Health and Safety Policy for Storage Bellingham
Storage Bellingham is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for all employees, contractors, visitors and customers. This Health and Safety Policy sets out our approach to managing risks associated with storage operations, removals services and related activities. Our aim is to prevent accidents, work-related ill health and damage to property by identifying hazards, assessing risks and implementing effective control measures.
Our Health and Safety Objectives
Our primary objectives are to protect people, property and the environment. We seek to comply with all applicable health and safety legislation and recognised industry best practice relating to storage and moving activities. We work to ensure that health and safety considerations are integrated into all planning and operational decisions, with a continuous focus on improvement.
Responsibilities and Accountability
Overall responsibility for health and safety rests with senior management, who ensure this policy is implemented, reviewed and kept up to date. Management is responsible for providing adequate resources, information, instruction, training and supervision to maintain safe working conditions and practices.
Supervisors and team leaders are responsible for day-to-day health and safety management in their areas, ensuring that procedures are followed, equipment is used correctly, and any hazards or incidents are reported and addressed promptly.
All employees, contractors and agency workers 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. This includes following safe working procedures, using equipment correctly, wearing appropriate personal protective equipment where required, and reporting hazards, near misses and accidents without delay.
Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work
Storage Bellingham conducts regular risk assessments covering storage facilities, handling of goods, loading and unloading vehicles, driving, route planning, office activities and customer interactions. These assessments are reviewed periodically and whenever there are significant changes to work practices, equipment or layout.
Findings from risk assessments are used to develop safe systems of work, method statements and operational procedures. Staff are trained in these procedures and expected to follow them at all times. Work that cannot be carried out safely must be stopped until suitable controls are in place.
Manual Handling and Removals Safety
Manual handling is a key element of storage and removals operations, and poor practice can lead to serious injury. We provide training on correct lifting techniques, use of handling equipment and team lifting methods. Heavy, bulky or awkward items must be handled using suitable equipment such as sack trucks, dollies, trolleys, ramps or mechanical aids wherever reasonably practicable.
Loads must be assessed before lifting or moving, taking account of weight, size, shape and stability. Staff are expected to ask for assistance or equipment when needed and to avoid rushing or taking unsafe shortcuts. Vehicles must be loaded and unloaded in a controlled and organised manner, with secure stacking to prevent movement during transit.
Use of Vehicles and Driving Safety
Drivers and removal teams must follow all relevant road safety and transport regulations. Only authorised and competent personnel may drive company vehicles. Pre-use checks are carried out on vehicles to ensure they are in safe condition, including brakes, tyres, lights, securing points and loading areas.
Loads must be evenly distributed and securely fastened to prevent shifting. Drivers must not exceed safe loading limits and must adjust driving style to suit weather, traffic and road conditions. The use of mobile phones or other distractions while driving is not permitted except through approved hands-free systems where legally allowed.
Workplace Environment and Housekeeping
We strive to maintain clean, orderly and well-maintained storage facilities and offices. Good housekeeping is essential for preventing slips, trips and falls, particularly in areas where goods are being moved or stored. Walkways and fire exits must be kept clear at all times, and any spillages must be cleaned promptly and safely.
Storage areas are organised so that items are stacked safely, with heavy items stored at lower levels where possible and racking systems used correctly and within their rated capacity. Damaged racking, flooring, doors or other infrastructure must be reported immediately so that appropriate action can be taken.
Equipment, Plant and Personal Protective Equipment
All lifting, handling and access equipment provided by Storage Bellingham is selected, inspected and maintained to ensure it is safe and suitable for the intended use. Staff must only use equipment on which they have been trained and authorised. Faulty equipment must be taken out of service and reported for repair or replacement.
Where risk assessment identifies the need for personal protective equipment, such as safety footwear or gloves, this will be provided and must be worn and cared for in accordance with instructions. Personal protective equipment is considered a last line of defence and does not replace the requirement for safe systems of work.
Fire Safety and Emergency Procedures
Fire safety arrangements include appropriate detection and alarm systems, clearly marked escape routes, emergency lighting and fire-fighting equipment. Staff receive information on fire procedures, including how to raise the alarm, evacuation routes and assembly points.
Regular checks and drills are conducted to ensure that everyone understands what to do in the event of a fire or other emergency. Customers and visitors are given clear directions in emergencies and are expected to follow the instructions of Storage Bellingham staff.
Welfare, Health and Wellbeing
We recognise that health and safety covers both physical and mental wellbeing. Reasonable welfare facilities are provided, including access to rest areas, drinking water and sanitary facilities. We encourage open communication about health concerns, including fatigue, stress and any medical conditions that may affect safe working.
Work schedules for removals and storage operations are planned to reduce the risk of excessive fatigue, particularly when manual handling and driving are involved. Staff are encouraged to highlight workload or time pressure issues that could compromise safety.
Information, Instruction, Training and Consultation
Storage Bellingham provides appropriate induction and refresher training for all employees, tailored to their roles and responsibilities. This includes training on manual handling, vehicle safety, hazard awareness, emergency procedures and safe use of equipment. Records of training are maintained and reviewed.
We consult with employees and, where appropriate, contractors on health and safety matters, actively seeking feedback on hazards, incidents and suggestions for improvement. Concerns about health and safety can be raised without fear of disadvantage, and issues will be investigated promptly and fairly.
Incident Reporting and Continuous Improvement
All accidents, near misses and hazardous situations must be reported as soon as reasonably practicable. This allows us to investigate causes, identify corrective actions and prevent recurrence. Lessons learned are shared with relevant teams and, where necessary, procedures are revised and additional training provided.
This policy is reviewed regularly to ensure it remains relevant to our storage and removals activities and reflects changes in legislation, guidance, technology and operational practice. Storage Bellingham is committed to continual improvement in health and safety performance, with the goal of providing a safe, reliable and professional service to all customers.
