible for monitoring work activities, reinforcing safe behaviour, and addressing unsafe practices promptly.
Welfare, First Aid, and Emergency Procedures
Suitable welfare facilities are provided for employees and visitors, including access to rest areas and sanitary facilities. Adequate first aid equipment is made available on site, and trained first aiders are appointed where necessary. Clear procedures are in place for responding to accidents, incidents, fires, and other emergencies. All occupants must follow instructions given during an emergency, proceed to designated assembly points, and participate in evacuation drills when required to ensure familiarity with procedures.
Consultation and Continuous Improvement
Storage Crossness recognises that the involvement of employees is essential to effective health and safety management. We encourage feedback on hazards, procedures, and improvement opportunities, and we will consult with employees and their representatives on significant health and safety matters. This policy and its implementation will be monitored and reviewed regularly to ensure that it remains relevant, effective, and aligned with current best practices in the storage and removal industry.
Policy Review and Availability
This Health and Safety Policy is reviewed periodically and updated as necessary to reflect changes in legislation, guidance, operations, or organisational structure. It is available to all employees, contractors, and customers on request and is displayed or signposted at appropriate locations on our premises. Everyone using Storage Crossness facilities is expected to cooperate in upholding this policy to help maintain a safe and healthy environment for all.
