Storage Freezywater Health and Safety Policy
This Health and Safety Policy sets out the commitments, responsibilities and arrangements that Storage Freezywater follows to protect the health, safety and welfare of employees, customers, visitors and contractors. It applies to all storage operations, removal services, packing, loading, unloading and any associated activities carried out on our premises or at customer locations.
Our Health and Safety Commitment
Storage Freezywater is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment and to preventing injury, ill health, damage and loss. We aim to integrate sound health and safety management into all aspects of our storage and removal activities, from the initial planning of a move through to final delivery and storage of goods.
We will comply with all relevant health and safety legislation and recognised industry standards. Where it is reasonably practicable, we will go beyond minimum legal requirements to ensure a safer environment for everyone involved in our services.
Responsibilities
Overall responsibility for health and safety rests with the management of Storage Freezywater. They are responsible for ensuring that this policy is implemented, reviewed regularly and supported with appropriate resources, training and supervision.
Managers and supervisors are responsible for:
Ensuring safe systems of work are developed and followed for storage and removal tasks.
Carrying out and updating risk assessments for routine and non-routine activities.
Providing employees with information and instruction on hazards and control measures.
Monitoring working practices, identifying shortcomings and taking corrective action.
Employees, temporary staff and contractors are required to:
Take reasonable care for their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions or omissions.
Follow all safety rules, procedures and instructions given by Storage Freezywater.
Use equipment, vehicles and personal protective equipment correctly and report defects immediately.
Report accidents, incidents, near misses and hazards as soon as possible.
Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices
We carry out risk assessments for key activities including manual handling, packing and unpacking, loading and unloading vehicles, operating handling equipment, working in and around storage units, and driving tasks. These assessments identify hazards and specify controls to reduce risks to an acceptable level.
Safe working procedures are developed on the basis of these assessments and are communicated to all relevant staff. They cover, for example, safe lifting techniques, maximum load limits, stacking methods, use of trolleys and lifting aids, safe access and egress from storage units, safe vehicle movements on site, and the segregation of pedestrian and vehicle routes wherever practical.
Manual Handling and Use of Equipment
Manual handling is a significant element of removal and storage work. Storage Freezywater provides training on correct lifting, carrying and team handling techniques to reduce the risk of musculoskeletal injury. Wherever reasonably practicable, mechanical aids and suitable equipment such as sack trucks, dollies, pallet trucks and lifting straps are used to minimise manual handling.
Employees are instructed not to attempt to move items that exceed safe handling limits or that they feel unable to move safely. All equipment is selected, maintained and inspected to ensure that it is suitable for its intended use and remains in safe working condition.
Vehicle Safety and Driving Standards
Vehicles used in connection with our removal and storage services are maintained in good mechanical condition with regular inspections and servicing. Drivers are required to hold the appropriate licences, observe road traffic laws and follow company rules on loading, securing loads, route planning and rest breaks.
Loading and unloading of vehicles is planned to prevent falls, crush injuries and damage to goods. Loads are distributed correctly and secured to avoid shifting during transit. Reversing manoeuvres on or near our premises are controlled where possible, and banksmen are used when required.
Storage Facilities and Site Safety
Our storage facilities are managed to provide safe access and a secure environment. Aisles and walkways are kept clear to minimise slip, trip and fall hazards. Lighting levels are maintained to allow safe movement and clear visibility of steps, ramps and changes in level.
Storage units and racking systems are used within their rated capacities and are inspected for damage. Stacked items are arranged to ensure stability and to prevent falling objects. Customers visiting the site are required to follow site rules, observe signage and cooperate with staff instructions at all times.
Hazardous Substances and Prohibited Items
For the protection of all site users, certain items cannot be accepted into storage or transported. This includes explosive, flammable or toxic substances, compressed gas cylinders, perishable goods, live animals and any items that may present an unreasonable risk. Our terms of service set out categories of prohibited goods.
If hazardous substances are encountered or declared as part of a removal, they will only be handled in accordance with relevant safety data and control measures, or alternative arrangements will be made.
Fire Safety and Emergency Arrangements
Fire safety measures are in place at our premises, including suitable detection where required, clearly signed escape routes and appropriate firefighting equipment. Emergency exits are kept clear and accessible at all times.
Staff are briefed on fire and emergency procedures, including evacuation routes, assembly points and how to raise the alarm. Visitors and contractors are expected to follow instructions from Storage Freezywater staff during any emergency situation.
Training, Information and Consultation
We provide information, instruction and training relevant to the tasks our employees undertake. This can include induction training, manual handling techniques, safe use of equipment and vehicles, site-specific rules and emergency procedures. Refresher training is carried out where needed and when work practices or equipment change.
Employees are encouraged to raise health and safety concerns, suggest improvements and participate in discussions about safe working practices. Management will consider all feedback and take reasonable steps to address issues raised.
Accident Reporting, Investigation and Continuous Improvement
All accidents, incidents, near misses and dangerous occurrences must be reported promptly to management. These events will be recorded and investigated to determine root causes and to identify measures that can prevent recurrence.
Findings from investigations, inspections and audits are used to continuously improve our health and safety arrangements. Lessons learned are communicated to relevant staff and incorporated into revised procedures, training and risk assessments.
Policy Review
This Health and Safety Policy is reviewed regularly and whenever there are significant changes to our operations, facilities or legal requirements. Updated versions will be communicated to employees and made available to customers and contractors on request. Storage Freezywater is committed to maintaining high standards of health and safety in all aspects of its storage and removal activities.
