Storage Dalston Health and Safety Policy
Storage Dalston is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for employees, contractors, customers, visitors and any other persons who may be affected by our storage and removal activities. This Health and Safety policy sets out our principles, responsibilities and arrangements for managing risk and promoting safe working practices throughout our operations.
Policy Statement
We recognise our duty to protect the health, safety and welfare of all individuals on our premises and those affected by our services, including packing, lifting, loading, transport, unloading and storage of goods. We aim to prevent accidents, injuries and work related ill health through effective planning, training and supervision.
Health and safety considerations form an integral part of our day to day decision making, from the layout and maintenance of our storage facilities to the planning and execution of removal and handling tasks. We expect the same high standards from all parties who work with or on behalf of Storage Dalston.
Management Responsibilities
Senior management at Storage Dalston has overall responsibility for implementing this policy and for ensuring that adequate resources are provided to maintain safe working conditions. Management will:
Plan, implement, monitor and review safe systems of work for storage and removal activities. Ensure risk assessments are completed, kept up to date and communicated to relevant staff. Provide and maintain suitable equipment, tools and vehicles in a safe condition. Ensure that staff receive appropriate information, instruction, training and supervision. Promote a culture where safety concerns can be raised without hesitation and are dealt with promptly. Review and update this policy periodically, particularly when operations, legislation or industry best practice change.
Employee Responsibilities
Every employee has 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 training provided. Use equipment, vehicles and personal protective equipment correctly and only for their intended purpose. Report hazards, near misses, accidents, damaged equipment or unsafe practices immediately to a supervisor or manager. Cooperate fully with management in the implementation and improvement of health and safety measures. Refrain from intentionally interfering with or misusing anything provided for health, safety or welfare.
Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices
Storage Dalston carries out regular risk assessments covering our storage facilities, handling equipment, vehicles, routes and removal tasks. These assessments identify hazards and determine suitable control measures to reduce risks to an acceptable level.
Safe systems of work are developed and implemented for key tasks, including manual handling, packing, stacking, operating trolleys and lifting equipment, loading and unloading vehicles and storing items within units and common areas. Staff are instructed in these systems and expected to follow them at all times.
Manual Handling and Lifting
Manual handling and the movement of items are central activities in both storage and removals. To reduce the risk of strain and injury, Storage Dalston:
Provides training in safe lifting techniques and correct body posture. Encourages the use of mechanical aids and team lifting where appropriate. Plans jobs to minimise unnecessary carrying and awkward movements. Sets reasonable weight limits and requires staff to seek assistance with heavy or awkward items.
Customers are reminded that they are responsible for lifting and moving their own belongings safely when using our storage facilities and should not attempt to move any item that is beyond their capability.
Vehicles, Driving and Transport
Where Storage Dalston operates or arranges vehicles for removal services, we ensure that vehicles are maintained in a safe and roadworthy condition and that drivers are competent and appropriately licensed.
Loads are planned and secured to prevent shifting or damage in transit. Staff involved in loading and unloading are trained in safe techniques, including the use of loading equipment, ramps and restraints. Drivers are required to comply with traffic laws, drive responsibly and report any defects, incidents or concerns as soon as practical.
Premises, Storage Areas and Housekeeping
Our premises and storage areas are maintained in a clean, orderly and secure condition to reduce the risk of slips, trips, falls and other incidents. Storage Dalston:
Keeps walkways, stairwells and fire exits clear and well lit. Ensures floors and surfaces are kept as dry and unobstructed as reasonably practicable. Uses appropriate signage to highlight hazards or restricted areas. Controls access to operational zones where lifting or vehicle movements are taking place.
Customers are asked to store goods safely within their units, stack items securely, avoid overloading shelves and keep common areas free from obstructions.
Fire Safety and Emergency Procedures
Storage Dalston maintains fire safety measures suitable for our facilities and operations. These may include fire detection and alarm systems, fire extinguishers, clear escape routes and visible emergency signage.
Staff receive guidance on emergency arrangements, including evacuation routes, assembly points and their individual responsibilities. Fire drills and equipment checks are carried out at appropriate intervals. Customers and visitors must familiarise themselves with local emergency information displayed on site and follow staff instructions immediately in the event of an alarm or emergency.
Hazardous and Prohibited Items
For the safety of all users, certain items must not be stored or transported as part of our services. These include but are not limited to flammable, explosive or corrosive substances, gas cylinders, illegal goods, live animals, perishable foods and any item that may pose an unreasonable risk to people or property.
Customers are responsible for ensuring that goods presented for removal or storage comply with our terms and do not include prohibited or hazardous items. Staff are instructed not to handle or transport goods that appear unsafe.
Training, Communication and Consultation
Storage Dalston provides health and safety induction for new employees and ongoing training relevant to their duties, including manual handling, equipment use, fire safety and incident reporting. Refresher training is provided when necessary.
We encourage open communication about health and safety matters. Employees are consulted on changes to procedures and invited to contribute suggestions for improving safety in storage and removal operations.
Monitoring, Incident Reporting and Continuous Improvement
We monitor health and safety performance through inspections, audits, incident reports and feedback from staff and customers. All accidents, injuries, near misses and dangerous occurrences must be reported promptly so that causes can be investigated and corrective actions taken.
Lessons learned from incidents, changes in working methods or guidance from industry bodies are used to improve our procedures, training and equipment. This policy is reviewed regularly and updated when required to ensure it continues to reflect best practice for safe storage and removal services.
