Storage Kilburn Health and Safety Policy
Storage Kilburn is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for employees, customers, contractors and visitors. This Health and Safety Policy sets out our approach to managing risks associated with storage, handling, transport and removal activities carried out on or from our premises.
Policy Statement and Objectives
Our objective is to prevent injury, ill health, and damage to property or the environment arising from our operations. We will take all reasonably practicable steps to identify hazards, assess risks and implement effective controls. Health and safety considerations will be integrated into the planning and delivery of storage and removal services, including packing, loading, unloading and transportation of goods.
Responsibilities and Management
Overall responsibility for health and safety rests with the company management, who will ensure that adequate resources, information and training are provided. Managers and supervisors are responsible for implementing this policy within their areas of control, monitoring working practices, and acting promptly on concerns or incidents.
All employees share responsibility for their own safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions. Staff must cooperate with all health and safety measures, follow safe systems of work, use equipment correctly and report any hazards, near misses, accidents or defective equipment without delay.
Contractors working on site must comply with this policy and any site-specific instructions issued by Storage Kilburn. Customers and visitors are expected to follow safety signage and instructions provided by staff while on the premises.
Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work
Formal risk assessments will be carried out for all significant activities, including storage operations, manual handling, operation of vehicles and equipment, working at height, and handling of potentially hazardous materials. The findings of risk assessments will be recorded and used to develop safe systems of work and appropriate control measures.
Safe systems of work will be communicated to all relevant employees. Work must not be undertaken if an employee believes it cannot be completed safely or if the controls in place are inadequate. Any such concerns must be reported immediately to a supervisor or manager for review.
Manual Handling and Lifting Operations
Manual handling is a core part of storage and removal services and is a key focus of our safety arrangements. Employees will receive training in safe lifting techniques, team lifting and the use of lifting aids. Heavy, bulky or unstable items must not be lifted or carried alone if this could lead to injury. Where possible, mechanical aids such as trolleys or pallet trucks will be used to reduce the risk of musculoskeletal injuries.
Customers are encouraged to pack items in manageable loads and to seek assistance from staff when moving heavier goods within our facilities or during collection and delivery services.
Vehicles, Driving and Traffic Management
Company vehicles used for removals and storage transport must be maintained in a safe and roadworthy condition. Drivers must hold the appropriate licence, follow all road traffic laws and adhere to company procedures for loading, securing and unloading goods.
On site, a traffic management approach will be used to minimise collision risks, with designated loading areas, clear access routes and, where appropriate, speed restrictions. Reversing manoeuvres should be kept to a minimum and, where feasible, assisted by a trained banksman.
Workplace Safety and Housekeeping
All storage areas, corridors, stairways and loading bays must be kept clear of obstructions, trip hazards and spillages. Goods must be stacked securely and within safe height limits to prevent falling objects. Fire exits, alarm call points and emergency equipment must remain accessible at all times.
Regular inspections of the premises will be conducted to identify hazards, verify that safety measures are in place and ensure that standards of housekeeping are maintained. Any defects or concerns identified during inspections must be addressed promptly.
Equipment, Tools and Personal Protective Equipment
All equipment and tools used in storage and removal activities, including trolleys, lifting aids and racking systems, will be maintained and inspected in line with manufacturer guidance and legal requirements. Defective equipment must be taken out of use immediately and reported to management.
Where risks cannot be eliminated by other means, appropriate personal protective equipment such as safety footwear or gloves will be provided. Employees must use any issued protective equipment correctly and take reasonable care of it.
Fire Safety and Emergency Procedures
Storage Kilburn will maintain suitable fire detection, alarm and firefighting equipment in line with a documented fire risk assessment. Escape routes and assembly points will be clearly marked. Staff will receive training in fire safety awareness, including how to raise the alarm and assist with safe evacuation.
Emergency procedures for fire, accidents, spillage and other incidents will be communicated to employees and, where relevant, to contractors. Practice drills may be carried out periodically to test the effectiveness of procedures and ensure familiarity.
Health, Welfare and Training
Appropriate welfare facilities will be provided for employees, including access to rest areas and hygienic sanitary facilities. Exposure to excessive noise, vibration, dust or other harmful agents will be controlled so far as reasonably practicable.
Employees will receive induction training covering general health and safety, site rules and emergency arrangements, as well as task-specific training for storage and removal duties. Additional training will be provided when new equipment, processes or risks are introduced.
Incident Reporting, Monitoring and Review
All accidents, incidents and near misses must be reported and recorded. Investigations will be carried out where necessary to identify root causes and implement corrective and preventive measures. Information from incident reports and inspections will be used to monitor performance and improve health and safety standards.
This Health and Safety Policy will be reviewed regularly and whenever there are significant changes to our operations or relevant legislation. Revisions will be communicated to employees, and updated procedures will be implemented as required. Storage Kilburn is committed to continual improvement in health and safety and expects all those involved in our operations to support this aim.
