Storage St Helier Health and Safety Policy
Storage St Helier is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for our employees, customers, visitors and contractors. This policy outlines the principles and arrangements we follow to manage health and safety across our storage facilities and removal operations.
Policy Statement
The management of Storage St Helier recognises its responsibility to protect the health, safety and welfare of all persons affected by our activities. We aim to prevent accidents, work-related ill health and damage to property by identifying hazards, assessing risks and implementing effective control measures.
Health and safety is an integral part of our planning and decision-making, particularly in relation to our storage and removal services, handling of goods, vehicle operations and use of equipment. We will review this policy regularly and update it as our business and legal requirements evolve.
Responsibilities
Overall responsibility for health and safety rests with senior management, who will ensure that proper resources, information and supervision are provided. Managers and supervisors are responsible for day-to-day implementation of this policy and for promoting safe working practices within their teams.
All employees, including permanent, temporary and agency staff, have a duty to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their acts or omissions. Employees must follow safety procedures, use equipment correctly, report hazards and cooperate fully with any health and safety measures introduced.
Contractors working on our premises are required to comply with this policy and any specific site rules, and to ensure that their own activities do not put others at risk.
Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work
We conduct regular risk assessments covering our storage facilities, offices, loading areas and removal operations. Particular attention is given to manual handling, use of trolleys and lifting equipment, movement of vehicles, working at height, fire safety and the condition of walkways and access points.
From these assessments we develop safe systems of work, standard operating procedures and method statements. These are communicated to employees through training, briefings and written instructions. Where necessary, work will be stopped if adequate controls cannot be put in place.
Manual Handling and Use of Equipment
Safe handling of goods is central to our storage and removal services. We provide appropriate handling equipment, such as trolleys and lifting aids, and ensure that only trained personnel operate any specialised equipment.
Employees are instructed to assess each load before handling, to use mechanical aids whenever practicable, and to follow safe techniques that reduce strain and the risk of injury. Oversized, heavy or awkward items must be handled by more than one person or with suitable lifting equipment.
Vehicle and Driving Safety
Our vehicles and removal vans are maintained in a safe and roadworthy condition in line with manufacturer recommendations and legal requirements. Drivers are required to carry out basic pre-use checks and to report any defects immediately.
Safe loading and securing of goods is essential to prevent movement in transit and to protect both staff and customers belongings. We train our teams in correct loading patterns, weight distribution, use of restraints and safe access to vehicle loading areas.
All driving on company business must be carried out responsibly, with particular care in and around our premises, customer properties and busy service areas.
Workplace Environment and Housekeeping
We strive to keep all areas, including storage units, corridors, loading bays, reception and staff facilities, clean, tidy and free from unnecessary obstruction. Good housekeeping reduces slips, trips and falls, and supports efficient and safe movement of people and goods.
Spillages are cleared promptly, waste is disposed of safely and storage areas are maintained in an orderly condition. Lighting, ventilation and access routes are regularly reviewed to ensure they remain safe and suitable for use.
Fire Safety and Emergency Procedures
We maintain appropriate fire detection and alarm systems and provide suitable fire-fighting equipment where required. Fire exits and escape routes are clearly marked and kept unobstructed at all times.
Employees are trained in emergency procedures, including evacuation routes, fire assembly points and how to raise the alarm. Periodic drills are carried out so that everyone is familiar with the required response in an emergency situation.
Training, Information and Supervision
Storage St Helier provides health and safety induction training for all new employees and role-specific training for those involved in storage operations, removals and driving duties. Refresher training is given as needed, especially when new equipment, processes or risks are introduced.
We ensure that employees receive clear information about hazards and safe working practices, and that adequate supervision is provided, particularly for new or inexperienced staff.
Consultation and Reporting
We encourage open communication on health and safety matters. Employees are invited to raise concerns, suggest improvements and report unsafe conditions without fear of reprisal. Issues reported will be investigated promptly and appropriate corrective actions taken.
Accidents, near misses and incidents are recorded, investigated and reviewed to identify root causes and prevent recurrence. Lessons learned are shared with relevant staff and reflected in updated procedures where necessary.
Monitoring, Review and Continuous Improvement
We monitor our health and safety performance through inspections, audits, incident analysis and feedback from staff and customers. This information is used to assess the effectiveness of our arrangements and to identify areas for improvement.
This policy will be reviewed regularly and whenever there are significant changes to our operations, working methods or legal requirements. Our goal is continual improvement in health and safety standards across all aspects of our storage and removal services.
By working together and following this policy, we aim to provide a safe and reliable service for everyone who uses Storage St Helier.
