Storage Harrow Health and Safety Policy
This Health and Safety Policy sets out how Storage Harrow manages health, safety, and welfare across our storage facilities and associated removal activities. Our aim is to provide a safe and healthy environment for employees, customers, contractors, and visitors, and to prevent accidents, injuries, and work-related ill health.
Our Commitment to Health and Safety
Storage Harrow is committed to maintaining high standards of health and safety. We will identify, assess, and control risks arising from our operations, including storage, handling, loading, unloading, and transport of goods as part of our removal and storage services. We will comply with all applicable health and safety legislation and recognised industry standards.
We will provide the resources, training, and supervision needed to ensure that work is carried out safely and that everyone understands their responsibilities. Our policy is reviewed regularly and updated as our business, facilities, and services evolve.
Management Responsibilities
Senior management is responsible for ensuring that this policy is implemented effectively throughout Storage Harrow. This includes setting health and safety objectives, allocating resources, and monitoring performance. Managers will:
Provide and maintain safe storage environments, equipment, and systems of work. Ensure that risk assessments and safe working procedures are in place for storage, lifting, moving, loading, and transport activities. Make sure that employees are competent for the tasks they undertake and receive appropriate induction and refresher training. Investigate accidents, near misses, and unsafe conditions and ensure that corrective actions are taken promptly. Promote a positive health and safety culture where concerns can be raised and addressed without delay.
Employee Responsibilities
Every employee of Storage Harrow has a duty to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions. Employees must:
Follow all safety instructions, procedures, and site rules. Use equipment, vehicles, and safety devices correctly and only for their intended purpose. Report hazards, defects, near misses, and incidents to management without delay. Cooperate with training, supervision, and health and safety initiatives. Refrain from any behaviour that could endanger themselves, colleagues, customers, or visitors.
Customer and Visitor Safety
Storage Harrow is committed to providing a safe environment for customers and visitors using our storage facilities or interacting with our removal teams. We will:
Provide clear information on safe access routes, loading areas, and any restricted zones. Ensure that floors, corridors, loading bays, and parking areas are kept as clear as reasonably practicable. Display appropriate signage to highlight hazards such as vehicle movements, steps, uneven surfaces, and low headroom. Supervise or guide visitors where necessary, particularly around loading bays, storage units, and vehicle operations. Request that customers and visitors follow all displayed safety instructions and cooperate with staff guidance.
Safe Storage, Handling, and Removal Practices
Our activities involve the movement and storage of a wide variety of items. To manage these safely, Storage Harrow will:
Carry out risk assessments for manual handling, use of trolleys, lifting equipment, and vehicle operations. Encourage safe lifting techniques and the use of handling aids for heavy or awkward items. Provide suitable equipment for the loading and unloading of goods associated with removals and storage. Ensure that storage units and communal areas are kept in a safe condition, with items stacked and stored to minimise the risk of collapse or obstruction. Control the types of goods that can be stored and refuse prohibited or dangerous items in line with our terms of service.
Vehicles, Traffic, and Loading Areas
Many of our services involve vehicle movements in and around our premises. To control risks, Storage Harrow will:
Designate safe routes for vehicles and pedestrians wherever practicable. Keep loading areas organised and as free from congestion as possible. Ensure that drivers and staff are aware of site rules for reversing, parking, and manoeuvring. Use signage and markings to indicate loading zones, speed restrictions, and no parking areas. Encourage careful planning of collections and deliveries to reduce waiting times and unsafe loading practices.
Workplace Conditions and Welfare
Storage Harrow recognises the importance of safe and comfortable workplace conditions. We will:
Maintain good housekeeping standards in all working and storage areas. Provide appropriate lighting, ventilation, and where relevant, temperature control. Supply welfare facilities such as toilets and handwashing facilities for staff and, where provided, for customers and visitors. Ensure that emergency exits and escape routes are clearly marked, well lit, and kept unobstructed at all times.
Emergency Preparedness and First Aid
Storage Harrow will prepare for foreseeable emergencies such as fire, accidents, and spills. We will:
Provide and maintain appropriate fire precautions and equipment such as alarms and extinguishers. Display clear instructions and diagrams showing fire exits and assembly points. Train staff in emergency procedures and carry out regular checks and drills where appropriate. Ensure that adequate first aid arrangements are in place, including suitably stocked first aid supplies and access to trained first aid cover during operating hours. Record and review all incidents requiring first aid to identify opportunities for improvement.
Training, Information, and Communication
Competence and awareness are essential for safe operations. Storage Harrow will:
Provide induction training for all new employees, covering site rules, emergency procedures, manual handling, and any role-specific hazards. Arrange additional training for staff involved in handling equipment, vehicle operations, or specialist tasks. Keep employees informed about health and safety matters through briefings, signage, and updated procedures. Encourage open communication so that staff, customers, and contractors feel able to raise safety concerns and suggestions for improvement.
Monitoring and Continuous Improvement
Storage Harrow is committed to continuous improvement in health and safety. We will:
Monitor compliance with this policy through inspections, audits, and performance reviews. Review risk assessments and procedures following any significant change in our premises, services, or equipment. Learn from accidents, near misses, and feedback, making changes to reduce the likelihood of recurrence. Review this policy periodically to ensure it remains suitable, effective, and aligned with our operations and legal obligations.
This Health and Safety Policy applies to all Storage Harrow locations and activities, including storage operations and associated removal services. Everyone involved in or affected by our work is expected to contribute to a safe, healthy, and respectful environment.
