Storage St Lukes Health and Safety Policy
Storage St Lukes is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for employees, customers, contractors, and visitors. This policy sets out our approach to managing health and safety in all storage and removal activities, including packing, loading, transportation, unloading, and handling of goods on and off site.
We aim to prevent accidents, work-related ill health, and damage to property through effective planning, communication, and continuous improvement. Health and safety considerations form an integral part of our decision making and day to day operations.
Policy Objectives
Our key health and safety objectives are to:
Identify, assess, and control risks associated with storage, handling, lifting, and transportation of goods.
Provide and maintain safe premises, vehicles, equipment, and systems of work.
Ensure that employees are competent to carry out their roles through information, instruction, training, and supervision.
Minimise the risk of injury and ill health arising from manual handling, use of equipment, and movement of vehicles.
Promote a positive safety culture where all employees take responsibility for their own safety and that of others.
Comply with all applicable health and safety legislation, approved codes of practice, and relevant industry guidance.
Responsibilities
Overall responsibility for health and safety lies with senior management at Storage St Lukes. Management will provide clear leadership and adequate resources to implement this policy effectively and to review performance regularly.
Managers and supervisors are responsible for:
Implementing this policy in their areas of control.
Carrying out and reviewing risk assessments for storage, removal, and associated activities.
Ensuring employees receive suitable training and supervision.
Investigating incidents, near misses, and implementing corrective actions.
Employees are responsible for:
Taking reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others affected by their actions.
Following company procedures, safe systems of work, and training instructions.
Using equipment, vehicles, and personal protective equipment correctly.
Reporting hazards, defects, accidents, and near misses immediately to their manager.
Contractors and visitors are expected to comply with Storage St Lukes safety rules and any instructions issued while on our premises or working with our teams.
Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work
Storage St Lukes carries out risk assessments for all significant hazards related to its activities. These include risks associated with manual handling, working in storage units, loading and unloading vehicles, traffic movements, use of lifting equipment, and handling fragile or heavy items during removals.
Assessments are reviewed periodically, and whenever there is a change in work processes, equipment, or premises. Control measures are implemented and communicated to employees through written procedures, briefings, and training sessions.
Safe systems of work are developed and maintained for tasks such as packing, stacking, operating mechanical aids, securing loads, and working in confined or restricted storage areas. Employees must follow these systems at all times.
Training, Information, and Supervision
We provide relevant health and safety training to all employees, appropriate to their role and level of responsibility. This may include induction training, manual handling, safe use of equipment and vehicles, emergency procedures, and task specific guidance for removal operations.
Information on hazards, safe methods of work, and emergency arrangements is provided through briefings, notices, and written instructions. Supervisors are responsible for monitoring safe working practices and providing guidance where needed.
New or inexperienced employees will receive closer supervision until they are deemed competent to work more independently.
Manual Handling and Use of Equipment
The nature of storage and removal services involves regular lifting and moving of items. To reduce the risk of injury, Storage St Lukes will:
Avoid hazardous manual handling as far as reasonably practicable, by using mechanical aids or team lifting where appropriate.
Provide guidance on safe lifting techniques and how to assess loads before moving them.
Ensure that trolleys, dollies, lifting aids, and any other mechanical equipment are suitable, properly maintained, and used correctly.
Employees must never attempt to lift or move items beyond their physical capability and should always seek assistance where required.
Vehicles, Traffic, and Site Safety
Where storage and removal vehicles operate on or near our premises, we manage traffic to minimise risks to drivers, staff, and visitors. This includes safe routes, loading and unloading areas, and clear communication between drivers and on site personnel.
Drivers must comply with road safety rules, carry out pre use checks on vehicles, and secure loads appropriately to prevent movement during transit. Keys and vehicles must be controlled to prevent unauthorised use.
Housekeeping and Welfare
Good housekeeping is essential to maintain a safe working environment. Storage areas, loading bays, and access routes must be kept clear of obstructions, spillages, and waste. Items must be stacked securely and within stated capacities.
Welfare facilities such as toilets, washing areas, and rest spaces will be kept clean, stocked, and accessible. Drinking water will be available for employees.
Emergency Procedures and First Aid
Storage St Lukes has emergency procedures in place for fire, serious incidents, and other foreseeable events. Emergency exits and routes must remain unobstructed at all times, and fire safety equipment must be kept in good condition and used only for its intended purpose.
Employees receive information on what to do in an emergency, including evacuation procedures and assembly points. Fire drills will be carried out periodically.
First aid arrangements are provided in accordance with the size and nature of the business. Employees are informed of the location of first aid equipment and the identity of any trained first aiders.
Accident Reporting and Investigation
All accidents, incidents, near misses, and hazardous conditions must be reported promptly so that they can be investigated and appropriate corrective measures taken. Accurate records will be maintained in line with legal requirements and used to identify trends and opportunities for improvement.
Employees are encouraged to raise safety concerns without fear of reprisal. Lessons learned from incidents will be shared with staff where relevant.
Monitoring, Review, and Continuous Improvement
Storage St Lukes will monitor health and safety performance through inspections, audits, incident analysis, and staff feedback. This policy, along with related procedures and risk assessments, will be reviewed regularly and updated to reflect changes in legislation, operations, or best practice.
Everyone working for or with Storage St Lukes is expected to support the effective implementation of this policy, helping to maintain a safe workplace and a reliable, safety focused storage and removal service.
