Storage Lambeth Health and Safety Policy
This Health and Safety policy sets out how Storage Lambeth manages health, safety and welfare across its storage facilities and removal operations. Our aim is to provide a safe and healthy environment for employees, contractors, customers and visitors, and to prevent injury, ill health and damage to property.
Our Commitment to Health and Safety
Storage Lambeth is committed to maintaining the highest reasonably practicable standards of health and safety in all activities, including storage, handling, lifting, transport, loading and unloading. We work to identify and control hazards, comply with applicable health and safety legislation and continually improve our working practices.
Management accepts overall responsibility for implementing this policy and for providing the resources, systems and leadership required. Every employee and contractor is expected to cooperate fully, follow safe systems of work and take reasonable care of themselves and others who may be affected by their actions.
Health and Safety Objectives
Our main objectives are to:
Reduce the risk of accidents, injuries and work-related ill health in our storage units, offices, yards and during removals and transport activities.
Provide and maintain safe premises, plant, vehicles, equipment and work systems.
Ensure that staff are competent to carry out their tasks through induction, information, instruction, supervision and ongoing training.
Promote a positive safety culture in which hazards, near misses and incidents are reported promptly and treated as opportunities for improvement.
Review and update risk assessments and safe working procedures on a regular basis or following any significant change in our operations.
Roles and Responsibilities
Senior management is responsible for setting health and safety standards, approving risk assessments, monitoring performance and ensuring that this policy is reviewed and communicated to all staff. Managers and supervisors are responsible for day-to-day implementation, including briefings, checks on equipment, housekeeping standards and ensuring staff follow agreed procedures.
Employees must work safely at all times, use equipment correctly, follow training and instructions, and immediately report any hazards, damaged equipment, unsafe conditions, accidents, injuries or near misses. Contractors working on our premises or vehicles are required to comply with this policy and any specific site rules or method statements agreed in advance.
Customers using our storage facilities and removal services must act responsibly, follow safety guidance provided on site or by staff, and ensure that their belongings are suitable for storage and transport, properly packed and do not include prohibited or dangerous items.
Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work
Storage Lambeth undertakes formal risk assessments covering key areas such as manual handling, vehicle movements, loading and unloading, working at height, use of handling equipment, fire safety and security of premises. These assessments identify hazards, evaluate risks and determine proportionate control measures.
Findings from risk assessments are used to create safe systems of work and staff procedures. These include guidance on safe lifting techniques, stacking goods securely, using trolleys and handling equipment, managing access to storage units, and coordinating removal activities in loading bays and on the road.
Manual Handling and Use of Equipment
Because storage and removals involve frequent lifting and moving of items, Storage Lambeth places particular emphasis on manual handling safety. Staff receive training on correct lifting posture, team lifting, use of mechanical aids, and recognising when items are too heavy or awkward to be moved safely without additional assistance or equipment.
All trolleys, lifting aids and other equipment are inspected and maintained to ensure they are safe and suitable for use. Staff and customers must not use equipment for purposes for which it was not designed, and any defects must be reported immediately so that the equipment can be taken out of service and repaired or replaced.
Vehicles, Driving and Transport Safety
Where our services include removals and transport, Storage Lambeth ensures that vehicles are regularly inspected, maintained and suitable for the loads carried. Drivers must be competent, hold the appropriate licences and follow company driving policies, including safe loading, securing of goods, route planning and adherence to road traffic laws.
Loading and unloading operations are planned to minimise reversing and vehicle-pedestrian interaction. Designated loading areas, clear markings and guidance from staff are used to keep customers, visitors and other road users safe when vehicles are manoeuvring or when goods are being transferred between vehicles and storage units.
Workplace Environment and Housekeeping
Good housekeeping is essential in storage areas, corridors, stairways, loading bays and offices. Storage Lambeth maintains clear walkways, adequate lighting and signage, and ensures that fire exits and emergency routes are kept unobstructed at all times.
Spills, debris or obstructions must be dealt with promptly. Racking, shelving and unit doors are checked for damage and stability. Items must be stored safely and securely to prevent collapse, falling objects or blocked access.
Fire Safety and Emergency Procedures
Storage Lambeth maintains appropriate fire detection and protection measures, including alarm systems, extinguishers and clearly marked escape routes. Fire risk assessments are conducted and reviewed periodically to ensure that controls remain effective.
Emergency procedures are in place for fire, accidents and other incidents. Staff receive training in evacuation procedures, use of basic fire equipment where appropriate, and communication protocols. Customers and visitors must follow instructions given by staff during any emergency and must not interfere with safety equipment or alarms.
Hazardous, Restricted and Prohibited Items
For the safety of everyone on site and during transit, certain items are restricted or prohibited from storage and removal services. These typically include flammable, explosive, corrosive or toxic substances, compressed gas cylinders, illegal goods, perishable foodstuffs that could attract pests, and any item that may pose an unacceptable risk to health, safety or the environment.
Customers are responsible for declaring the general nature of their goods and for complying with guidance on what can be stored or transported. Where necessary, Storage Lambeth may refuse to accept certain items or may require additional packaging or handling measures to manage specific risks.
Training, Information and Consultation
All new employees receive a health and safety induction that covers emergency procedures, accident reporting, manual handling, equipment use, and site-specific rules for storage areas and removal operations. Refresher training is provided as needed, and additional instruction is given when new equipment, vehicles or procedures are introduced.
Health and safety information is communicated through briefings, signage and written procedures. Storage Lambeth encourages employees to raise safety concerns and suggestions for improvement, and will consult with staff on significant changes affecting their health and safety.
Accident Reporting and Continuous Improvement
All accidents, incidents and near misses, however minor, must be reported to management as soon as possible. Details are recorded, investigated where appropriate, and used to identify root causes and implement corrective actions.
Storage Lambeth reviews health and safety performance regularly, including incident trends, feedback from staff and customers, and findings from inspections or audits. This Health and Safety policy will be reviewed periodically and updated when necessary to reflect changes in legislation, operations, technology or best practice.
By working together and following the principles in this policy, Storage Lambeth aims to maintain safe storage facilities and reliable, well-managed removal services that protect the wellbeing of everyone involved.
