Storage Crook Log Health and Safety Policy
This Health and Safety Policy sets out the principles and arrangements by which Storage Crook Log manages health, safety and welfare across our storage facilities and removal services. Our aim is to provide a safe and healthy environment for employees, contractors, customers and visitors, and to minimise risks associated with storage, moving, loading and transporting goods.
Our Health and Safety Commitment
Storage Crook Log is committed to preventing accidents, injuries and work-related ill health. We will provide and maintain safe systems of work, safe equipment and a working environment where risks are properly controlled. We also recognise that our removal activities involve additional risks, such as manual handling, vehicle use and working in customers premises, and we manage these with particular care.
Responsibilities
Overall responsibility for health and safety rests with the company management, who ensure that this policy is implemented, monitored and reviewed. Management will provide adequate resources to meet health and safety objectives and will support staff in complying with this policy.
Supervisors are responsible for day-to-day implementation, including ensuring that staff follow safe working practices, use equipment correctly, and report hazards or incidents promptly.
All employees and contractors must take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions. They must co-operate with the company in implementing this policy, follow training and instructions, and report any unsafe conditions or practices.
Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work
We carry out regular risk assessments for our storage facilities and removal operations. These assessments identify hazards, evaluate the level of risk and specify control measures. Control measures may include changes to procedures, provision of equipment, staff training, supervision and restrictions on certain activities.
Risk assessments are reviewed periodically and after any significant change in our operations, premises, equipment or legislation. Employees are informed about the relevant findings and the precautions they must follow.
Safe Use of Storage Facilities
We maintain our storage premises in a clean, orderly and secure condition. Access ways, stairs, corridors and loading zones are kept clear and well lit. Fire exits and emergency routes are kept unobstructed at all times.
Racking, shelving and storage areas are installed and maintained to appropriate standards and are not loaded beyond their safe working limits. Items are stacked safely to avoid collapse, with heavier items stored at lower levels where possible.
Customers and visitors are required to follow safety signs, instructions from staff and any site rules provided at reception or during induction to the facility.
Manual Handling and Removals
Manual handling is a core part of our removal activities and is a key focus of our risk management. We assess typical lifting and carrying tasks and plan work to minimise the need for hazardous manual handling.
Staff are trained in safe lifting techniques and the use of mechanical aids such as trolleys and lifting equipment. Two-person lifts are used for heavy or awkward loads, and staff are encouraged to stop and seek assistance if they consider a lift unsafe.
During collection, loading, transport and delivery, staff must follow agreed procedures designed to protect both people and property. This includes careful route planning within buildings, using suitable lifting methods and securing loads safely inside vehicles.
Vehicles, Driving and Loading
Vehicles used for removal and transport work are maintained in a safe and roadworthy condition. Drivers must hold the appropriate licence, follow all road traffic requirements and adhere to company guidelines on safe driving and rest breaks.
Loading and unloading are carried out in designated areas wherever possible. Loads are distributed evenly, secured correctly and checked before departure. Staff are trained to be alert to moving vehicles and to follow any site-specific rules at customer locations.
Work at Height
Where work at height is unavoidable, for example to access higher storage levels or vehicle roofs, it is planned and supervised. Only appropriate access equipment is used, and it must be in good condition and used in accordance with training and instructions.
Staff are instructed not to climb on racking, boxes or makeshift platforms, and to report any damaged access equipment immediately.
Hazardous Substances and Restricted Items
We do not permit storage or transport of items that present unacceptable risks, such as certain flammable, explosive, corrosive or otherwise hazardous materials. Our terms of storage and service outline categories of prohibited or restricted goods.
Where permitted substances may present some risk, we assess the hazards and ensure suitable control measures, including ventilation, segregation, labelling and safe handling instructions.
Fire Safety and Emergency Procedures
Fire safety is managed through appropriate detection and alarm systems, clearly marked escape routes and emergency lighting where required. Fire extinguishers and other firefighting equipment are inspected and maintained regularly.
Staff receive training on fire prevention, evacuation procedures and the use of fire equipment where appropriate. Fire drills and emergency exercises are carried out periodically to ensure that everyone is familiar with procedures.
In the event of any emergency, including fire, accident, spill or structural concern, staff must raise the alarm, follow the designated procedure and prioritise the safety of people over property.
Training, Information and Supervision
We provide staff with information, instruction and training relevant to their roles. This includes induction training, manual handling, safe use of equipment, emergency procedures and any task-specific requirements for removal work or storage operations.
Training needs are reviewed regularly and refresher training is provided as necessary. Supervisors monitor working practices to ensure that training is applied in day-to-day activities.
Accident Reporting and Investigation
All accidents, incidents, near misses and hazardous conditions must be reported to management as soon as possible. We keep records of such events and investigate them to identify causes and prevent recurrence.
Where necessary, corrective actions are implemented, which may include changes to procedures, additional training, maintenance or improvements to equipment and facilities.
Consultation and Policy Review
We seek the views of employees on health and safety matters and encourage feedback on ways to improve safety in storage operations and removal services. Staff are invited to raise concerns or suggestions with supervisors or management.
This Health and Safety Policy is reviewed regularly to ensure it remains effective and reflects current operations, best practice and legal requirements. Updates are communicated to staff and are made available to customers and visitors upon request.
