Storage Uxbridge Health and Safety Policy
Storage Uxbridge is committed to providing a safe, healthy and secure environment for our employees, customers, contractors and visitors. This Health and Safety Policy sets out our approach to managing risks associated with storage facilities, handling of goods, and related removal and transport activities connected with our services.
Policy Aims and Scope
This policy applies to all Storage Uxbridge locations, operations and activities, including storage units, loading bays, offices, customer access areas, and the handling and movement of goods as part of our removal-related services. Our aims are to prevent accidents and work-related ill health, protect property, and promote safe behaviour for everyone on our premises or engaged in our activities.
We comply with relevant health and safety legislation and industry guidance applicable to storage, warehousing and removal-related manual handling. We monitor legal changes and update our procedures as required.
Management Responsibilities
The management of Storage Uxbridge has overall responsibility for implementing this Health and Safety Policy. Management will ensure that:
Clear procedures are in place for managing health and safety risks, particularly those associated with lifting, carrying, loading, unloading, stacking, vehicle movements and restricted spaces within storage areas.
Suitable and sufficient risk assessments are carried out for our operations, and that control measures are put in place, communicated and regularly reviewed.
All employees receive appropriate health and safety information, instruction and training relevant to their role, including safe manual handling techniques for removals work.
Competent persons are appointed to assist in meeting health and safety duties, including first aid provision and fire safety coordination.
Accidents, incidents and near-misses are recorded, investigated and used to improve safety performance.
Employee Responsibilities
All employees of Storage Uxbridge have a duty to take reasonable care for their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions or omissions. Employees must:
Follow all safety instructions, training, signage and procedures provided by Storage Uxbridge.
Use equipment, vehicles, tools and personal protective equipment correctly and report any defects or safety concerns immediately.
Apply safe manual handling practices when lifting, carrying or moving items, including when assisting with removal and loading tasks.
Keep aisles, walkways, exits, loading bays and fire escape routes clear and free from obstructions.
Report accidents, near-misses, hazards and unsafe conditions to management without delay.
Customer and Visitor Responsibilities
Customers, clients and visitors have a responsibility to cooperate with Storage Uxbridge in maintaining a safe environment. When using our storage facilities or engaging with our removal-related services, customers must:
Observe all safety notices, instructions and guidance given by Storage Uxbridge staff.
Ensure any items brought into the facility are safely packed, stable and suitable for storage, and that heavy or bulky items are handled with care.
Not bring prohibited, dangerous or illegal items into any storage unit or common area, including flammable, explosive, corrosive or otherwise hazardous substances.
Use trolleys, equipment and access routes as directed, and avoid blocking corridors, doors, loading bays or fire escape routes.
Supervise any accompanying children or visitors at all times while on site.
Risk Management and Safe Systems of Work
Storage Uxbridge undertakes risk assessments covering key activities, including the movement and storage of goods, operation of loading bays, vehicle manoeuvring, working at height for racking access, and the interface between customers and staff. These assessments inform safe systems of work, which may include:
Defined procedures for loading and unloading vehicles and handling items during removal-related activities.
Weight limits for manual lifting, guidance on team lifting and use of trolleys or mechanical aids.
Designated pedestrian and vehicle routes to minimise collision risks.
Controls for access to restricted or high-risk areas, such as plant rooms or elevated storage zones.
Safe stacking and storage requirements to prevent falls of stored items.
Manual Handling and Removals
Given the nature of storage and associated removal activities, manual handling is a significant area of risk. Storage Uxbridge will:
Provide manual handling training for staff whose duties involve lifting and moving items.
Encourage the use of trolleys, dollies and other handling aids to reduce strain.
Plan removal-related tasks to minimise unnecessary lifting, twisting and carrying over long distances.
Advise customers on safe loading practices for their goods where appropriate, particularly for heavy, fragile or awkwardly shaped items.
Fire Safety and Emergency Procedures
Storage Uxbridge maintains fire safety arrangements appropriate to our storage environment, including:
Fire risk assessments for all premises.
Fire detection and alarm systems, and suitable fire-fighting equipment.
Clearly marked fire exits and escape routes, which must remain unobstructed at all times.
Emergency procedures for evacuation, including assembly points and responsibilities for staff.
Regular checks and maintenance of fire safety systems and equipment.
First Aid, Accident Reporting and Incident Investigation
Appropriate first aid facilities will be maintained on site. Nominated employees will receive first aid training to provide initial assistance in the event of injury or sudden illness.
All accidents, injuries and near-miss incidents must be reported to Storage Uxbridge management. Records will be kept and reviewed to identify trends and opportunities for improvement. Where necessary, investigations will be conducted to understand causes and to implement corrective actions.
Training, Consultation and Continuous Improvement
Storage Uxbridge recognises that effective health and safety management depends on competent staff and open communication. To support this, we will:
Provide induction training for new employees, including site-specific safety information.
Offer refresher training and updates when procedures change or new risks are identified.
Consult with employees on health and safety matters and encourage suggestions for improvement.
Monitor performance against our health and safety procedures and review this policy periodically to ensure it remains effective and relevant to our storage and removal-related operations.
Policy Review
This Health and Safety Policy is reviewed regularly and after any significant change in operations, legislation or incident findings. Updated versions are communicated to employees and made available to customers and visitors on request at Storage Uxbridge premises.
