Storage Locksbottom Health and Safety Policy
Storage Locksbottom is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for all employees, customers, contractors, visitors, and removals teams operating on or around our premises. This policy sets out our approach to managing health and safety risks associated with storage, handling, and movement of goods, including activities linked to removal and transportation services.
Policy Statement and Objectives
Our objective is to prevent injury, ill health, and damage to property by identifying hazards, assessing risks, and implementing effective controls. We aim to continually improve our health and safety performance and to ensure that health and safety considerations are an integral part of our daily operations and decision making.
We will comply with all applicable health and safety legislation and recognised good practice relevant to storage, warehousing, and the removals sector. Where specific legal requirements do not exist, we will adopt standards that reflect our commitment to safe working conditions.
Responsibilities
Overall responsibility for health and safety rests with the company management of Storage Locksbottom. Management is responsible for establishing, maintaining, and reviewing this policy and for providing adequate resources to implement it.
Supervisors are responsible for ensuring that work is carried out safely, that staff follow agreed procedures, and that any hazards or incidents are reported promptly. They must lead by example, encouraging a positive safety culture and reinforcing safe behaviours in all storage and removal related activities.
All employees and regular contractors share responsibility for their own safety and the safety of others who may be affected by their actions. They must cooperate with Storage Locksbottom on all health and safety matters, follow instructions and training provided, correctly use equipment and personal protective equipment, and immediately report hazards, near misses, and accidents.
Customers, visitors, and third party removals teams using our facilities are expected to act with care, follow displayed safety notices, and comply with any directions given by our staff while on site.
Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work
Storage Locksbottom will carry out regular risk assessments covering key operations, including manual handling of goods, use of trolleys and handling equipment, movement of vehicles, loading and unloading activities, and access to storage units and common areas.
Where risks are identified, we will introduce safe systems of work to control them as far as reasonably practicable. These may include designated traffic routes, loading zones, housekeeping standards, restricted access areas, and procedures for working in confined or elevated spaces.
Risk assessments will be reviewed periodically and after any significant change in operations, equipment, layout, or incident that suggests existing controls may be inadequate.
Training, Information and Supervision
Storage Locksbottom will provide appropriate health and safety training and information to employees, tailored to their roles. This includes induction training, manual handling techniques, safe use of handling equipment, emergency procedures, and awareness of site specific hazards.
Staff who supervise or assist with removals and storage activities will receive additional training as required to manage higher risk tasks, such as coordinating loading and unloading, guiding vehicles, and managing customer access to high traffic zones.
Where customers or third party removals teams use our premises, we will provide clear information on site rules, access routes, emergency exits, and any restrictions that apply. Prominent signage will be maintained so that important safety information is visible and understandable.
Safe Use of Equipment and Vehicles
Any equipment provided by Storage Locksbottom, such as trolleys, sack trucks, or lifting aids, must be used only for its intended purpose and in accordance with training and instructions. Defective or damaged equipment must be taken out of use and reported immediately.
Vehicle movements, including those by external removal companies, will be managed to reduce the risk of collisions or injuries. This may include marked parking and loading areas, speed limits, one way systems, and the use of a banksman or guide when manoeuvring in tight or busy areas.
Only competent persons may operate specialist equipment where provided. Where customers bring their own equipment, they remain responsible for its safe condition and use, but must still follow any site rules designed to protect others.
Manual Handling and Storage of Goods
Manual handling is a significant risk in storage and removal activities. Storage Locksbottom will promote safe lifting techniques, encourage use of mechanical aids where available, and plan work so that loads are manageable and access is clear.
Customers and removals staff should pack goods securely, distribute weight sensibly, and avoid overloading containers or trolleys. Heavy or bulky items should be stored at a suitable height to reduce strain when lifting or retrieving them.
Storage units and shared areas must be loaded and stacked safely to prevent falling objects, blocked access routes, or unsafe climbing. Aisles, walkways, and fire exits must be kept clear at all times.
Emergency Preparedness and Fire Safety
Storage Locksbottom maintains arrangements for dealing with emergencies, including fire, medical incidents, and other significant hazards. Clearly marked emergency exits and escape routes will be kept unobstructed and illuminated where appropriate.
Fire detection and firefighting equipment will be maintained and tested at appropriate intervals. Staff will receive instruction on emergency procedures, including how to raise the alarm, assist with evacuation where safe to do so, and liaise with emergency services.
Customers, visitors, and removals teams must familiarise themselves with the location of exits and follow all instructions given during an emergency. Activities that present increased fire risk, such as using open flames or storing prohibited materials, are not permitted.
Incident Reporting and Investigation
All accidents, near misses, and dangerous occurrences on our premises must be reported to Storage Locksbottom staff as soon as possible. This applies to employees, contractors, customers, and third party removals teams.
We will record and investigate incidents to determine root causes and implement corrective actions. Findings may lead to changes in procedures, additional training, or improvements to the layout and management of the site.
Consultation and Continuous Improvement
Storage Locksbottom encourages feedback from employees, customers, and service partners on health and safety matters. Concerns and suggestions will be considered and, where appropriate, reflected in revised risk assessments, procedures, or improvements to facilities.
This Health and Safety policy will be reviewed regularly and updated when necessary to reflect changes in operations, best practice guidance, or relevant regulations. By working together, we aim to provide a safe and efficient environment for storage, removals, and associated activities.
