Storage Docklands Health and Safety Policy
This Health and Safety Policy sets out how Storage Docklands manages health, safety and welfare for employees, contractors, visitors and customers. It applies to all storage, removals and associated activities carried out by the company, both on our premises and at customer locations.
Our Commitment to Health and Safety
Storage Docklands is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment. We aim to prevent injury, ill health, property damage and unsafe practices during storage, removal, handling and transport operations. Health and safety considerations are integrated into all planning, decision making and day to day activities.
We comply with applicable health and safety legislation and recognised industry standards. Where it is reasonably practicable, we will go beyond minimum legal requirements to achieve best practice, particularly in the areas of manual handling, working in and around vehicles, and safe storage of goods.
Roles and Responsibilities
Senior management is responsible for setting health and safety objectives, providing resources, and monitoring performance. They ensure that risk assessments are completed, safe systems of work are implemented, and that all staff understand their responsibilities.
Supervisors and team leaders are responsible for implementing this policy on site, briefing staff on safe work methods, checking that equipment is used correctly and taking immediate action where unsafe conditions or behaviours are identified.
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 follow training and instructions, use equipment properly, report hazards, incidents and near misses, and stop work if they believe there is a serious risk to safety.
Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work
Storage Docklands conducts risk assessments for all significant activities, including the loading and unloading of vehicles, moving and handling of items, use of lifting aids, storage of goods at height and vehicle movements in yards and loading areas.
These risk assessments are used to create safe systems of work and method statements that describe the correct procedures and controls. Staff receive instruction on these procedures before undertaking relevant tasks. Risk assessments are reviewed regularly and following any significant incident, change of process or introduction of new equipment.
Manual Handling and Lifting Operations
Manual handling is a key aspect of storage and removal work, and Storage Docklands places strong emphasis on safe techniques and the use of mechanical aids. Loads are assessed for size, shape, weight and stability before they are moved. Where practical, trolleys, dollies, sack trucks, pallet trucks and other aids are used to reduce the need for manual lifting.
Employees are provided with manual handling training, including how to assess a lift, working as a team, using correct posture, and recognising when a load is too heavy or awkward to move without assistance. Bulky, fragile or high value items are handled under specific procedures designed to protect both the item and the people moving it.
Workplace Safety and Housekeeping
All Storage Docklands premises, including warehouses, storage units, loading bays and office areas, are maintained in a clean and orderly condition. Walkways are kept clear, emergency exits are unobstructed and lighting is maintained at appropriate levels.
Spills, damaged flooring, loose materials and other trip or slip hazards are dealt with promptly. Racking and shelving are inspected regularly for signs of damage or overloading, and storage layouts are planned to allow safe access, stacking and retrieval of goods.
Vehicles, Driving and Transport Safety
Vehicles used for removals and transport are maintained in a safe condition and inspected according to a planned schedule. Drivers are required to carry out basic checks before use and to report any defects immediately.
Loading and unloading operations are planned to minimise reversing and to separate people and vehicles where possible. Loads are secured using suitable restraints so that items do not move or fall during transit. Access to vehicle loading areas is controlled to protect both staff and customers during operations.
Training, Information and Supervision
Storage Docklands ensures that all employees receive appropriate induction and ongoing training in health and safety. This includes training on manual handling, use of equipment, emergency procedures, safe vehicle operations and site specific rules.
Information on hazards and control measures is provided through briefings, signage, written procedures and toolbox talks. New or inexperienced staff are closely supervised until they are competent in their tasks. Contractors working on our premises are required to follow company rules and may receive additional site specific instructions.
Personal Protective Equipment
Where risks cannot be adequately controlled by other means, suitable personal protective equipment is provided. This may include safety footwear, high visibility clothing, gloves and other items relevant to the work being carried out.
Employees are instructed in the correct use, care and storage of personal protective equipment and must wear it as directed. Damaged or defective equipment is replaced promptly.
Emergency Preparedness and First Aid
Storage Docklands maintains procedures for dealing with emergencies such as fire, accidents, medical incidents and spills. Staff are briefed on evacuation routes, assembly points and the location of fire safety equipment.
First aid provisions are available on site and designated persons are trained to provide initial assistance. All accidents, incidents and near misses are reported and recorded. Where necessary, investigations are carried out to identify root causes and implement corrective actions.
Wellbeing and Occupational Health
The company recognises the importance of physical and mental wellbeing in a demanding working environment such as storage and removals. Workloads, shift patterns and job demands are monitored to reduce the risk of fatigue, stress and musculoskeletal problems.
Employees are encouraged to raise any health concerns related to their work so that reasonable adjustments or support can be considered. Where needed, individuals may be referred for further occupational health advice.
Consultation, Communication and Continuous Improvement
Storage Docklands encourages open communication on all health and safety matters. Employees are consulted on changes that may affect their safety and are invited to contribute ideas for improving procedures, equipment and working conditions.
Health and safety performance is reviewed on a regular basis by management. Trends in incidents, near misses and inspection findings are analysed to identify areas for improvement. This policy, and associated procedures, are reviewed periodically to ensure they remain effective, relevant and aligned with current legislation and best practice.
By working together and following the principles in this policy, Storage Docklands aims to provide a consistently safe environment for storage, removals and related services for everyone who works with or uses our facilities.
