Storage North Finchley Health and Safety Policy
This Health and Safety Policy sets out the principles and arrangements that Storage North Finchley follows to provide a safe and healthy environment for employees, contractors, visitors, and customers. It applies to all activities carried out on our premises and in connection with our storage and removal services.
We are committed to meeting our legal duties under relevant health and safety legislation and to continuously improving our health and safety performance. Everyone working for or with Storage North Finchley is expected to cooperate with this policy and follow all safety procedures.
Policy Statement and Objectives
Storage North Finchley recognises that effective health and safety management is essential to our business. Our objectives are to prevent injury and ill health, protect property, and create a culture where safety is integral to day-to-day operations.
To achieve these objectives we will identify and control significant risks, maintain safe working conditions, provide suitable information, instruction, and training, and consult with staff on health and safety matters. We will review this policy periodically and whenever there are significant changes in our operations.
Responsibilities for Health and Safety
Overall responsibility for health and safety rests with the company management, who will ensure that appropriate resources are provided to implement this policy. Management is responsible for setting safety standards, monitoring performance, and taking action where improvements are required.
Supervisors and team leaders are responsible for implementing safe systems of work, carrying out regular checks within their areas, reporting hazards, and ensuring that staff follow procedures and use equipment correctly.
All employees, contractors, and temporary workers have a duty to take reasonable care for their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions. This includes using equipment and personal protective equipment correctly, reporting accidents, incidents, and near misses, and never interfering with any safety device or system.
Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work
Storage North Finchley conducts risk assessments for key activities, including manual handling, storage and stacking of goods, loading and unloading of vehicles, use of handling equipment, driving and movement of vehicles on site, fire safety, and general workplace conditions.
Risk assessments identify potential hazards, who may be harmed, and the control measures required. Controls may include engineering solutions, safe systems of work, training, supervision, and the use of personal protective equipment where necessary.
Safe systems of work and method statements will be developed and communicated for higher risk activities, especially those involving removals, handling heavy or awkward items, working in confined or restricted spaces, or operating mechanical equipment.
Manual Handling and Use of Equipment
The nature of storage and removal activities involves frequent manual handling. Storage North Finchley will, as far as reasonably practicable, avoid hazardous manual handling by using mechanical aids such as trolleys, sack trucks, and lifting equipment.
Where manual handling cannot be avoided, tasks will be assessed and planned to reduce risk. Staff will receive manual handling training that covers correct lifting techniques, team lifting, and recognition of personal limitations. Employees must not attempt to lift loads that are beyond their capability or that pose an obvious risk.
All equipment, including trolleys, ramps, platform trucks, and lifting devices, will be maintained in safe working condition and inspected at suitable intervals. Only trained and authorised personnel may use specialised equipment.
Vehicle and Site Safety
To reduce the risk of injury from vehicle movements during loading and unloading, Storage North Finchley will maintain clear traffic routes, signage, and, where appropriate, designated pedestrian walkways. Drivers and staff must follow any site traffic rules and speed limits at all times.
Loading and unloading areas must be kept clear of obstructions and spillages. Loads must be secured safely before vehicles move off the site. Reversing manoeuvres should be minimised and, where possible, assisted by a competent banksman.
Fire Safety and Emergency Procedures
Storage North Finchley will implement appropriate fire safety measures, including maintaining alarms, extinguishers, and emergency lighting where required. Fire risk assessments will be carried out and reviewed regularly.
Clear emergency procedures will be in place and displayed within the premises. Fire exits and escape routes must be kept unobstructed at all times. Staff will receive induction on fire evacuation, assembly points, and the importance of raising the alarm without delay if they discover a fire or suspect a fire risk.
Accident Reporting and Investigation
All accidents, incidents, and near misses must be reported promptly to the designated person or a manager. Accurate records will be kept and reviewed to identify trends and prevent recurrence.
Significant incidents will be investigated to determine root causes and to implement corrective actions. Where required by law, certain incidents will be reported to the appropriate enforcing authority.
Training, Information, and Supervision
Storage North Finchley will provide suitable and sufficient health and safety training for employees, including induction training for new starters, task-specific training for manual handling and use of equipment, and refresher training where required.
Information on site rules, emergency procedures, and safe working practices will be clearly communicated. Supervision will be proportionate to the level of risk and the experience and competence of staff carrying out the work.
Welfare, Housekeeping, and Occupational Health
We will maintain suitable welfare facilities such as toilets, washing facilities, drinking water, and rest areas. Good housekeeping will be promoted to keep floors, corridors, and working areas clean, dry, and free from unnecessary obstacles.
Storage North Finchley will take reasonable steps to prevent occupational ill health arising from its activities, including managing risks from noise, dust, and other potential exposures, and encouraging staff to report any health concerns that may be affected by their work.
Consultation and Continuous Improvement
We value the input of our employees and contractors in improving health and safety. Storage North Finchley will consult staff on significant changes to working practices, take account of their feedback, and encourage the reporting of hazards and suggestions for improvement.
This policy will be reviewed periodically and updated as necessary to reflect changes in legislation, guidance, or the nature of our storage and removal services. All revisions will be communicated to relevant personnel to ensure ongoing understanding and compliance.
