Storage Petersham Health and Safety Policy
Storage Petersham is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for employees, contractors, visitors and customers. This policy sets out our approach to managing health and safety in our storage facilities and during removal and transport activities associated with our services.
We recognise our duty to prevent injury and ill health, to comply with relevant health and safety legislation and to maintain safe systems of work. Health and safety is an integral part of our day-to-day operations and decision-making.
Our Health and Safety Objectives
The key objectives of this Health and Safety Policy are to:
Promote a positive safety culture across all storage and removal activities. Prevent accidents, injuries and work-related ill health. Identify, assess and control risks arising from our operations. Provide and maintain safe premises, vehicles, equipment and systems of work. Ensure employees are competent through information, instruction, training and supervision. Review and improve our health and safety performance on a regular basis.
Management Responsibilities
Senior management at Storage Petersham has overall responsibility for health and safety performance. Management will:
Ensure that adequate resources are provided to implement and maintain this policy. Set clear health and safety targets and monitor performance. Ensure that risk assessments are carried out, documented, implemented and reviewed. Provide appropriate training and information to all employees. Ensure that equipment, vehicles and storage areas are properly maintained and inspected. Investigate accidents, incidents and near misses, and implement corrective actions.
Employee Responsibilities
Employees at Storage Petersham have a duty to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions or omissions. Employees are required to:
Follow all safety procedures, instructions and safe systems of work. Use equipment, vehicles and personal protective equipment correctly. Report hazards, defects, accidents, incidents and near misses without delay. Co-operate with management in the implementation of this policy. Attend training and safety briefings as required. Refrain from any unsafe behaviour or misuse of equipment.
Risk Assessment and Control Measures
We carry out risk assessments for storage operations and removal activities, including handling, lifting, loading, transport and access to storage units. The findings are used to implement practical control measures.
Typical control measures include:
Safe systems for manual handling, use of trolleys and lifting aids. Clear, unobstructed walkways and loading areas. Secure stacking and storage of items to prevent falls and collapse. Controls on access to storage areas, including visitor management. Speed limits, traffic routes and reversing procedures for vehicles. Regular inspection and maintenance of lifting equipment, vehicles and storage structures.
Manual Handling and Lifting
Manual handling is a key part of storage and removal work and presents a significant risk of injury if not properly controlled. We will:
Assess manual handling tasks and avoid hazardous lifting where reasonably practicable. Provide suitable handling aids such as sack trucks, dollies and pallet trucks. Train employees in safe lifting techniques and team lifting practices. Plan loading and unloading so that heavy or bulky items are handled safely. Monitor manual handling practices and correct unsafe techniques.
Vehicle and Driving Safety
When undertaking removal and transport activities, Storage Petersham is committed to safe driving and vehicle operation. We will:
Ensure vehicles are roadworthy, inspected and maintained at appropriate intervals. Provide drivers with information on safe loading, securing loads and route planning. Manage driving hours and rest breaks to reduce fatigue. Enforce safe driving practices, including adherence to speed limits and parking rules. Implement procedures for reporting vehicle defects and incidents promptly.
Workplace Environment and Housekeeping
We recognise that clean, orderly premises are essential for safety. Our storage and loading areas will be maintained to:
Keep floors, walkways and emergency exits clear of obstructions. Control slip and trip hazards through prompt cleaning and repairs. Provide adequate lighting for all working and access areas. Ensure safe access to upper levels, stairways and loading bays. Maintain suitable temperature and ventilation where reasonably practicable.
Fire Safety and Emergency Procedures
Fire safety is a priority in all storage environments. Storage Petersham will:
Carry out and regularly review fire risk assessments. Provide appropriate fire detection, alarm systems and fire-fighting equipment. Keep fire exits clearly marked and unobstructed at all times. Display clear emergency instructions and evacuation plans. Conduct drills and staff briefings on emergency procedures. Ensure customers and visitors are made aware of relevant emergency arrangements.
Hazardous Substances and Prohibited Items
For the safety of all users of our storage facilities and removal services, certain items and substances may be restricted or prohibited. We will:
Communicate clearly which items cannot be stored or transported due to safety or legal reasons. Manage any permitted hazardous substances in accordance with relevant regulations. Provide information and training on safe handling and storage where required. Take prompt action if unsafe or prohibited items are identified.
Training, Information and Supervision
Storage Petersham provides employees with appropriate health and safety training relevant to their roles. This may include:
Induction training for new starters, covering core safety rules. Manual handling, load securing and use of lifting aids. Safe operation of vehicles and equipment. Fire safety, emergency response and incident reporting. Site-specific rules for storage areas, loading bays and customer access.
Supervisors are responsible for monitoring work practices, reinforcing training and addressing unsafe behaviour.
Consultation and Communication
We encourage open communication on health and safety matters. Employees are invited to raise concerns and suggestions for improvement. Where appropriate, we will consult with workforce representatives on changes that may affect health and safety.
Monitoring, Audit and Review
Health and safety performance will be monitored through inspections, audits, incident reports and feedback from staff and customers. Management will review this policy periodically, and whenever there are significant changes in operations or relevant legislation.
Storage Petersham is committed to continual improvement. This policy provides the framework for setting and reviewing health and safety objectives, ensuring that our storage and removal services are delivered with safety as a fundamental priority.
This Health and Safety Policy is authorised by the management of Storage Petersham and will be made available to all employees, contractors and customers on request.
