Storage Tooting Health and Safety Policy
Storage Tooting is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for all employees, contractors, customers and visitors using our storage and removal services. This policy sets out our approach to managing health and safety risks across our premises, vehicles and day to day activities.
Our Health and Safety Objectives
We aim to prevent injury and ill health arising from our work activities by identifying hazards, assessing risks and putting effective control measures in place. We will continually improve our health and safety performance, comply with all applicable legal requirements and encourage safe behaviour from everyone who uses or works within our facilities.
Responsibilities and Management
Overall responsibility for health and safety rests with the senior management of Storage Tooting. Managers are responsible for implementing this policy within their areas of control, ensuring that procedures are followed and that staff receive appropriate training and supervision.
All employees have a duty to take reasonable care for their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions or omissions. Employees must follow all safety instructions, use equipment correctly, report hazards or incidents promptly and co operate fully with any investigation or improvement measures.
Contractors working on our sites are required to comply with this policy and any site specific rules. Customers and visitors must follow safety instructions provided by staff, observe signage and avoid entering any restricted or staff only areas.
Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work
Storage Tooting conducts regular risk assessments covering storage facilities, offices, loading areas and removal operations. These assessments identify significant hazards such as manual handling, vehicle movements, slips and trips, work at height and use of equipment.
Based on these assessments we implement safe systems of work, including clear procedures for lifting and carrying, use of trolleys and handling aids, stacking of goods, safe loading and unloading of vehicles and emergency arrangements. These procedures are reviewed periodically or following any incident, change of process or introduction of new equipment.
Manual Handling and Lifting
Manual handling is a core element of storage and removal services and is a priority area for risk control. Staff are trained in correct lifting and carrying techniques, planning the route before moving items and using handling equipment whenever appropriate.
We encourage staff and customers to avoid lifting loads that are too heavy or awkward, to ask for assistance when needed and to break down loads into manageable parts where possible. Items must be stacked securely, with heavy items on lower levels and lighter items above, to minimise the risk of falling objects and musculoskeletal injuries.
Use of Equipment and Vehicles
Storage Tooting provides suitable equipment for handling and moving goods, such as trolleys, dollies and protective materials. Equipment must only be used for its intended purpose and inspected regularly for damage or defects. Faulty equipment is removed from service until repaired or replaced.
Our removal vehicles are maintained in a roadworthy condition and inspected at appropriate intervals. Only trained and authorised drivers may operate vehicles used for removal services. Loads must be secured safely, with attention to weight distribution and stability, to prevent movement during transit.
Customer and Visitor Safety
Customers and visitors are expected to act with care while on our premises. Children must be supervised at all times. Running, climbing on racking, and standing on furniture or boxes are not permitted. Customers should use trolleys and equipment only as shown by staff and must not tamper with any plant, machinery or safety devices.
Access routes, corridors and fire exits must be kept clear of obstructions. Parking areas and loading bays should be used considerately, allowing vehicles and pedestrians to move safely. Customers transporting items themselves should ensure that vehicles are loaded securely and not overloaded.
Housekeeping and Facility Safety
Good housekeeping is essential to maintaining a safe storage environment. Floors and access routes are to be kept free of spillages, loose packaging, trailing cables and other trip hazards. Waste materials must be disposed of in designated bins or collection points.
Items stored in units or shared areas must not block aisles, emergency exits, firefighting equipment or alarm call points. Prohibited or dangerous goods, including items that are explosive, highly flammable or otherwise hazardous, must not be brought onto the premises except by prior written agreement and with appropriate controls in place.
Fire Safety and Emergencies
Storage Tooting maintains fire detection and firefighting equipment suitable for the nature of our premises. Fire exits, routes and assembly points are clearly marked. Staff are trained in fire safety procedures, including evacuation and raising the alarm.
In the event of an emergency, all persons on site must follow staff instructions, leave the building by the nearest safe exit and proceed to the designated assembly area. Lifts should not be used during an evacuation unless specifically authorised as part of a controlled emergency plan.
Training, Information and Supervision
We provide staff with health and safety induction training and additional role specific training as required, such as manual handling, vehicle operation and emergency procedures. Refresher training is provided at suitable intervals and whenever there are significant changes to working practices or equipment.
Information on safe working practices is communicated through briefings, signage and written procedures. Supervisors monitor compliance with this policy and address unsafe behaviour promptly through guidance, coaching or disciplinary measures where necessary.
Accident Reporting and Investigation
All accidents, incidents, near misses and cases of work related ill health must be reported to management as soon as reasonably practicable. Records are kept to help identify trends and to support continuous improvement of our health and safety arrangements.
Where appropriate, incidents are investigated to determine root causes and to identify corrective and preventive actions. Lessons learned are shared with relevant staff and may lead to updates to risk assessments, procedures or training.
Consultation and Review
Storage Tooting encourages staff to raise health and safety concerns or suggestions for improvement, either directly with their manager or through any established safety forums. We recognise that effective health and safety management depends on active participation from everyone.
This policy is reviewed regularly to ensure it remains current and effective in relation to our storage facilities, removal services and legal obligations. Revisions may be made in response to changes in operations, legislation, industry guidance or the outcomes of incident investigations.
By following this Health and Safety Policy, Storage Tooting seeks to protect people, property and the continuity of our storage and removal services, promoting a safe environment for all who work with us or use our facilities.
