Storage Kew Health and Safety Policy
This Health and Safety Policy sets out how Storage Kew manages safety for employees, contractors, visitors, and customers using our storage and removal services. Our aim is to prevent accidents, protect health, and promote safe working practices in all activities, including packing, handling, loading, transport, and storage of goods.
Storage Kew recognises its responsibility to provide a working environment that is, so far as is reasonably practicable, safe and without risk to health. We expect everyone associated with our operations to share this commitment and to follow the procedures outlined in this policy.
Health and Safety Responsibilities
Overall responsibility for health and safety rests with the company management, who ensure that appropriate resources, training, and supervision are in place. Managers are responsible for implementing this policy in their areas, monitoring standards, and addressing any safety concerns promptly.
All employees have a duty to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions. This includes co-operating with Storage Kew on all safety matters, using equipment correctly, following safe systems of work, and reporting hazards, accidents, or near misses without delay.
Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices
Storage Kew conducts regular risk assessments for all significant activities, including manual handling, driving and vehicle operations, loading and unloading vehicles, working in storage units, and operating equipment. These assessments identify hazards, evaluate risks, and determine appropriate control measures to reduce those risks as far as is reasonably practicable.
Safe systems of work are developed from these risk assessments and are communicated clearly to all relevant staff. Employees are expected to follow these procedures at all times, particularly when lifting and carrying items, using trolleys or moving equipment, stacking goods, and securing loads in vehicles.
Manual Handling and Lifting
Removal and storage activities often involve handling heavy or bulky items. Storage Kew is committed to reducing manual handling risks by planning tasks carefully, providing appropriate handling aids, and encouraging team lifting where necessary.
All staff involved in removal and storage work receive training in correct lifting techniques, assessment of loads, and recognition of their own physical limits. Employees must avoid unsafe practices such as twisting while lifting, overreaching, or attempting to move loads that are beyond their capability. Mechanical aids such as sack trucks, dollies, and lifting equipment must be used whenever appropriate and must be maintained in safe condition.
Vehicles, Driving, and Transport Safety
Safe operation of vehicles used for removals and transport is essential to our health and safety standards. Only authorised and competent employees may drive company vehicles. Drivers must carry out pre-use checks, report any defects immediately, and not operate vehicles that are unsafe.
Loads must be distributed evenly, secured adequately, and checked before departure. Staff involved in loading and unloading must follow agreed procedures to prevent falls, crush injuries, or other accidents. Safe access and egress from vehicles, including the use of steps, ramps, and tail-lifts, is required at all times.
Safe Storage and Warehouse Practices
Storage Kew ensures that storage units, access routes, and common areas are kept in a safe and orderly condition. Goods must be stacked and stored in a stable manner, with heavier items at lower levels where possible, to reduce the risk of collapse or injury.
Fire escape routes and emergency exits must never be blocked. Housekeeping standards must be maintained to prevent slips, trips, and falls. Any damage to racking, doors, floors, or lighting must be reported immediately so that it can be inspected and made safe.
Equipment, Tools, and Personal Protective Equipment
All equipment used in removals and storage operations must be suitable for its intended purpose and maintained in good working order. Employees must not use damaged, defective, or unauthorised equipment. Any concerns about equipment safety must be reported to management.
Where risk assessments identify the need for personal protective equipment, such as gloves, protective footwear, or high-visibility garments, this equipment will be provided and must be worn as instructed. Employees are responsible for using and caring for personal protective equipment correctly and reporting any loss or damage.
Training, Information, and Supervision
Storage Kew provides appropriate health and safety training for all employees, including induction training for new starters and role-specific training for tasks such as manual handling, vehicle operation, use of equipment, and emergency procedures.
Information on risks and safe practices is communicated through training sessions, briefings, signage, and written procedures. Supervisors monitor working practices, correct unsafe behaviour, and ensure that staff understand and follow this policy.
Accident Reporting and Incident Investigation
All accidents, injuries, near misses, and dangerous occurrences must be reported as soon as possible to the appropriate manager. An internal record will be maintained and, where necessary, incidents will be investigated to identify root causes and implement improvements.
Employees are encouraged to report hazards or suggestions for improving safety without fear of blame. Learning from incidents is used to update risk assessments, procedures, and training.
Emergency Preparedness and First Aid
Storage Kew maintains appropriate arrangements for emergency situations, including fire, medical emergencies, and serious incidents involving vehicles or equipment. Staff receive guidance on what to do in an emergency, including how to raise the alarm and where to assemble.
First aid provisions are maintained on site and in vehicles as appropriate. Designated personnel receive first aid training suitable for the nature of our operations. All employees must follow emergency instructions and cooperate fully during any evacuation or incident response.
Wellbeing and Fit for Work
Storage Kew recognises that health and safety also includes wellbeing and the ability to work safely. Employees must present themselves fit for work and must not undertake duties if impaired by fatigue, illness, alcohol, or drugs. Any employee who feels unable to perform a task safely must inform their manager.
We encourage open communication about health concerns that may affect work, so that reasonable adjustments or changes to duties can be considered where appropriate.
Policy Review and Continuous Improvement
This Health and Safety Policy is reviewed regularly to ensure it remains effective and reflects changes in legislation, industry practice, and our own operations. Storage Kew is committed to continuous improvement in health and safety performance and to maintaining a culture where safety is integral to every aspect of our removal and storage services.
All employees, contractors, and visitors are expected to support this policy and to play their part in keeping Storage Kew a safe place to work and do business.
