Storage Mitcham Health and Safety Policy
Storage Mitcham is committed to providing and maintaining a safe and healthy working environment for all employees, customers, visitors and contractors. This policy sets out our approach to managing health and safety throughout our storage facilities and removal operations, including associated transport, handling and administration activities.
Our aim is to prevent accidents, injuries and work-related ill health by identifying hazards, assessing risks and implementing effective control measures. We expect everyone working with or for Storage Mitcham to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions.
Health and Safety Responsibilities
Overall responsibility for health and safety rests with senior management, who ensure that appropriate resources, systems and training are in place. Managers and supervisors are responsible for implementing this policy in their areas of control, monitoring standards and taking prompt action where improvements are required.
Employees must cooperate with management to achieve a safe working environment. This includes following safe systems of work, using equipment correctly, reporting hazards, accidents or near misses, and not interfering with or misusing anything provided for health and safety purposes.
Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work
Storage Mitcham will identify and assess risks arising from our activities, including storage operations, moving and handling, loading and unloading vehicles, driving, and working in and around our facilities. Suitable and sufficient risk assessments will be carried out regularly and reviewed when there are significant changes in processes, equipment or workplace layout.
Control measures and safe systems of work will be developed and communicated to staff. These may include the use of mechanical aids, clear pedestrian and vehicle routes, housekeeping standards, access controls to storage areas, and safe procedures for working at height, using ladders or handling heavy or awkward items.
Manual Handling and Lifting Operations
Manual handling is a key element of our removal and storage services and presents a potential risk of injury if not properly managed. Storage Mitcham is committed to reducing the need for hazardous manual handling wherever reasonably practicable.
Where manual handling cannot be avoided, tasks will be assessed and suitable measures put in place, such as team lifting, use of trolleys and other mechanical aids, limiting load weights, and ensuring clear, unobstructed routes. Staff involved in lifting, carrying or moving items will receive appropriate manual handling training and guidance on correct techniques.
Vehicle, Driving and Traffic Safety
Our operations often involve vehicles such as removal vans and delivery vehicles. Storage Mitcham will ensure that all company vehicles are properly maintained, inspected and fit for purpose. Drivers must be competent, appropriately licensed and medically fit to drive.
Site traffic routes, loading bays and access points will be managed to minimise the risk of collisions, slips and trips. Speed limits and traffic rules must be observed at all times. Vehicles will be loaded and unloaded safely, with particular attention to securing loads, avoiding overloading and preventing falls from height during loading operations.
Workplace Conditions and Housekeeping
Storage Mitcham will maintain clean, tidy and well-organised premises. Good housekeeping is essential for preventing slips, trips and falls and for enabling safe access to storage units, loading areas and emergency exits.
Floors, steps and walkways must be kept clear of obstructions, spillages must be cleaned up promptly, and waste materials disposed of safely. Lighting, ventilation and temperature will be monitored to ensure a comfortable and safe environment for staff and customers.
Fire Safety and Emergency Procedures
Fire safety is a priority in our storage facilities and operational areas. Storage Mitcham will provide suitable fire detection and alarm systems, clearly marked escape routes and appropriate firefighting equipment. Fire exits will be kept clear and unlocked while the premises are occupied.
Emergency procedures, including evacuation routes and assembly points, will be clearly displayed and communicated to staff. Fire drills will be carried out periodically, and employees will receive training on their roles in the event of an emergency. Customers and visitors must follow all instructions given by staff during an emergency.
Welfare, Health and First Aid
Storage Mitcham recognises the importance of employee wellbeing. Adequate welfare facilities, including access to toilets, washing facilities and rest areas, will be provided and maintained in a clean and serviceable condition.
Appropriate first aid equipment and trained first aiders will be available during operating hours. All accidents, injuries and near misses must be reported so that they can be investigated and, where necessary, corrective measures implemented to prevent recurrence.
Information, Instruction, Training and Supervision
Storage Mitcham will ensure that employees receive sufficient information, instruction and training to work safely. This includes induction training for new starters, role-specific training for removal and storage tasks, refresher training where needed and supervision to confirm that safe working practices are being followed.
Relevant health and safety information will be communicated through briefings, signage, written procedures and meetings. Employees are encouraged to raise any concerns or suggestions regarding health and safety with their line manager.
Consultation and Continuous Improvement
Storage Mitcham is committed to continuous improvement in health and safety performance. We will consult with employees and, where applicable, their representatives on matters affecting their health and safety, encouraging open communication and feedback.
Incidents, near misses, audit findings and risk assessments will be reviewed to identify trends and opportunities for improvement. This policy will be reviewed periodically and updated to reflect changes in legislation, best practice and our operational requirements, ensuring it remains effective and relevant to our storage and removal services.
