Storage Limehouse Health and Safety Policy
Storage Limehouse is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for all employees, customers, contractors and visitors. This Health and Safety Policy sets out our approach to managing risks associated with storage, handling, transport and removal services, and the operation of our premises. We aim to prevent accidents, work-related ill health and damage to property through effective planning, training and supervision.
Policy Aims and Objectives
Our objectives are to maintain safe working conditions, safe systems of work and a continuous focus on health and safety improvement. We will identify and control hazards associated with manual handling of goods, loading and unloading vehicles, operating equipment, accessing storage units, and movements within our facilities. We will also promote a positive safety culture in which everyone understands their responsibilities and feels able to raise concerns.
Management Responsibilities
Senior management at Storage Limehouse has overall responsibility for health and safety performance. Managers will ensure that suitable resources are provided for training, equipment, maintenance and supervision. They will carry out regular risk assessments, implement control measures, and review this policy at appropriate intervals. Management will ensure that health and safety considerations are built into the planning of storage operations, removals, vehicle scheduling and any changes to layout or processes.
Employee Responsibilities
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 work. Employees must follow all safety instructions, use equipment correctly, wear any required personal protective equipment, and report hazards, incidents or near misses to management without delay. Staff must not misuse equipment or attempt tasks for which they have not been trained or authorised.
Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work
Storage Limehouse will carry out systematic risk assessments for all significant activities, including packing, lifting, stacking, moving goods, operating trolleys and other handling aids, and managing vehicle movements on site. Based on these assessments, we will establish safe systems of work, provide clear instructions and ensure that these procedures are communicated and understood. Risk assessments will be reviewed following any incident, operational change, or at regular intervals to ensure they remain current and effective.
Manual Handling and Lifting Operations
The nature of storage and removal work involves frequent handling of items of varying size and weight. To minimise the risk of injury, staff will receive training in correct lifting and handling techniques. Wherever reasonably practicable, lifting and carrying by hand will be reduced through the use of trolleys, dollies and other mechanical aids. Heavy or awkward items will be assessed before movement, and team lifts will be used when necessary. Employees are expected to follow guidance on maximum loads and to seek assistance when in doubt.
Vehicle Movements and Loading Areas
Vehicle movements, particularly for removal operations, present specific risks. Storage Limehouse will maintain clearly marked loading and unloading areas and, where appropriate, designate separate zones for pedestrians and vehicles. Drivers and staff must follow site speed limits, loading bay instructions and safe parking procedures. Loads will be secured safely for transport, and checks will be made to ensure that doors, ramps and platforms are used correctly and kept in good condition.
Use of Equipment and Maintenance
Any equipment used for storage and removal work, such as handling aids, access equipment and security systems, will be selected, used and maintained with safety in mind. Equipment will be inspected regularly, and defects will be reported immediately and taken out of use if there is any risk to safety. Only trained and authorised personnel may use specific equipment where required.
Workplace Environment and Housekeeping
A clean and orderly workplace is essential to safe storage operations. Aisles, stairways, corridors and fire exits must be kept clear of obstructions at all times. Floors and surfaces will be maintained to reduce slip and trip hazards. Spillages will be dealt with promptly and safely. Appropriate lighting will be provided in all working and storage areas, including access routes to units and loading bays.
Fire Safety and Emergency Procedures
Storage Limehouse will maintain appropriate fire detection and alarm arrangements, as well as clearly signed escape routes and emergency exits. Fire safety measures will be supported by regular checks and drills where appropriate. Employees and, where necessary, customers and contractors will be informed of emergency procedures, including assembly points and the roles of any nominated fire marshals. Items stored must comply with our rules on prohibited or restricted goods to reduce fire and chemical risks.
Health, Welfare and First Aid
We recognise the importance of good health and welfare facilities. Storage Limehouse will provide suitable welfare arrangements, including access to toilets and washing facilities for staff, and appropriate rest periods during working hours. First aid provisions will be maintained on site, and designated personnel will be trained to provide basic first aid assistance. All accidents and incidents will be recorded, investigated where necessary, and used to inform improvements in safety controls.
Training, Information and Supervision
All employees will receive induction training covering relevant health and safety rules, emergency arrangements and safe working practices. Additional job-specific training will be provided for tasks such as manual handling, vehicle loading, and the use of any specialised equipment. Refresher training will be delivered as needed. Supervisors will monitor working practices to ensure that procedures are followed and will provide guidance and correction where required.
Contractors, Visitors and Customers
Contractors working on our premises must comply with our health and safety standards and any specific site rules that apply. They will be required to work safely, use appropriate protective equipment and coordinate with our management team where activities may affect others. Visitors and customers using storage facilities will be expected to follow clearly displayed safety notices and behave in a manner that does not put themselves or others at risk.
Monitoring and Policy Review
Storage Limehouse is dedicated to continuous improvement in health and safety performance. We will monitor compliance with this policy through inspections, audits, reviews of incident reports and feedback from employees and customers. This policy will be reviewed periodically, and whenever significant changes occur in our operations or in applicable safety requirements. Updated versions will be communicated to staff and made available to interested parties on request.
This policy outlines the principles by which Storage Limehouse manages health and safety in its storage and removal activities and forms a core part of our commitment to responsible and safe operations.
