Storage Manor Park Health and Safety Policy
Storage Manor Park is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for all employees, customers, contractors and visitors. This Health and Safety Policy sets out our approach to managing risks associated with storage facilities and removal services, and explains the standards of behaviour and control measures expected on our premises and during related activities.
Policy Statement and Objectives
Our objective is to prevent injury, ill health, property damage and environmental harm through effective planning, risk control and continuous improvement. Health and safety considerations are integral to the way we operate our storage units and removals activities, from initial booking and handling of goods through to loading, transport, unloading and storage.
We will comply with applicable health and safety legislation and recognised industry guidance, and we expect all persons using our facilities or working on our behalf to cooperate with these requirements at all times.
Roles and Responsibilities
The management of Storage Manor Park holds overall responsibility for health and safety performance, including the provision of safe systems of work, appropriate resources and regular review of this policy. Managers and supervisors must ensure that risk assessments are completed, procedures are implemented and staff receive suitable training and supervision.
All employees have a duty to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions. This includes following instructions, using equipment properly, reporting hazards, defects or incidents promptly, and cooperating with any investigation or corrective action.
Customers and visitors must follow site rules, observe signage, use designated access routes, and avoid unsafe practices, especially when moving or stacking items in storage units or near loading areas.
Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work
Storage Manor Park undertakes risk assessments to identify hazards associated with storage facilities, warehousing areas, loading bays, vehicle movements, manual handling and related removal operations. These assessments are reviewed periodically and whenever there is a significant change in activities, equipment or layout.
Control measures arising from risk assessments may include safe walkways, restricted access zones, maximum stacking heights, use of trolleys and lifting aids, guidance on packing and securing loads, and clear procedures for vehicle reversing and loading. These controls are communicated through signage, staff briefings and written procedures, and are monitored for effectiveness.
Manual Handling and Loading Activities
Manual handling is a significant risk in storage and removals. Storage Manor Park aims to minimise the need for heavy lifting by encouraging use of mechanical aids, appropriate packing of goods and sensible load sizes. Where manual handling is unavoidable, employees are trained in correct lifting techniques, team handling and safe use of equipment such as sack trucks and pallet trucks.
Loading and unloading of vehicles is carried out in designated areas under controlled conditions, with particular attention to preventing falls from vehicles, crushing incidents, and instability of goods. Loads must be secured properly before vehicles move off, and only authorised personnel may operate any mechanical handling equipment that may be provided.
Safe Use of Storage Units and Facilities
Storage units and common areas must be kept tidy and accessible to reduce the risk of slips, trips and falls. Aisles, fire exits and emergency equipment must remain unobstructed at all times. Customers are expected to store goods safely, ensuring that items are stable, that heavier goods are placed at lower levels, and that no storage exceeds the structural or height limits indicated.
Hazardous, illegal or unsafe items must not be brought onto the premises. This includes flammable, explosive, corrosive or toxic substances, gas cylinders and other goods that pose an unacceptable risk. Where any doubt exists about the suitability of items for storage or removal, guidance must be sought from a member of staff.
Fire Safety and Emergency Arrangements
Storage Manor Park maintains appropriate fire detection, alarm and emergency lighting systems in accordance with relevant regulations. Fire risk assessments are conducted and reviewed regularly, with control measures implemented to reduce ignition sources and fire loading.
Clear evacuation procedures are in place, supported by signage and marked escape routes. Employees receive fire safety instruction, including the location of assembly points and the use of fire-fighting equipment where safe to do so. In an emergency, the priority is safe evacuation; no one should put themselves at risk to protect property or goods.
Health, Welfare and Working Environment
We strive to provide a working environment that supports both physical and mental wellbeing. Welfare facilities such as toilets and rest areas are maintained in a clean and hygienic condition. Reasonable steps are taken to ensure comfortable lighting, temperature and ventilation in work areas and public spaces.
Where work may involve lone working, out-of-hours access or remote tasks related to storage and removals, specific assessments are completed and control measures introduced, such as communication procedures and periodic checks.
Training, Information and Supervision
All employees receive an appropriate induction, covering site rules, emergency procedures, incident reporting and key hazards associated with storage and removal operations. Additional task-specific training is provided for those involved in manual handling, loading activities and use of any equipment.
Health and safety information is communicated via briefings, notices and periodic refreshers. Supervisors monitor working practices to ensure procedures are followed and to identify areas for improvement.
Incident Reporting and Investigation
All accidents, injuries, near misses, dangerous occurrences and property damage incidents must be reported as soon as possible to management. Accurate records are maintained and significant incidents are investigated to identify root causes and implement corrective actions.
Lessons learned from incidents are shared with staff and, where relevant, incorporated into revised risk assessments, procedures or training programmes to prevent recurrence.
Policy Review and Continuous Improvement
This Health and Safety Policy is reviewed at regular intervals and whenever there are significant changes to our operations, premises, equipment or relevant legislation. Storage Manor Park is committed to continually improving health and safety performance through consultation with employees, monitoring of performance indicators and adoption of best practice within the storage and removals sector.
Compliance with this policy is a condition of working for or using the services and facilities of Storage Manor Park. Everyone on site shares responsibility for maintaining a safe, secure and healthy environment.
