Storage Cowley Health and Safety Policy
Storage Cowley is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for our employees, customers, contractors and visitors. This policy sets out our approach to managing health and safety across our storage facilities and removal operations. We aim to prevent injury, protect property and limit environmental impact by identifying and controlling risks associated with our activities.
Policy Statement
Senior management accepts overall responsibility for health and safety within Storage Cowley. We will provide the leadership, resources and support necessary to maintain safe working practices in our storage and removal services. Every employee is expected to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions.
We will comply with all relevant health and safety legislation and recognised industry guidance. Where it is reasonably practicable, we will go beyond minimum legal requirements to promote a strong safety culture in all aspects of our business.
Scope of the Policy
This policy applies to all Storage Cowley employees, agency staff, contractors and visitors present on our premises or engaged in our removal and storage activities. It covers day to day operations, including loading and unloading vehicles, handling customers belongings, operating equipment, maintaining storage units and interacting with the public.
Health and Safety Responsibilities
Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining safe systems of work, carrying out risk assessments, ensuring that training is provided and monitoring compliance with this policy. Managers and supervisors must lead by example, promote safe behaviour and address unsafe practices without delay.
Employees must follow all safety instructions, use equipment properly, wear any required personal protective equipment and report hazards, near misses, accidents or unsafe conditions immediately. Employees must not misuse or interfere with anything provided for health and safety purposes.
Contractors working on behalf of Storage Cowley are required to work safely, follow site rules and cooperate with our staff to protect themselves and others.
Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work
We will identify and assess risks associated with our storage and removal operations, including manual handling, vehicle movements, working at height, use of trolleys and lifting aids, and potential fire hazards. Risk assessments will be reviewed regularly and whenever there are significant changes to our activities or facilities.
Safe systems of work will be developed and implemented for key tasks, such as loading and unloading vehicles, moving heavy or bulky items, stacking goods in storage units and operating any mechanical aids. Procedures will be communicated clearly to staff and reinforced through training and supervision.
Manual Handling and Lifting
Manual handling is a core part of our removal and storage services. To reduce the risk of injury, we will plan lifting tasks carefully, provide suitable handling equipment and limit individual loads to safe weights wherever possible. Staff will be trained in correct lifting techniques and in how to recognise when a task requires additional assistance or mechanical aid.
Employees must assess each lift before starting, considering the load, individual capability, route and environment. Unsafe lifting or carrying practices are not permitted under any circumstances.
Vehicles, Driving and Site Traffic
We will manage vehicle movements on and around our premises to protect drivers, staff and visitors. This includes designated loading areas, clear walkways, appropriate signage and, where necessary, the use of banksmen or trained staff to guide vehicles.
Drivers operating Storage Cowley vehicles must hold appropriate licences, follow traffic laws, keep to speed limits and operate vehicles in a safe and responsible manner. Vehicles will be maintained in a roadworthy condition, with defects reported promptly and rectified before further use.
Workplace Environment and Housekeeping
We will maintain our sites in a clean, orderly and safe condition. Access routes, stairways, fire exits and emergency equipment must be kept clear at all times. Floors should be free from trip hazards, spills and obstructions. Storage units must be stacked safely, with heavy items placed at lower levels and goods secured to prevent collapse.
All staff share responsibility for good housekeeping. Waste materials should be disposed of promptly and correctly. Any damage to fixtures, fittings or safety equipment must be reported immediately.
Fire Safety and Emergency Procedures
Appropriate fire detection, alarm and extinguishing equipment will be provided and maintained in line with legal and industry standards. Clear emergency procedures will be in place, including evacuation routes and assembly points. These procedures will be communicated to staff and, where necessary, to customers and contractors on site.
Fire exits must remain unobstructed at all times. Fire drills will be carried out periodically to ensure that staff are familiar with their roles and responsibilities in an emergency.
Training, Information and Supervision
We will provide employees with the information, instruction and training they need to work safely. This includes induction training, task specific training for storage and removal activities, and refresher training where appropriate. Supervisors will monitor working practices and provide guidance and feedback to reinforce safe behaviour.
Where changes are made to equipment, procedures or premises, staff will be informed and, if necessary, retrained to ensure they continue to work safely.
Accident Reporting and Investigation
All accidents, incidents, injuries and near misses must be reported as soon as possible. Storage Cowley will keep records of these events and investigate them to identify root causes and any necessary corrective actions. Lessons learned will be shared with relevant staff to prevent recurrence and improve safety performance.
Health, Welfare and Wellbeing
We recognise the importance of protecting the overall health and wellbeing of our staff. We will provide suitable welfare facilities, such as rest areas and sanitary facilities, and encourage employees to report any health concerns that may affect their ability to work safely.
Where work may give rise to specific health risks, such as exposure to dust during certain tasks, we will assess and control those risks and provide any necessary protective measures.
Consultation and Continuous Improvement
Storage Cowley is committed to continuous improvement in health and safety performance. We will consult with employees on health and safety matters, encourage feedback and suggestions, and involve staff in reviewing procedures and risk controls.
This policy will be reviewed regularly and updated when required to reflect changes in legislation, industry practice, our operations or the findings of incident investigations. Updated versions will be communicated to staff and made available to customers and visitors on request.
By working together and following this policy, we aim to ensure that Storage Cowley remains a safe and secure environment for everyone who uses our storage and removal services.
