Storage Forest Hill Health and Safety Policy
This Health and Safety policy sets out how Storage Forest Hill manages the wellbeing of employees, contractors, customers and visitors. It applies to all storage facilities, offices, vehicles and any locations where our removal and storage activities are carried out.
Our Commitment to Health and Safety
Storage Forest Hill is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment and to preventing accidents, injuries and work-related ill health. We aim to continually improve our health and safety performance and to integrate safe practices into all aspects of our storage and removal operations.
We comply with all applicable health and safety legislation and recognised best practice for the storage and removals industry. Health and safety considerations take priority over commercial and operational pressures.
Roles and Responsibilities
Overall responsibility for health and safety lies with senior management, who ensure that appropriate resources, training and supervision are in place.
Managers are responsible for implementing this policy in their areas, identifying hazards, conducting risk assessments and ensuring that controls are effective. They must lead by example and promote a positive health and safety culture across storage and removals activities.
All employees, including drivers, porters, warehouse staff and office staff, have a duty to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions. They must follow training, use equipment correctly, cooperate with safety procedures and report any concerns, near misses or incidents without delay.
Contractors working on our premises, such as maintenance teams or specialist lifting services, must comply with this policy and any site-specific safety rules. They are expected to work safely and coordinate with our management before starting any job.
Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work
We carry out regular risk assessments for our storage facilities, offices and vehicles, and for removal activities such as loading, unloading and transporting goods. These assessments identify hazards such as manual handling, vehicle movements, slips and trips, working at height, fire, use of equipment and occupational health risks.
Control measures are implemented to minimise risks, including safe systems of work, method statements for complex jobs and clear procedures for high-risk tasks. Risk assessments are reviewed periodically and after any significant change in equipment, work processes or layout.
Training, Supervision and Competence
Storage Forest Hill provides suitable and ongoing health and safety training to all employees. Induction training covers general safety rules, emergency procedures, personal protective equipment and reporting procedures. Role-specific training addresses safe lifting techniques, handling bulky items, vehicle loading, safe driving, use of trolleys, pallet trucks and other handling aids.
Supervisors ensure that staff are competent for the tasks they are asked to carry out and that inexperienced workers are given additional guidance and supervision. Refresher training is provided when required, particularly after incidents or when new equipment or procedures are introduced.
Manual Handling and Safe Lifting
Manual handling is a core element of removal and storage activities. To reduce the risk of injury, we prioritise mechanical aids and team lifting wherever possible. Employees are trained to assess the weight, shape and stability of items before moving them, to plan the route, and to avoid twisting, overreaching and carrying loads that are too heavy or awkward.
Staff are instructed to stop and seek assistance or mechanical support if they are unsure about moving an item safely. Customers are encouraged not to assist with heavy lifting unless agreed in advance and properly supervised.
Vehicles, Driving and Transport Safety
Our vehicles are maintained in safe working order and subject to regular checks, inspections and servicing. Drivers must hold the appropriate licence, follow road safety laws and company driving procedures, and ensure that loads are secure and evenly distributed.
Safe loading and unloading practices are followed at storage sites and customer premises. This includes using safe parking positions, hazard warning lights, cones where appropriate and clear communication between drivers and porters when manoeuvring and reversing.
Site Safety and Housekeeping
We maintain our storage facilities in a clean, orderly condition to minimise slips, trips and falls. Aisles, stairs and emergency exits are kept clear of obstructions at all times. Floors are inspected and maintained, and any spillages are cleaned promptly.
Lighting, signage and access controls are used to help customers and staff move safely within our buildings. Only authorised personnel may enter staff-only or plant rooms, and safety instructions displayed on noticeboards and equipment must be followed at all times.
Equipment and Personal Protective Equipment
Equipment such as trolleys, sack trucks, lifting straps and pallet trucks is inspected regularly and removed from service if damaged or defective. Employees are responsible for checking equipment before use and reporting any faults immediately.
Where risks cannot be fully eliminated, appropriate personal protective equipment is provided, such as safety footwear, gloves, high visibility clothing or other items relevant to specific tasks. Staff must use this equipment correctly and store it properly when not in use.
Fire Safety and Emergency Procedures
Storage Forest Hill maintains fire detection systems, alarms and fire-fighting equipment appropriate to our buildings and operations. Fire exits and escape routes are clearly marked and kept unobstructed.
Emergency procedures are in place for fire, accidents and other incidents. Employees receive training on evacuation routes, assembly points and the role of fire wardens. Fire drills are conducted periodically to test and improve our arrangements.
Accident Reporting and Investigation
All accidents, injuries, near misses and dangerous occurrences must be reported as soon as possible to a supervisor or manager. Accurate records are kept and incidents are investigated to identify root causes and prevent recurrence.
We encourage open reporting and a culture where safety concerns can be raised without fear of blame. Lessons learned from incidents and near misses are shared with staff and reflected in updated risk assessments and procedures.
Monitoring, Review and Continuous Improvement
This Health and Safety policy is monitored through inspections, audits, incident analysis and staff feedback. Management reviews overall performance and identifies opportunities for improvement in our storage and removal operations.
The policy is reviewed regularly and updated when there are significant changes in legislation, business activities or identified risks. All employees are made aware of updates and are expected to comply with the most current version.
By working together and following this policy, Storage Forest Hill aims to provide a safe, reliable and professional environment for everyone using our storage and removal services.
