Storage Hanworth Health and Safety Policy
This Health and Safety policy sets out how Storage Hanworth manages the wellbeing of employees, contractors, customers and visitors across our storage and removal handling operations. Our aim is to provide safe, clean and well managed facilities, protecting people, property and the environment while enabling efficient storage and moving services.
Our Commitment to Health and Safety
Storage Hanworth is committed to maintaining work and customer environments that are as safe as reasonably practicable. We integrate health and safety into daily operations, particularly in relation to manual handling, movement of goods, vehicle access, loading and unloading, and the use of equipment in our storage facilities.
We continually review and improve our procedures, training and working practices so that risks are properly controlled and all persons on site understand their responsibilities.
Legal Responsibilities and Compliance
Storage Hanworth complies with applicable health and safety legislation and relevant regulations affecting storage facilities and removal handling activities. We monitor changes in regulatory requirements and recognised industry standards and update our policies, procedures and staff training accordingly.
Managers are responsible for ensuring that workplace practices follow these legal duties and for addressing any non conformities promptly.
Management Responsibilities
Senior management has overall responsibility for health and safety performance at Storage Hanworth. This includes providing adequate resources, setting clear objectives, and ensuring that competent personnel are appointed to oversee safety matters.
Managers and supervisors must implement this policy in their areas, conduct and review risk assessments, ensure that safe systems of work are followed, and respond quickly to reported hazards or incidents. They must lead by example and promote a positive safety culture.
Employee Responsibilities
All employees share responsibility for maintaining a safe workplace. Every worker at Storage Hanworth must take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions or omissions.
Employees must follow safety procedures, use equipment correctly, attend training, and cooperate with management on safety matters. Any hazards, unsafe conditions, near misses or incidents must be reported immediately to a manager or supervisor so that appropriate action can be taken.
Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work
We undertake regular risk assessments covering key activities such as lifting and carrying, the use of trolleys and handling equipment, stacking and racking of goods, access to storage units, traffic movement, loading bays and customer access areas.
From these risk assessments, Storage Hanworth develops safe systems of work and clear procedures. These are communicated to employees and, where relevant, to contractors and customers. Risk assessments are reviewed periodically and after any significant change in operations or following an incident.
Manual Handling and Lifting
Handling and moving items are central to storage and removal related work. Storage Hanworth provides guidance and training on safe manual handling techniques to reduce the risk of musculoskeletal injuries.
Where possible, mechanical aids such as sack trucks, trolleys or pallet equipment are used to reduce manual effort. Heavy or awkward items must not be moved by a single person if it is unsafe to do so. Team lifting and methodical planning are required for heavier loads to minimise strain and ensure stability.
Use of Equipment and Work Environment
All equipment used within our storage facilities, including handling aids and any plant in operational areas, must be used only by authorised and trained staff. Equipment is inspected and maintained at suitable intervals, and defective items are removed from service until repaired or replaced.
Storage areas, corridors, stairways and loading bays must be kept clear of obstacles to reduce trip hazards. Goods are to be stacked securely and within safe height limits, taking account of stability and weight distribution. Fire exits and access routes must never be blocked.
Visitor and Customer Safety
Storage Hanworth is committed to providing a safe environment for customers and other visitors using our storage facilities or meeting teams involved in removal handling. Clear signage and guidance are used to direct visitors safely around the site.
Visitors are expected to comply with all safety instructions, including any restrictions on access to operational areas. Children must be supervised at all times. When customers move goods to and from units, staff may offer guidance on safe lifting practices and appropriate use of trolleys, but customers remain responsible for their own actions and loading methods.
Contractors and Third Parties
Contractors working on Storage Hanworth premises must follow our safety requirements and any specific site rules relevant to their activity. They are required to use appropriate protective equipment, operate safely, and coordinate with our management team to minimise risks to staff, customers and themselves.
We will provide contractors with relevant safety information about the areas in which they are working, including emergency procedures and any known hazards.
Training, Communication and Supervision
Storage Hanworth provides initial and refresher training appropriate to each role, including induction training, manual handling, emergency arrangements and site specific procedures. Additional training is provided when tasks, equipment or procedures change.
Health and safety messages are communicated through briefings, signage and supervision. Managers monitor working practices, correct unsafe behaviour, and encourage feedback so that concerns can be addressed early.
Emergency Preparedness and First Aid
We maintain emergency procedures covering fire, evacuation and other foreseeable incidents. Staff receive guidance on what to do in an emergency and are familiar with exit routes and assembly points. Fire detection and firefighting equipment is installed and inspected at appropriate intervals.
First aid arrangements are maintained in line with legal requirements and the nature of our activities. Accidents and incidents are recorded, investigated where necessary, and used to improve our controls and procedures.
Monitoring, Review and Continuous Improvement
Storage Hanworth monitors health and safety performance through inspections, incident reports, feedback from staff and customers, and periodic policy reviews. Where areas for improvement are identified, we take proportionate action to strengthen controls and update training and procedures.
This Health and Safety policy is reviewed regularly to ensure it remains effective, relevant to our storage and removal related operations, and aligned with current legislation and industry good practice.
