Storage Chessington Health and Safety Policy
Storage Chessington is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for all employees, contractors, visitors, and customers. This policy sets out our principles and arrangements for managing health and safety across our storage facilities and removal operations. Our aim is to prevent accidents, protect property, and promote a culture where safety is everyone’s responsibility.
1. Policy Statement and Objectives
We will take all reasonably practicable steps to prevent injury and ill health arising from our activities, including storage, handling, and transportation of goods. Our primary health and safety objectives are to comply with applicable legislation, reduce risks at their source, provide safe systems of work, and continually improve our performance through monitoring and review.
All managers and supervisors are accountable for implementing this policy within their areas of responsibility. Every employee has a duty to work safely, follow company procedures, and report any concerns immediately.
2. Management Responsibilities
Senior management is responsible for establishing and maintaining effective health and safety arrangements throughout Storage Chessington. This includes allocating sufficient resources, setting clear expectations, and reviewing performance at regular intervals. Management will ensure that risk assessments are carried out, control measures are implemented, and that employees are competent to perform their tasks safely.
Managers will lead by example, promoting a positive health and safety culture and ensuring that safe working practices are integrated into daily operations, especially in areas involving manual handling, vehicle movements, and the use of storage equipment.
3. Employee Responsibilities
Every employee must take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions. Employees must cooperate fully with Storage Chessington in implementing this policy and supporting safe methods of work.
Employees are expected to use equipment correctly, follow instructions and training, wear appropriate personal protective equipment where required, refrain from unsafe practices, and promptly report hazards, near misses, and incidents to their supervisor.
4. Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work
Storage Chessington conducts risk assessments for all significant activities, including loading and unloading vehicles, carrying furniture and boxed items, operating handling equipment, and working within storage units. Identified risks are evaluated and controlled using safe systems of work, appropriate equipment, and clear procedures.
Risk assessments are reviewed periodically and whenever there are changes to processes, equipment, or layout. Employees are informed of the findings and trained in relevant control measures, particularly those related to heavy lifting, working in confined storage aisles, and the stacking and securing of goods.
5. Manual Handling and Lifting Operations
Given the physical nature of removal and storage activities, manual handling risks are carefully managed. Where reasonably practicable, mechanical aids such as trolleys and lifting equipment will be used to reduce the need for manual lifting.
All staff involved in handling customer items receive training in safe lifting techniques, team lifting, and the correct use of equipment. Loads must be assessed before lifting, routes must be planned to avoid obstacles, and items must be stacked safely to prevent collapse or injury.
6. Vehicles, Driving, and Site Traffic
Storage Chessington manages vehicle movements on and off site to minimise risks to drivers, staff, and visitors. Designated loading and unloading areas are used where available, and site speed limits and traffic routes must be followed at all times.
Drivers must ensure vehicles are roadworthy, loads are safely distributed and secured, and ramps or tail lifts are operated according to training and instructions. Pedestrians and vehicles must be kept apart as far as reasonably practicable, and reversing manoeuvres must be controlled to avoid collisions.
7. Storage Facilities and Housekeeping
Our storage areas are maintained in a clean, tidy, and orderly condition. Aisles, fire exits, and access routes must be kept clear of obstructions. Goods are stored in a stable and secure manner to prevent falls, with heavier items placed at lower levels where possible.
Regular inspections are carried out to check the condition of racking, storage units, lighting, and flooring. Any damage or defect must be reported immediately and the affected area or equipment taken out of use if unsafe.
8. Fire Safety and Emergency Procedures
Storage Chessington maintains appropriate fire safety measures, including detection and alarm systems where installed, clearly signed escape routes, and suitable fire extinguishers. Fire exits must remain unlocked and unobstructed during operating hours.
Emergency procedures are displayed on site and include instructions for evacuation, assembly points, and contacting the emergency services. Employees receive training in fire safety and participate in evacuation drills to ensure a prompt and orderly response in the event of an emergency.
9. Training, Information, and Supervision
All employees receive induction training covering the key hazards associated with storage and removal work, the requirements of this policy, and site-specific rules. Additional training is provided for tasks that carry higher risk, such as operating mechanical handling equipment or driving company vehicles.
Health and safety information, instructions, and warning signs are provided where necessary. Supervisors monitor working practices, correct unsafe behaviour, and provide guidance and support to maintain safe standards.
10. Incident Reporting and Investigation
All accidents, injuries, near misses, and dangerous occurrences must be reported as soon as possible. Storage Chessington records and investigates such events to identify root causes and implement corrective actions. Lessons learned are communicated to relevant staff and may lead to changes in procedures, training, or equipment.
Accurate reporting helps us to prevent recurrence, identify trends, and improve our overall health and safety performance.
11. Welfare, Health, and Wellbeing
Storage Chessington provides suitable welfare facilities, including access to rest areas and sanitary facilities, to support the health and comfort of employees and visitors. We recognise the physical nature of removal and storage work and encourage safe working practices that reduce fatigue and strain.
We do not tolerate the use of alcohol or illegal substances in the workplace. Anyone suspected of being unfit for work due to substances or other health issues will be removed from duties to protect their safety and the safety of others.
12. Review of Policy
This Health and Safety Policy is reviewed regularly and updated when necessary to reflect changes in our operations, legislation, or best practice. Updated versions are communicated to all employees and made available to customers and visitors on request.
By working together and following the arrangements in this policy, Storage Chessington aims to maintain a safe and healthy environment for everyone involved in our storage and removal services.
