Storage Somers Town Health and Safety Policy
Storage Somers Town is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for all employees, customers, contractors and visitors. This Health and Safety Policy sets out the standards and procedures we follow across our storage and removal operations to prevent injury, protect property and minimise risks.
Policy Aims and Scope
This policy applies to all Storage Somers Town locations, vehicles and work activities, including storage facilities, offices and removal services. Our aims are to prevent accidents and work-related ill health, manage health and safety risks in a practical way, and promote a positive safety culture where everyone understands their responsibilities.
Management Responsibilities
Senior management has overall responsibility for health and safety within Storage Somers Town. Management will provide safe systems of work for storage and removal activities, ensure appropriate resources are available to implement this policy, appoint competent persons to advise on health and safety, and regularly review performance to support continual improvement.
Employee Responsibilities
All employees must take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions. Employees are required to follow safety instructions and training, use equipment and personal protective equipment correctly, report hazards, near misses and accidents as soon as possible, and cooperate fully with any investigation or corrective action.
Risk Assessment and Control
Storage Somers Town will identify, assess and control risks arising from our activities. Risk assessments will be completed for key tasks including manual handling, loading and unloading vehicles, use of lifting and handling equipment, work at height, vehicle movements in yards and at customer premises, and storage of goods in units and racking. Control measures will be implemented, monitored and updated in line with changes in work practices or after incidents.
Safe Storage and Facility Standards
Our storage facilities will be maintained in a clean, orderly and safe condition. Aisles and emergency exits will be kept clear at all times. Racking and shelving will be inspected regularly for damage or instability. Stored items must be stacked safely, with heavy or bulky items positioned to minimise risk of falls or collapse. Hazardous or fragile items will be handled and stored in accordance with specific guidance and risk assessments.
Safe Removals and Handling of Goods
Our removal services are carried out in a way that protects both employees and customers. Staff will plan each removal job to assess access, parking, lifting requirements and any site-specific risks. Where necessary, handling aids such as trolleys, dollies, straps and ramps will be used. Employees will not be required to lift loads that exceed safe limits or that cannot be handled safely by the team on site.
Manual Handling and Ergonomics
Manual handling is a key part of storage and removal work. Storage Somers Town will provide training in correct lifting techniques, team lifting, and the use of handling equipment. Staff are expected to assess each lift, reduce load weight where possible, and avoid twisting or overreaching. Work is organised to reduce repetitive strain and awkward postures as far as reasonably practicable.
Vehicles and Driving Safety
Vehicles used for removals and transport of goods will be maintained in a roadworthy condition and inspected regularly. Drivers must hold the appropriate licence, comply with road traffic rules and follow company procedures for loading, securing and unloading vehicles. All loads will be secured to prevent movement during transit. Reversing and manoeuvring will be managed carefully, and where possible a second person will assist with guidance to reduce the risk of collision or injury.
Equipment Safety and Maintenance
All equipment used in storage and removal operations, including trolleys, lifting aids and other tools, must be suitable for the task and maintained in good working order. Defective or damaged equipment must be taken out of use immediately and reported to management. Regular inspections and maintenance schedules will be followed to ensure ongoing safety and reliability.
Fire Safety and Emergency Procedures
Storage Somers Town maintains clear fire safety arrangements for all premises. Fire detection and alarm systems will be tested, and fire extinguishers will be inspected regularly. Emergency exits and routes will remain unobstructed, clearly marked and illuminated where necessary. Staff will be trained in fire and emergency procedures, including evacuation routes and assembly points. Drills will be carried out to ensure familiarity and readiness.
Accident Reporting and Investigation
All accidents, injuries, near misses and dangerous occurrences must be reported promptly. This enables Storage Somers Town to investigate incidents, determine root causes, record findings and implement corrective actions. Lessons learned will be shared with relevant staff to prevent recurrence and improve safety standards across the business.
Training, Information and Supervision
Employees will receive appropriate health and safety induction training when joining Storage Somers Town and further role-specific training as required. This may include manual handling, safe vehicle loading, use of equipment, emergency procedures and customer site safety. Supervisors are responsible for ensuring that staff understand and follow procedures and that new or temporary workers receive proper guidance and support.
Contractors, Customers and Visitors
Storage Somers Town will take reasonable steps to ensure that contractors working on our premises are competent and aware of relevant safety requirements. Visitors and customers will be provided with clear instructions on safe access, restricted areas and emergency arrangements. Everyone on site is expected to respect safety rules and cooperate with staff instructions.
Health, Welfare and Wellbeing
The company recognises the importance of overall health and wellbeing. Facilities such as welfare areas and sanitary provisions will be maintained to a good standard. Where work may involve stress, lone working or other health considerations, risk assessments and support measures will be introduced to protect employees.
Monitoring, Review and Continuous Improvement
Compliance with this Health and Safety Policy will be monitored through inspections, audits, incident reviews and staff feedback. When necessary, work processes, equipment or training will be updated to improve safety performance. This policy will be reviewed periodically, and whenever there are significant changes to operations or legislation, to ensure it remains effective and relevant to Storage Somers Town and the services we provide.
