Storage Ickenham Health and Safety Policy
Storage Ickenham is committed to high standards of health and safety across all storage and removal activities. This policy sets out the principles and arrangements we follow to protect employees, customers, contractors and visitors during lifting, handling, transportation and storage of goods.
Our objective is to prevent accidents, injuries and ill health by identifying hazards, controlling risks, training our people and continually improving the way we work. Health and safety is an integral part of our planning and day to day operations.
Policy Scope and Responsibilities
This policy applies to all Storage Ickenham operations, including removals, loading and unloading, warehousing, storage units, vehicle movements and associated office activities.
Senior management is responsible for ensuring appropriate resources, systems and supervision are in place to implement this policy. Managers and supervisors must promote safe working practices, enforce procedures and support staff in meeting health and safety requirements.
Every employee and contractor working on our behalf is required to take reasonable care for their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions, and to cooperate with Storage Ickenham in meeting legal and policy obligations.
Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices
We carry out risk assessments covering our main activities, including packing, lifting, carrying, loading, transportation, unloading and storage. The findings are used to implement proportionate control measures and safe systems of work.
Method statements and guidance are provided for higher risk activities such as handling heavy or awkward furniture, use of lifting aids, stacking and racking of items in storage areas, and working in confined or limited access spaces.
Risk assessments are reviewed regularly and following significant changes in work processes, equipment, premises or incidents. Employees are informed of relevant risks and the procedures they must follow.
Manual Handling and Use of Equipment
Manual handling is a central part of removal and storage work. To reduce the risk of musculoskeletal injuries, Storage Ickenham:
Provides training in safe lifting, team handling techniques and correct body positioning. Encourages the use of mechanical aids such as trolleys, dollies and lifting straps whenever appropriate. Plans jobs to minimise carrying distances, awkward routes and unnecessary handling. Assesses large or unusually shaped items in advance and allocates sufficient personnel and suitable equipment.
All handling and lifting equipment used in our operations must be suitable for the task, properly maintained and used only by trained personnel in accordance with instructions.
Vehicles, Driving and Transport Safety
Our vehicles and drivers play a vital role in safe removals and storage logistics. We ensure that vehicles are regularly inspected and maintained, and that any defects are reported and rectified promptly.
Drivers must hold appropriate licences, follow road safety rules and comply with company procedures regarding loading, securing loads, reversing, parking and use of delivery areas. Loads are planned and secured to avoid movement during transit and to prevent injuries during unloading.
Where work takes place at customer premises, drivers and operatives are required to consider site specific hazards such as traffic flow, access restrictions, uneven surfaces, steps and weather conditions.
Storage Facilities and Workplace Safety
Storage Ickenham aims to maintain clean, orderly and safe premises for employees and customers. Walkways, access routes and fire exits must be kept clear at all times. Floors and surfaces are kept as free as reasonably practicable from slip and trip hazards.
Storage areas are organised to ensure safe stacking, racking and segregation of items. Weight limits are observed and heavier items are generally stored at lower levels to reduce manual handling risks and the risk of falling objects.
Lighting, ventilation and housekeeping standards are maintained to support safe working conditions. Where customers access storage areas, they are expected to follow safety signage and any guidance provided by staff.
Fire Safety and Emergency Procedures
We maintain appropriate fire safety arrangements for our facilities, including detection systems where required, clearly marked escape routes and emergency exits.
Fire safety measures include keeping escape routes unobstructed, storing combustible materials safely and prohibiting unauthorised use of heat sources or ignition sources in storage areas. Staff are briefed on evacuation procedures, assembly points and the raising of alarms.
Emergency procedures are reviewed periodically and after any significant change or incident to ensure they remain effective.
Hazardous Materials and Customer Goods
For the safety of everyone on site and during transport, certain items are not accepted for storage or removal, including flammable, explosive, corrosive or otherwise hazardous substances. Perishable goods or items that may attract pests are also restricted.
Customers are responsible for complying with guidance on prohibited or restricted items and for accurately describing the contents of boxes or containers where required. Storage Ickenham reserves the right to refuse items that present unacceptable risk.
Training, Information and Supervision
Storage Ickenham provides employees with information, instruction and training relevant to their roles. This may include induction training, manual handling, use of equipment, vehicle safety, fire safety and site specific procedures.
Supervisors monitor working practices and provide guidance, coaching and corrective action where necessary to ensure that procedures are followed. Refresher training is arranged when required, particularly after changes in systems, equipment or legislation.
Incident Reporting and Continuous Improvement
All accidents, near misses and dangerous occurrences must be reported promptly so that they can be recorded, investigated and lessons learned. We analyse incident trends to identify areas for improvement and to help prevent recurrence.
Storage Ickenham is committed to reviewing and updating this health and safety policy on a regular basis, and whenever changes in operations or regulations make revision necessary. Feedback from staff and customers is welcome and forms part of our continuous improvement approach.
By following this policy, Storage Ickenham seeks to provide a safe, healthy and supportive environment for our employees, customers and all others who may be affected by our removal and storage services.
