Storage Rainham Health and Safety Policy
Storage Rainham is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for all employees, contractors, visitors, and customers using our removal and storage services. This Health and Safety policy sets out our aims and the practical measures we take to prevent accidents, reduce risks, and promote a culture of safety and responsibility across our operations.
Our Health and Safety Objectives
We aim to prevent injury and ill health by identifying hazards, assessing risks, and implementing appropriate control measures. We seek to continually improve our health and safety performance and integrate safety considerations into all aspects of our storage and removal activities, including vehicle use, manual handling, loading and unloading, and warehouse operations.
We recognise our duty to comply with applicable health and safety legislation and best practice guidance relevant to the removals and storage sector. We also expect employees and contractors to take reasonable care for their own safety and the safety of those who may be affected by their actions or omissions.
Management Responsibilities
The leadership of Storage Rainham has overall responsibility for health and safety within the business. Management is responsible for implementing this policy, ensuring that sufficient resources are available, and reviewing performance on a regular basis.
Specific responsibilities include setting clear safety standards, ensuring that risk assessments are carried out, maintaining suitable equipment and vehicles, and providing information, instruction, and training. Managers and supervisors must lead by example, promote safe working practices, and take prompt action to address unsafe conditions or behaviours.
Employee Responsibilities
Every employee has an important role in maintaining health and safety standards. Staff must cooperate with management on safety matters, follow all policies and procedures, and use equipment correctly and safely.
Employees are required to report hazards, incidents, near misses, and defective equipment without delay to their line manager or a designated person. Staff must not undertake tasks for which they are not trained or authorised, and they must use personal protective equipment provided to them where required.
Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work
Storage Rainham conducts regular risk assessments covering removal operations, storage areas, handling of goods, and the use of vehicles and equipment. These assessments identify hazards and determine the measures needed to eliminate or control risks to an acceptable level.
Based on these assessments, we implement safe systems of work and communicate them to all relevant staff. Procedures are reviewed periodically and whenever there are significant changes to our activities, equipment, or premises.
Manual Handling and Lifting
Manual handling is a significant element of removal and storage work, and we place strong emphasis on safe handling techniques. We aim to reduce manual handling risks by using appropriate lifting aids, trolleys, and equipment wherever practicable, and by planning loading and unloading activities carefully.
All staff involved in lifting, carrying, or moving items receive training on correct manual handling methods, including assessing the weight and shape of items, working in teams where necessary, and avoiding hazardous postures and sudden movements.
Vehicles, Driving, and Transport Safety
Our vehicles are maintained in a roadworthy condition and subject to regular checks and servicing. Drivers must hold the appropriate licences, follow road safety regulations, and operate vehicles in a professional and considerate manner.
Loading and unloading of vehicles is planned to distribute weight safely and to prevent movement of goods during transit. Drivers and removal staff must follow safe procedures when parking, using tail lifts or ramps, and working in or around vehicles, especially in busy or confined areas.
Safe Storage and Warehouse Practices
Our storage facilities are managed to minimise risks to staff and customers. Aisles and access routes must be kept clear, lighting must be adequate for safe movement, and storage systems must be stable and secure.
Items are stored with regard to their weight, size, and nature. Heavy or bulky items are placed at appropriate levels to avoid overreaching and excessive lifting. Hazardous or delicate items are handled in line with specific instructions and relevant safety controls.
Workplace Environment and Housekeeping
We strive to maintain clean, tidy, and well-organised premises. Good housekeeping is essential to prevent slips, trips, and falls, and to allow safe movement of staff, customers, and goods.
Spillages are cleaned promptly, waste materials are disposed of correctly, and tools and equipment are returned to their designated storage areas after use. Employees are encouraged to take personal responsibility for maintaining an orderly workplace and reporting any environmental hazards.
Training, Information, and Supervision
Storage Rainham provides appropriate training and information to ensure that employees understand the risks associated with their work and the measures needed to control them. This includes induction training for new staff, role-specific training for removal and warehouse activities, and refresher training where required.
Supervisors monitor working practices to confirm that procedures are followed and that staff are supported in working safely. Where changes in processes, equipment, or legislation occur, we update our guidance and provide additional instruction as necessary.
Accident Reporting and Emergency Procedures
All accidents, incidents, and near misses must be reported promptly so that they can be recorded, investigated, and used to prevent recurrence. We keep appropriate records and analyse trends to identify areas for improvement.
Emergency procedures are in place for fire, medical emergencies, and other incidents. Employees receive guidance on evacuation routes, assembly points, and the location of emergency equipment such as fire extinguishers and first aid supplies. Emergency arrangements are reviewed regularly and tested where appropriate.
Consultation and Continuous Improvement
We value open communication on health and safety matters. Employees are encouraged to raise concerns, suggest improvements, and participate in discussions about safety in removal operations, storage areas, and office environments.
Storage Rainham reviews this Health and Safety policy on a regular basis and whenever there are significant changes in our activities or in relevant legislation. Our goal is continuous improvement in safety performance and the protection of everyone who works with us or uses our storage and removal services.
Policy Review and Availability
This Health and Safety policy is approved by the management of Storage Rainham and is reviewed periodically to ensure it remains current and effective. Updated versions will be made available to staff and can be provided to customers and other interested parties on request.
By following this policy and working together, we aim to maintain a safe, secure, and professional environment for all aspects of our storage and removal operations.
