Storage Bow Health and Safety Policy
Storage Bow is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for employees, customers, contractors, and visitors. This Health and Safety Policy outlines our approach to managing risks within our storage facilities and removal operations, including packing, loading, transport, and delivery of goods. Our objective is to prevent accidents, injuries, and ill health, while promoting a positive safety culture across all activities.
Policy Aims and Scope
This policy applies to all areas of Storage Bow operations, including storage units, loading bays, offices, vehicles, and any locations where our teams carry out removal or delivery services. It sets out responsibilities and arrangements for identifying hazards, assessing risks, and implementing reasonable control measures. All employees and contractors are expected to follow this policy and associated procedures as a condition of working with Storage Bow.
Management Responsibilities
Senior management has overall responsibility for ensuring that effective health and safety arrangements are in place. This includes providing suitable resources, clear procedures, and competent supervision. Managers will:
Ensure compliance with relevant health and safety laws and recognised industry standards. Set clear objectives for improving safety performance and review them regularly. Maintain up to date risk assessments for storage operations, handling, transport, and removals activities. Provide information, instruction, training, and supervision so staff can work safely and confidently. Investigate accidents, near misses, and incidents, and implement corrective measures to prevent recurrence.
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. Staff must:
Follow all safety procedures, training, and instructions related to storage, lifting, driving, and use of equipment. Use any protective equipment and safety devices provided and store them correctly. Report hazards, near misses, and incidents promptly to their manager. Refrain from operating equipment or vehicles for which they are not trained or authorised. Avoid unsafe behaviour such as running in storage areas, overloading trolleys, or bypassing safety systems.
Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work
Storage Bow conducts regular risk assessments covering storage units, handling of goods, movement of vehicles, loading and unloading, and customer access areas. These assessments identify potential hazards such as slips, trips, falls, manual handling injuries, collisions, falling objects, and occupational health risks. Control measures are then implemented to reduce risks as far as reasonably practicable. Safe systems of work are documented and communicated to staff, including clear methods for lifting, stacking, loading, and securing items during transportation.
Manual Handling and Physical Safety
Manual handling is central to storage and removal services and is managed with particular care. Storage Bow:
Provides manual handling training that covers correct lifting techniques, load assessment, team lifting, and use of equipment. Encourages staff to assess loads before lifting, and to refuse unsafe lifts or request assistance where needed. Supplies appropriate handling aids such as trolleys, dollies, sack trucks, and lifting straps. Monitors work practices to reduce repetitive strain, overreaching, and carrying loads over excessive distances.
Use of Equipment and Vehicles
All equipment and vehicles used in storage and removals are maintained to a safe standard. Only trained and authorised personnel may operate moving equipment, lifting aids, or vehicles. Storage Bow will:
Carry out routine inspections and servicing of vehicles, handling equipment, and safety devices. Remove defective equipment from use until repaired or replaced. Ensure loads are properly distributed, secured, and within weight limits before vehicles move. Require drivers to comply with all road safety rules and company driving procedures, including journey planning and rest breaks where applicable.
Workplace Environment and Housekeeping
Good housekeeping is essential to prevent accidents. Storage Bow aims to keep storage corridors, loading areas, and offices clean, tidy, and free from unnecessary obstructions. Floors, ramps, and stairways are inspected regularly, and spills or debris are cleared as quickly as possible. Items must be stored safely, with heavier goods at lower levels and stacked in a stable manner to prevent collapse or falling objects.
Fire Safety and Emergency Procedures
Fire safety arrangements are in place to protect people and property. These include:
Clearly marked escape routes, kept unobstructed at all times. Suitable fire detection and alarm systems with regular testing and maintenance. Firefighting equipment located in accessible positions and checked routinely. Emergency evacuation procedures, including designated assembly points. Staff training and periodic drills to ensure everyone knows how to respond in an emergency.
Customer and Visitor Safety
Storage Bow takes reasonable steps to protect customers and visitors while they are on our premises or in the vicinity of removal activities. Visitors may be required to sign in and comply with site rules, including safe access routes, restricted areas, and any instructions given by staff. Where customer access overlaps with vehicle movements or loading operations, additional controls are used such as barriers, signage, or supervised access.
Health, Welfare, and Wellbeing
Health and safety includes the general wellbeing of employees. Storage Bow aims to provide suitable welfare facilities including toilets, handwashing, drinking water, and rest areas. Workloads and schedules are managed to reduce excessive physical strain and fatigue, especially during removal jobs that involve extended periods of lifting and carrying. Concerns about health or fitness for work should be raised with management so that reasonable adjustments or alternative duties can be considered.
Training, Communication, and Consultation
Health and safety training is provided on induction and refreshed at appropriate intervals or when procedures change. Storage Bow keeps records of training and ensures that staff understand their responsibilities before carrying out tasks independently. Health and safety information is communicated through briefings, signage, and written procedures. Employees are encouraged to contribute ideas for improving safety and can raise concerns directly with supervisors or management without fear of reprisal.
Incident Reporting and Continuous Improvement
All accidents, injuries, near misses, and dangerous occurrences must be recorded and investigated. This helps Storage Bow identify trends, review risk controls, and improve processes. Lessons learned are shared with relevant teams, and procedures are updated when necessary. The Health and Safety Policy is reviewed regularly to ensure it remains effective, relevant to our storage and removal services, and aligned with current good practice. By working together and following this policy, Storage Bow aims to maintain a safe and healthy environment for everyone who works with us or uses our services.
