Storage Queensbury Health and Safety Policy
Storage Queensbury 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 within our storage facilities and during any related removal, moving, loading and unloading activities carried out on behalf of our customers.
We recognise our duty of care and aim to prevent accidents, injuries and incidents of ill health arising from our work operations. Health and safety considerations form an integral part of our planning, decision making and day to day management.
Policy Aims and Objectives
The aims of this Health and Safety Policy are to:
Promote a positive health and safety culture throughout Storage Queensbury. Comply with relevant health and safety legislation and recognised industry standards. Identify hazards associated with storage and removal work and reduce risks so far as is reasonably practicable. Provide and maintain safe premises, vehicles, equipment and systems of work. Ensure employees are competent to carry out their roles through training, instruction and supervision. Engage with employees and customers to continuously improve our standards.
Management Responsibilities
Senior management at Storage Queensbury holds overall responsibility for health and safety performance. This includes:
Setting clear health and safety objectives and monitoring progress. Ensuring adequate resources are available for implementing this policy. Reviewing risk assessments, safe systems of work and incident reports. Providing leadership by example and promoting safety in all storage and removal activities. Ensuring that this policy is communicated, understood and implemented at all levels of the business.
Managers and supervisors are responsible for day to day implementation of this policy in their areas. They must ensure that staff follow safe working procedures, use equipment correctly and report hazards or incidents promptly.
Employee Responsibilities
Every employee has an important role in maintaining a safe working environment. Staff are required to:
Take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions. Follow all safety instructions, procedures and training provided by Storage Queensbury. Use equipment, vehicles and personal protective equipment correctly and report any defects immediately. Report hazards, near misses, accidents and unsafe conditions to a supervisor without delay. Cooperate with investigations, audits and reviews aimed at improving health and safety standards.
Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work
Storage Queensbury will carry out suitable and sufficient risk assessments covering key activities, including:
Handling and moving items into or out of storage units. Loading and unloading vehicles used for removal and delivery services. Use of trolleys, lifting aids and other manual handling equipment. Operation of doors, shutters, lifts and access routes within our premises. Fire safety, emergency evacuation and security arrangements. Housekeeping, lighting and environmental conditions in storage areas.
The findings of risk assessments will be used to develop safe systems of work, which will be communicated to all relevant employees. These assessments will be reviewed regularly and whenever there are significant changes to work practices, equipment or layout.
Manual Handling and Lifting
Removal and storage work often involves lifting, carrying and positioning items of varying size and weight. To reduce the risk of injury:
Employees will receive appropriate manual handling training. Mechanical aids such as sack trucks, dollies and pallet equipment will be provided where suitable. Staff must assess the weight, shape and stability of loads before lifting and request assistance when needed. Team lifting will be used for heavy or awkward items. Unsafe practices such as overreaching, twisting while lifting or carrying excessive loads are strictly prohibited.
Vehicles, Loading and Unloading
Where vehicles are used for removal and transport services, Storage Queensbury will ensure that:
Vehicles are maintained in a safe and roadworthy condition. Drivers are competent, appropriately licensed and briefed on safe loading and unloading. Loads are secured properly to prevent movement during transit. Designated loading and unloading areas are used whenever possible. Pedestrian and vehicle movements are managed to minimise the risk of collision.
Premises Safety and Housekeeping
We will maintain our storage facilities in a clean, orderly and safe condition by:
Keeping walkways, stairways and access routes clear and well lit. Ensuring storage units and common areas are free from unnecessary obstacles and tripping hazards. Maintaining doors, shutters, lifts and security systems so they operate safely. Managing temperature, ventilation and lighting at appropriate levels. Controlling waste and recycling to reduce fire risk and maintain hygiene.
Fire Safety and Emergencies
Storage Queensbury has arrangements in place to reduce fire risks and respond effectively in an emergency. These include:
Fire risk assessments and implementation of control measures. Clearly marked fire exits, escape routes and assembly points. Installation and maintenance of appropriate fire detection and firefighting equipment. Restrictions on the storage of hazardous, flammable or prohibited materials. Regular checks of escape routes and emergency lighting. Staff training in emergency procedures and evacuation drills where appropriate.
Training, Information and Supervision
Storage Queensbury will provide employees with training and information relevant to their roles. This may include:
Induction training on health and safety rules, emergency arrangements and site layout. Task specific instruction for manual handling, use of lifting aids and vehicle operations. Guidance on safe customer interaction during collection, delivery and storage activities. Refresher training when procedures, equipment or legislation change.
Supervisors will monitor working practices and provide additional guidance when required, particularly for new or inexperienced employees.
Customer and Visitor Safety
We aim to provide a safe and welcoming environment for customers and visitors who access our storage facilities or interact with our removal services. To support this:
Safety information and guidance on using storage units will be clearly communicated. Customers will be advised on safe lifting, stacking and use of trolleys. Access control systems will be used to manage entry to operational areas. Any unsafe behaviour or prohibited activities will be challenged and addressed promptly.
Accident Reporting and Investigation
All accidents, incidents, near misses and unsafe conditions must be reported to management as soon as possible. Storage Queensbury will:
Record and investigate incidents to identify root causes. Take corrective and preventive action to reduce the likelihood of recurrence. Review risk assessments and procedures in light of findings. Share relevant lessons with employees to improve future safety performance.
Monitoring, Review and Policy Updates
Storage Queensbury will monitor compliance with this Health and Safety Policy through inspections, audits and performance reviews. We are committed to continuous improvement and will review this policy periodically, and when significant changes occur in our operations, services or legal requirements.
This Health and Safety Policy is approved by senior management and applies to all aspects of our storage and removal related activities. All employees, customers, contractors and visitors are expected to cooperate with its implementation to help maintain a safe and healthy environment.
