Health and Safety Policy for Storage Hatton
This Health and Safety Policy sets out how Storage Hatton manages the safety and wellbeing of employees, contractors, visitors, and customers using our storage and removal services. We are committed to providing a safe working and visiting environment, minimising risks, and complying with all relevant health and safety legislation and guidance.
Our Health and Safety Objectives
Storage Hatton aims to prevent injury and ill health arising from our activities, including storage operations, packing, loading, unloading, and removal services. We work to continually improve our health and safety performance through effective risk management, training, supervision, and communication.
Health and safety considerations are built into our daily operations, from vehicle movements and handling of goods to the use of equipment and access to storage units.
Management Responsibilities
The management of Storage Hatton is responsible for implementing this policy and ensuring that suitable arrangements, procedures, and resources are in place. Management will:
Identify and assess risks associated with storage facilities, lifting and moving goods, transport, and onsite activities. Put in place measures to eliminate or reduce risks as far as reasonably practicable. Provide safe systems of work, appropriate equipment, and clear instructions. Ensure that employees receive adequate information, instruction, training, and supervision. Monitor performance, investigate incidents and near misses, and act on findings to prevent recurrence. Review this policy regularly and whenever there are significant changes in operations or legislation.
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 or omissions. Employees must:
Follow all safety procedures, instructions, and training provided by Storage Hatton. Use equipment, vehicles, and safety devices correctly and report any defects immediately. Co-operate with management in implementing this policy and associated procedures. Report accidents, incidents, hazards, and near misses promptly so that they can be investigated and addressed. Avoid taking unnecessary risks, including unsafe lifting, riding in or on vehicles in an unsafe manner, or entering restricted or hazardous areas without authorisation.
Customer and Visitor Safety
Storage Hatton is committed to providing a safe environment for customers and visitors. Customers using storage units or removal services should:
Follow site rules and signage, including speed limits, parking arrangements, and access routes. Take care when loading and unloading items, using safe lifting techniques and avoiding overloading trolleys or vehicles. Keep children and pets under close supervision at all times while on site. Refrain from bringing prohibited or hazardous items onto the premises, including flammable, explosive, toxic, or illegal goods.
Customers will be provided with relevant safety information regarding access to units, emergency exits, and reporting of hazards while on site.
Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work
Storage Hatton conducts risk assessments covering key activities such as handling heavy items, operating vehicles, using mechanical aids, managing traffic movements, and maintaining storage areas. Control measures may include:
Clear procedures for loading and unloading vehicles safely. Use of trolleys, dollies, or lifting equipment to reduce the risk of manual handling injuries. Designated walkways and vehicle routes to minimise collision risks. Restricted access to certain areas and equipment.
Risk assessments are reviewed periodically and whenever there are changes in processes, equipment, or layout that may affect safety.
Manual Handling and Use of Equipment
Many storage and removal tasks involve lifting, carrying, and moving items. To help prevent injuries:
Employees receive manual handling training covering correct posture, lifting techniques, and team lifting when handling bulky or heavy items. Where appropriate, mechanical aids and handling equipment are used to reduce strain. Items are stacked and stored safely to avoid overloading shelves, units, or vehicles.
Employees and customers are advised not to attempt to lift or move items that are beyond their physical capabilities. Unsafe practices such as climbing on racking or using makeshift platforms are strictly prohibited.
Vehicle and Driving Safety
Storage Hatton operates vehicles for removal and transport services. To ensure driving safety:
Drivers must be competent, fully licensed, and medically fit to drive. Vehicles are inspected regularly and maintained in a safe and roadworthy condition. Loads are secured correctly to avoid movement during transit. Routes and schedules are planned to reduce the risk of fatigue and unsafe driving behaviour.
On site, drivers must comply with traffic rules, including speed limits, one-way systems, and reversing protocols. Pedestrians and vehicle movements are managed to minimise the risk of accidents.
Emergency Procedures
Storage Hatton has emergency arrangements in place to deal with fire, accidents, and other incidents. These include:
Clearly marked emergency exits and escape routes. Fire detection and firefighting equipment maintained in accordance with regulations. Evacuation procedures communicated to staff and, where relevant, to customers. First aid arrangements appropriate to the size and nature of operations.
All employees are expected to familiarise themselves with emergency procedures, participate in drills when required, and follow instructions from appointed persons during an emergency.
Training, Communication, and Consultation
Storage Hatton provides induction and ongoing training to employees on health and safety matters relevant to their roles, including manual handling, safe use of equipment, vehicle safety, and emergency actions. Information is communicated through briefings, notices, and supervision.
We encourage employees to raise safety concerns and suggestions for improvement. Where appropriate, we will consult with staff on changes that may affect health and safety arrangements.
Monitoring, Review, and Continuous Improvement
Compliance with this Health and Safety Policy is monitored through inspections, audits, and incident reporting. Any accidents, injuries, or near misses are investigated to identify causes and implement corrective actions.
This policy is reviewed regularly to ensure it remains suitable and effective, reflecting changes in legislation, industry good practice, and the scope of our storage and removal services. By working together, management, employees, customers, and contractors help ensure that Storage Hatton remains a safe and healthy environment for everyone.
