Storage Grove Park Health and Safety Policy
Storage Grove Park is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for employees, contractors, visitors, and customers using our storage and removal-related services. We recognise our responsibilities under relevant health and safety legislation and apply industry best practice to reduce risks arising from storage, handling, loading, unloading, and associated activities.
Policy Statement and Objectives
The objective of this Health and Safety Policy is to prevent injury and ill health, protect property, and promote a positive safety culture. We will identify, assess, and manage hazards connected with storage units, vehicle access, manual handling of goods, and general site operations. We aim to continually improve our health and safety performance through regular review, training, and communication.
Management Responsibilities
Senior management at Storage Grove Park holds overall responsibility for implementing this policy and ensuring sufficient resources are available to maintain safe operations. Management will provide clear instructions, information, and supervision to ensure safe working conditions. They will review risk assessments, investigate incidents, and take corrective action where required.
Managers will ensure that contractors and removal partners working on our premises understand and follow this policy and any additional site-specific rules. They will monitor safety performance and support staff in raising and resolving health and safety concerns without fear of reprisal.
Employee Responsibilities
All employees have a duty to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions. Employees must follow safety procedures, use equipment correctly, and cooperate fully with management on health and safety matters. This includes attending training, reporting hazards or near misses, and refraining from unsafe practices.
Employees must not interfere with or misuse anything provided for health, safety, or welfare. Any concerns about unsafe conditions, equipment defects, or potential risks should be reported promptly to a supervisor or manager so that appropriate action can be taken.
Customers, Visitors and Contractors
Customers, visitors, and contractors are expected to comply with site rules, safety signage, and any instructions given by Storage Grove Park staff. This includes adhering to designated traffic routes, loading and unloading guidance, and unit usage rules. Children and vulnerable visitors must be supervised at all times while on site.
Contractors, including those providing removal and delivery services, are responsible for ensuring their own work equipment and methods are safe and compliant with relevant legislation. They must coordinate with our staff and avoid creating hazards for others when operating vehicles, handling goods, or using equipment.
Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work
Storage Grove Park will identify significant hazards related to storage and removal activities, including manual handling, vehicle movements, working at height, and use of trolleys or lifting aids. We will carry out risk assessments and implement control measures such as clear walkways, safe stacking heights, and secure loading areas.
Safe systems of work will be developed, communicated, and periodically reviewed. Where changes in operations or layout occur, risk assessments will be updated and additional measures implemented as required to maintain safety standards.
Manual Handling and Use of Equipment
Manual handling is a significant element of storage and removal activity. Storage Grove Park will minimise the risk of injury by encouraging the use of trolleys, pallet trucks, and other suitable aids. Staff will be trained in safe lifting techniques and in recognising loads that require mechanical assistance or additional personnel.
Any equipment provided by Storage Grove Park will be maintained in a safe condition and used only for its intended purpose. Faulty or damaged equipment must be taken out of use immediately and reported. Customers and contractors using their own equipment are responsible for ensuring it is safe and properly maintained.
Vehicle Movements and Traffic Management
Vehicles associated with storage and removal work, including vans, lorries, and customer vehicles, will be managed to reduce risks to pedestrians and other road users on site. Designated parking, loading bays, and speed limits will be clearly marked where applicable.
Drivers are required to follow site rules, drive slowly, and give priority to pedestrians. Reversing manoeuvres should be minimised and, where necessary, supported by the use of a banksman or spotter. Obstruction of emergency exits, pedestrian routes, or fire assembly points is strictly prohibited.
Fire Safety and Emergency Procedures
Storage Grove Park will maintain fire detection and alarm systems, emergency lighting where appropriate, and clearly marked escape routes. Fire exits must be kept clear at all times. Staff, customers, and contractors must familiarise themselves with the nearest exits and assembly points.
Procedures will be in place for evacuation in the event of fire, gas leak, structural failure, or any other serious incident. Fire safety equipment, such as extinguishers, will be inspected regularly. The storage of prohibited or dangerous goods is not allowed and may result in termination of storage agreements.
Housekeeping and Site Standards
Good housekeeping is essential for safe storage operations. Aisles and access routes must be kept free from trip hazards, spillages must be cleaned promptly, and goods must be stored securely within units. Waste materials should be disposed of appropriately in designated areas.
Where removal services are being undertaken, loading areas must be kept organised, with items stacked safely and away from entrances, exits, and vehicle routes. Staff and contractors must maintain a tidy work environment at all times.
Training, Communication and Consultation
Storage Grove Park will provide suitable health and safety training for employees based on their roles, including induction, refresher, and task-specific instruction. Key topics will include manual handling, emergency procedures, safe use of equipment, and hazard awareness.
Health and safety information will be communicated through briefings, notices, and meetings as appropriate. Employees will be consulted on health and safety matters and encouraged to contribute suggestions for improvement. Significant changes to procedures or layout will be communicated promptly to staff and, where relevant, to customers and contractors.
Accident Reporting and Policy Review
All accidents, incidents, and near misses occurring on Storage Grove Park premises must be reported and recorded. Where necessary, investigations will be carried out to identify root causes and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence.
This Health and Safety Policy will be reviewed regularly and updated as required to reflect changes in legislation, operations, or best practice. A current version of the policy will be made available to employees, customers, and contractors upon request.
