Storage Foots Cray Health and Safety Policy
Storage Foots Cray is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for all employees, contractors, customers and visitors. This policy sets out our approach to managing health and safety in our storage facilities and within our removal and transport operations. We aim to prevent accidents, work-related ill health and unsafe practices through effective planning, supervision and continuous improvement.
Policy Aims and Objectives
Our primary objective is to manage health and safety risks in a systematic and proportionate way. We will identify hazards, assess associated risks and implement sensible control measures. We will provide adequate resources, information and training so that health and safety considerations are embedded in everyday activities, including the movement, handling and storage of goods for our customers.
This policy applies to all areas of our work, including storage units, loading bays, vehicles, access routes, offices and any locations where employees or contractors operate on behalf of Storage Foots Cray.
Responsibilities and Accountability
Overall responsibility for health and safety rests with senior management, who will ensure that this policy is implemented, maintained and reviewed on a regular basis. Management will set health and safety objectives, monitor performance and take appropriate action where standards are not met.
Supervisors and team leaders are responsible for day-to-day implementation of this policy. They must ensure that staff under their control are competent, appropriately trained and follow established procedures, particularly around lifting, carrying, vehicle operations and safe use of equipment.
All employees and contractors 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 cooperate with Storage Foots Cray in implementing this policy, follow safety instructions and report any hazards, incidents or near misses without delay.
Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work
We will carry out regular risk assessments covering storage areas, loading and unloading operations, vehicle movements, manual handling, use of mechanical aids, working at height and interaction with customers and visitors. Assessments will be recorded and reviewed to ensure that controls remain effective and reflect any changes in our operations.
Safe systems of work will be developed and communicated for key tasks such as packing, lifting and carrying, operating lifting equipment, securing loads in vehicles, stacking goods in storage units and managing vehicle movements in our yards and access roads. Employees must follow these systems and raise any concerns where procedures appear unsafe or impractical.
Manual Handling and Use of Equipment
Manual handling is a significant part of both storage and removal activities. To minimise the risk of injury, Storage Foots Cray will provide manual handling training, promote safe lifting techniques and encourage the use of mechanical aids such as trolleys, pallet trucks and lifting equipment wherever reasonably practicable.
All equipment used in our storage and removal operations will be maintained in a safe condition, inspected at appropriate intervals and used only by trained and authorised personnel. Defective equipment must be taken out of service immediately and reported to a supervisor.
Vehicle and Driving Safety
Our removal vehicles and any other company vehicles will be operated safely and maintained to high standards. Drivers must hold the appropriate licence, complete relevant training and comply with road traffic legislation at all times.
Loading and unloading will be planned to prevent falls, slips, trips and vehicle collisions. Loads must be evenly distributed and properly secured to prevent shifting during transit. Pedestrian and vehicle movements around our sites will be managed through clear routes, signage and, where appropriate, supervision or traffic control arrangements.
Safe Access, Housekeeping and Fire Safety
We will maintain safe access and egress to all storage units, offices and operational areas. Floors, stairways and corridors will be kept clear and in good condition to reduce the risk of slips, trips and falls. Stock, packaging materials and customer goods will be stored in a stable and orderly manner.
Fire safety is a core part of our health and safety arrangements. We will provide and maintain appropriate fire detection and firefighting equipment, ensure escape routes are clearly marked and unobstructed, and conduct periodic fire drills. Staff will receive fire safety instructions, including how to raise the alarm and evacuate safely.
Information, Instruction and Training
Storage Foots Cray will provide employees with clear information about workplace risks and the measures in place to control them. Relevant safety procedures will be communicated during induction and reinforced through refresher training, toolbox talks and written guidance.
Training needs will be reviewed regularly, particularly for roles involving manual handling, use of equipment, vehicle driving, supervision or emergency response. Records of training will be maintained to demonstrate competence.
Incident Reporting and Emergency Procedures
All accidents, incidents, near misses and health concerns must be reported promptly to a manager or supervisor. Reports will be investigated to identify root causes and to implement corrective and preventative actions. We encourage an open reporting culture where staff feel able to raise concerns without fear of blame.
Emergency procedures will be established for foreseeable situations such as fire, serious injury, chemical spills from cleaning products or fuel, and security incidents. These procedures will be communicated to staff and, where relevant, to visitors and customers present on site.
Consultation and Continuous Improvement
We recognise the value of involving employees in health and safety matters. Where appropriate, we will consult with staff on significant changes to working practices, equipment or layout that may affect their safety. Feedback and suggestions for improvement are welcomed and will be considered by management.
This policy and its supporting procedures will be reviewed regularly and whenever there are significant changes to our operations, legislation or recognised best practice in the storage and removals sector. Our objective is continuous improvement in health and safety performance for the benefit of everyone who works with or visits Storage Foots Cray.
