Storage Belvedere Health and Safety Policy
Storage Belvedere is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for employees, customers, visitors, contractors, and any other persons who may be affected by our activities. This policy applies to all our storage facilities and removal operations, including handling, loading, unloading, transporting, and storing goods.
We recognise our duty to manage health and safety risks in a systematic and proactive manner. Our objective is to prevent accidents, injuries, ill health, and damage to property, while maintaining efficient and reliable storage and removal services.
Health and Safety Objectives
Our primary health and safety objectives are to:
Identify, assess, and control hazards associated with storage and removal activities.
Provide safe systems of work for handling, lifting, loading, unloading, and transporting items.
Ensure that premises, equipment, and vehicles are maintained in safe working condition.
Provide employees with appropriate information, instruction, training, and supervision.
Promote a positive safety culture that encourages reporting of hazards and near misses.
Continually improve our health and safety performance through monitoring and review.
Responsibilities
Overall responsibility for health and safety rests with the company management, who will ensure that adequate resources are made available to implement and maintain this policy.
Managers and supervisors are responsible for:
Implementing this policy and associated procedures in their areas of control.
Carrying out and regularly reviewing risk assessments for storage and removal activities.
Ensuring staff are competent, appropriately trained, and aware of relevant safety procedures.
Maintaining safe premises, equipment, and working practices.
Employees are responsible for:
Taking reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions.
Following safety procedures, instructions, and training provided by the company.
Using equipment, vehicles, and personal protective equipment correctly and reporting defects.
Reporting accidents, near misses, hazards, or unsafe practices without delay.
Contractors and visitors are required to:
Cooperate with Storage Belvedere on all health and safety matters.
Follow site rules, signage, and instructions issued by staff.
Not interfere with or misuse any safety equipment or systems.
Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work
We carry out risk assessments covering our storage units, loading bays, parking areas, offices, and removal operations. These assessments consider hazards such as manual handling, vehicle movements, slips and trips, working at height for loading, use of trolleys and lifting aids, and handling of unusual or heavy items.
Where risks cannot be eliminated, they are reduced as far as reasonably practicable through safe systems of work, staff training, physical controls, and clear instructions. Written procedures are maintained for key activities including:
Receiving, handling, and storing customer goods.
Loading and unloading removal vehicles.
Securing loads for transport.
Use of lifting aids and handling equipment.
Access control and supervision of customer access to storage areas.
Manual Handling and Safe Lifting
Manual handling is a significant risk in storage and removals. We aim to minimise manual lifting wherever possible by using suitable equipment such as sack trucks, pallet trucks, trolleys, and ramps.
Employees receive training on safe lifting techniques, including assessing the load, planning the lift, team lifting where necessary, and stopping the task if it cannot be completed safely. Heavy, bulky, or awkward items are subject to specific assessment and, where appropriate, additional controls such as mechanical aids or extra personnel.
Vehicles, Driving and Traffic Management
Our removal vehicles and any other company vehicles are maintained in safe condition, with regular checks and servicing. Drivers must be competent, hold appropriate licences, and comply with road safety rules and company procedures.
On site, vehicle and pedestrian movements are managed to reduce risks. Customers and visitors are expected to follow signage, instructions from staff, and designated parking or loading areas. Reversing and manoeuvring are managed carefully, and assistance is used where visibility is limited.
Workplace Conditions and Welfare
Storage Belvedere aims to provide clean, tidy, and well-maintained premises. Lighting, ventilation, and temperature are kept at suitable levels for safe working. Floors, stairs, and access routes are kept as clear as possible to reduce slip, trip, and fall risks.
Welfare facilities, including rest areas and toilets, are provided for employees. Drinking water is available, and staff are encouraged to take appropriate breaks, particularly during physically demanding tasks and in hot or cold conditions.
Fire Safety and Emergency Procedures
We maintain appropriate fire safety arrangements, including fire detection and alarm systems, fire-fighting equipment, and clearly marked escape routes. Staff are briefed on emergency procedures and evacuation arrangements.
Customers and visitors must follow all fire safety instructions, respect no-smoking areas, and keep exits and access routes clear. In the event of an emergency, all persons on site must follow the directions of Storage Belvedere staff.
Training, Information and Consultation
Employees receive induction training that includes health and safety responsibilities, safe working practices, emergency procedures, and specific risks associated with storage and removals. Further training is provided when roles change, when new equipment is introduced, or when risk assessments identify additional needs.
We provide information on hazards, controls, and safe methods of work in a clear and accessible way. Employees are encouraged to raise health and safety concerns and to suggest improvements. Where appropriate, we consult with staff on changes that may affect their health and safety.
Accident Reporting and Investigation
All accidents, incidents, and near misses must be reported as soon as possible. We investigate incidents to identify underlying causes and to put in place measures to prevent recurrence.
Records of accidents and incidents are maintained and reviewed regularly to identify patterns and opportunities for improvement. Lessons learned are communicated to relevant staff and, where necessary, reflected in updated procedures or training.
Monitoring, Review and Continuous Improvement
Storage Belvedere monitors health and safety performance through regular inspections, audits, and review of accidents and near misses. Management reviews this policy and associated procedures periodically, and whenever there are significant changes in operations, legislation, or industry best practice.
We are committed to continuous improvement in health and safety, recognising that safe working is an integral part of delivering reliable and professional storage and removal services. This policy is communicated to all employees and is available to customers and other interested parties on request.
