Storage Brent Health and Safety Policy
This Health and Safety Policy sets out how Storage Brent manages health, safety and welfare across all storage and removal operations. Our aim is to provide a safe and healthy environment for employees, contractors, customers and visitors, while protecting property and minimising risks associated with moving, handling and storing goods.
This policy applies to all activities carried out by Storage Brent, including removals, loading and unloading vehicles, handling customer possessions, operating in storage facilities and any associated office or administrative work.
Management Commitment and Objectives
Storage Brent is committed to preventing accidents, injuries and work-related ill health by identifying hazards, assessing risks and implementing effective control measures. We seek continuous improvement in our health and safety performance and integrate safety considerations into everyday planning and decision making.
Senior management accepts overall responsibility for providing safe systems of work, safe equipment, adequate information, instruction and training, and appropriate supervision. Managers at all levels are required to lead by example and promote a positive safety culture.
Legal Compliance and Standards
Storage Brent complies with all applicable health and safety legislation, regulations and approved codes of practice relevant to storage and removal services. We regularly review developments in legislation and industry standards to ensure that our arrangements remain current, suitable and sufficient for the nature of our work.
Responsibilities
Overall responsibility for health and safety lies with the company’s senior management. They are responsible for ensuring that this policy is implemented, monitored and reviewed, and that adequate resources are made available to meet our safety objectives.
Managers and supervisors are responsible for day-to-day implementation of this policy, including the communication of procedures, allocation of tasks with regard to competence, and ensuring that risk controls are followed on site, in vehicles and within storage facilities.
All employees share responsibility for their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions. Employees must follow safety procedures, use equipment correctly, report hazards and cooperate fully with training and instructions provided.
Contractors and agency staff working on behalf of Storage Brent are required to comply with this policy and all associated rules and safe working procedures. Customers and visitors are expected to follow safety guidance provided while on our premises.
Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work
Storage Brent conducts suitable and sufficient risk assessments for all significant hazards related to storage, handling and removal operations. These include, but are not limited to, manual handling, working in confined or restricted spaces, vehicle movements, use of trolleys and lifting aids, stacking and racking, housekeeping and fire safety.
From these assessments we develop safe systems of work, method statements and site-specific instructions for employees to follow. Risk assessments are reviewed regularly and after any significant change in process, equipment, location or incident.
Manual Handling and Lifting Operations
Moving and handling goods is central to our removal and storage activities. Storage Brent places particular emphasis on safe manual handling techniques to minimise the risk of musculoskeletal injury. Employees receive training on safe lifting, use of team lifts, and when to use mechanical aids such as sack trucks, dollies and pallet trucks.
Loads are assessed for weight, shape and stability before being moved. Where items are too heavy, awkward or unstable to be lifted safely, alternative methods are used or the task is re-planned to eliminate or reduce the risk.
Vehicles, Driving and Loading
Our vehicles are maintained in a safe and roadworthy condition in line with manufacturer recommendations and legal requirements. Drivers are expected to carry out basic pre-use checks and report defects immediately.
Loading and unloading are carried out using safe techniques that consider weight distribution, securing of loads, working at height within vehicles and the potential for slips, trips and falls. Goods are secured to prevent movement during transit and to protect both the load and other road users.
Storage Facilities and Housekeeping
Storage areas are organised to allow safe access and egress, clear walkways and appropriate segregation of vehicles and pedestrians where possible. Racking and stacking systems are used in accordance with their design limits and inspected periodically for damage or instability.
Good housekeeping is essential to prevent slips, trips and falls. Aisles and exits must be kept clear, and materials, packaging and waste are removed promptly and disposed of safely. Lighting levels are maintained to allow safe movement and handling.
Equipment, Tools and Personal Protective Equipment
Equipment, tools and mechanical aids used in storage and removal activities are selected, maintained and inspected to ensure they are suitable and safe for use. Employees are trained in the correct operation of all equipment relevant to their role.
Where risk assessments identify the need for personal protective equipment, such as safety footwear or gloves, this is provided and must be worn and maintained in accordance with instructions.
Training, Information and Supervision
Storage Brent provides appropriate health and safety training to all employees according to their role, experience and responsibilities. This includes induction training, task-specific instruction, refresher training and updates following changes to procedures or incidents.
Information on hazards and controls is communicated clearly through briefings, signage and written procedures. Supervision is provided to ensure safe working practices are followed, especially for new or inexperienced workers.
Accident Reporting and Emergency Procedures
All accidents, incidents, near misses and hazardous conditions must be reported promptly to management. These reports are recorded, investigated and used to identify root causes and implement corrective and preventive measures.
Emergency procedures are in place for fire, first aid and other foreseeable incidents. Employees are informed of evacuation routes, assembly points and the location of emergency equipment. Drills and checks are carried out periodically to ensure readiness.
Consultation and Continuous Improvement
Storage Brent encourages open communication on health and safety matters. Employees are consulted on changes that affect their safety and are encouraged to raise concerns, suggest improvements and participate in safety initiatives.
This policy is reviewed regularly to ensure it remains effective, relevant and aligned with our commitment to providing safe storage and removal services. Updates are communicated to employees and implemented across all operations.
