Storage Brent Cross Health and Safety Policy
Storage Brent Cross is committed to maintaining a safe and healthy environment for all employees, customers, contractors and visitors. This policy sets out the standards and practices we follow to manage health and safety risks within our storage facilities and during associated removal, loading and unloading activities. Our objective is to prevent accidents, injuries and work-related ill health, and to promote a culture of continuous improvement in health and safety performance.
Health and Safety Objectives
Our objectives are to provide safe storage facilities, safe systems of work for handling goods and furniture, appropriate information and training for employees, and clear guidance for customers using our premises. We aim to identify hazards, manage risks, and comply with all applicable health and safety legislation and recognised industry best practice. Health and safety considerations are integrated into our planning, operations and decision-making processes.
Management Responsibilities
The management of Storage Brent Cross has overall responsibility for ensuring that this Health and Safety Policy is implemented, maintained and reviewed regularly. Management will allocate sufficient resources, both financial and human, to support effective health and safety management. This includes providing and maintaining safe equipment, ensuring facilities are well maintained, and monitoring compliance with procedures.
Managers and supervisors are responsible for day-to-day implementation of this policy. They must ensure that risk assessments are carried out, safe systems of work are followed, and that employees receive suitable training, instruction and supervision for their tasks. They also have a duty to investigate accidents and near misses, and to implement corrective actions where needed.
Employee Responsibilities
Every employee of Storage Brent Cross has a duty to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions or omissions. Employees must follow health and safety instructions, use equipment correctly, and cooperate with management in implementing this policy.
Employees are required to report hazards, unsafe conditions, accidents, incidents and near misses promptly so that appropriate action can be taken. They must not interfere with or misuse anything provided for health, safety or welfare purposes, such as fire safety equipment, personal protective equipment or safety signage.
Customer and Visitor Safety
Storage Brent Cross is committed to providing a safe environment for customers and visitors while on our premises. We ensure that access routes, corridors, stairways, loading bays and storage areas that customers may enter are kept as safe as reasonably practicable. Clear signage, where appropriate, is used to highlight access points, emergency exits and any specific safety instructions.
Customers using our storage and associated removal services are expected to follow site rules, use equipment provided in a safe manner, and take reasonable care of their own safety. Customers should not enter restricted or staff-only areas and must comply with any instructions given by Storage Brent Cross staff regarding safe loading, unloading and movement of goods.
Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work
Storage Brent Cross carries out risk assessments for key activities, including storage operations, lifting and handling of items, vehicle movements in loading areas, and general work within the facility. Risks are evaluated and appropriate control measures are implemented to minimise the likelihood of accidents and injuries.
Safe systems of work are developed for tasks such as manual handling, use of trolleys and lifting aids, stacking and storing items, operating warehouse equipment, and managing vehicle and pedestrian movements. These procedures are communicated to employees through training and instruction, and are periodically reviewed to ensure they remain effective and up to date.
Manual Handling and Removals
Due to the nature of storage and removal activities, particular attention is given to manual handling risks. Employees are trained in safe lifting techniques, correct use of removal equipment such as sack trucks and dollies, and methods for team lifting heavy or awkward items. The aim is to reduce the risk of musculoskeletal injuries and accidents during loading, unloading and movement of goods.
Customers are encouraged to pack goods securely, label heavy or fragile items clearly, and seek assistance from trained staff where a load may be beyond their capabilities. Where removal services are provided, only trained personnel are permitted to handle large or heavy items, and they will follow company procedures to safeguard both people and property.
Workplace Environment and Equipment
Storage Brent Cross maintains its premises in a clean and orderly condition to reduce slip, trip and fall risks. Aisles and walkways are kept clear of obstructions, and lighting is maintained to provide good visibility in all relevant areas. Storage units and common areas are routinely inspected for defects or hazards, and remedial actions are taken promptly when issues are identified.
All tools, equipment and vehicles used in connection with storage and removals are selected, maintained and inspected to ensure they are safe and suitable for use. Faulty equipment must be reported immediately and taken out of service until repaired or replaced. Only trained and authorised personnel may operate specialised equipment.
Fire Safety and Emergency Procedures
Storage Brent Cross maintains fire safety measures appropriate to the nature of the premises and the goods stored. This includes fire detection and alarm systems where required, provision of suitable fire extinguishers, and clearly marked emergency exits and escape routes. Exits and access routes are kept unobstructed at all times.
Employees receive information and instructions on emergency procedures, including fire evacuation, incident reporting and first aid arrangements. Regular checks are carried out to ensure emergency equipment is available and in working order. Customers and visitors must follow staff instructions in the event of an emergency and evacuate the building promptly and calmly when required.
Training, Information and Supervision
Storage Brent Cross provides appropriate health and safety training and information to employees based on their roles and responsibilities. This includes induction training for new starters, role-specific training for those involved in storage and removal operations, and refresher training at suitable intervals or when procedures change.
Supervisors are responsible for monitoring working practices, ensuring that employees follow safe systems of work, and offering guidance where necessary. Additional training will be provided whenever new equipment is introduced, new risks are identified, or existing procedures are updated.
Accident Reporting and Investigation
All accidents, incidents and near misses occurring on Storage Brent Cross premises or during related removal activities must be reported as soon as possible. This enables appropriate medical or first aid support to be provided where necessary, and helps us understand how incidents occurred so that we can prevent recurrence.
Management will investigate significant incidents, identify underlying causes and implement corrective actions. Records of incidents are maintained and reviewed periodically to identify trends and opportunities for improvement in health and safety performance.
Policy Review and Continuous Improvement
This Health and Safety Policy is reviewed regularly to ensure it remains relevant and effective in light of changes to our operations, legislation, industry standards or best practice. Where improvements are identified, Storage Brent Cross will update procedures, provide additional training or introduce new control measures as appropriate.
Employees are encouraged to contribute suggestions for improving health and safety. By working together, management, staff, customers and contractors help maintain a safe environment for storage, removals and all associated activities at Storage Brent Cross.
