Storage Burroughs Health and Safety Policy
Storage Burroughs is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for all employees, contractors, visitors and customers. This policy sets out our approach to managing health and safety risks across our storage facilities and removal operations, and forms an integral part of our business practices.
Policy Statement
Our objective is to prevent accidents, work-related injuries and ill health, and to promote a positive health and safety culture throughout Storage Burroughs. We will take all reasonably practicable steps to assess and control risks arising from our activities, including the handling, moving and storage of goods, the operation of vehicles and equipment, and the use of our premises by staff and customers.
Management Responsibilities
Senior management has overall responsibility for ensuring that this Health and Safety Policy is implemented, maintained and reviewed. Management will provide appropriate resources, training, supervision and equipment to enable employees to work safely and to meet applicable legal and regulatory requirements. Managers are responsible for ensuring that safe systems of work are developed, communicated and followed within their areas of control.
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 cooperate with Storage Burroughs in implementing this policy, follow all safety instructions, use equipment properly and report any hazards, incidents or near misses without delay. Failure to comply with health and safety requirements may be treated as a disciplinary matter.
Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work
We will identify and assess risks associated with our storage and removal activities, including manual handling, vehicle movements, working at height, use of lifting equipment, handling of customer goods and general operations within our facilities. Where risks cannot be eliminated, they will be controlled through safe systems of work, appropriate equipment, training and supervision. Risk assessments will be reviewed regularly and whenever there are significant changes in operations, equipment or premises.
Manual Handling and Lifting Operations
Manual handling is a key part of our storage and removals services. To minimise the risk of injury, we will provide suitable mechanical aids where reasonably practicable, such as trolleys and lifting equipment, and ensure that employees receive training in safe lifting techniques and load handling. Staff are required to assess the weight, shape and stability of items before moving them, to work in teams where appropriate and to avoid handling loads that present an unacceptable risk.
Vehicles and Driving Safety
Our removal vehicles and any other work-related transport will be maintained in a safe and roadworthy condition. Only authorised and competent drivers may operate company vehicles or any machinery used for loading and unloading. Drivers must follow safe driving practices, comply with traffic laws, and ensure that loads are secured correctly. Parking, reversing and access to loading areas must be managed to protect staff, customers and the public.
Premises, Storage Areas and Housekeeping
Storage Burroughs will maintain its premises in a clean, orderly and safe condition. A clear system of housekeeping will be in place to keep walkways, fire exits and access routes free from obstruction. Storage areas, including racking and containers, will be used and loaded in accordance with their design limits and safe working loads. Any damage to structures, fixtures, fittings or equipment must be reported immediately so that appropriate action can be taken.
Equipment, Tools and Personal Protective Equipment
All tools, equipment and lifting aids used in our operations must be suitable for their intended purpose, properly maintained and inspected at appropriate intervals. Employees must use equipment only for its designed use and in accordance with training and instructions. Where risks cannot be adequately controlled by other means, suitable personal protective equipment such as safety footwear, gloves or high visibility clothing will be provided and must be worn as instructed.
Fire Safety and Emergency Procedures
We will put in place measures to reduce the risk of fire and to ensure a safe and effective response in the event of an emergency. This includes maintaining clear escape routes, installing and inspecting fire detection and firefighting equipment, and displaying clear fire action notices. Employees will receive guidance on emergency procedures, and drills will be carried out periodically to confirm that everyone understands how to respond.
Accident Reporting and Investigation
All accidents, incidents and near misses, however minor, must be reported promptly to the appropriate manager or supervisor. Records of incidents will be maintained and investigated to identify underlying causes and to determine any corrective or preventive actions required. Lessons learned will be communicated across the organisation to support continual improvement in health and safety performance.
Training, Information and Supervision
Storage Burroughs will provide appropriate health and safety training for all employees, including induction for new starters and role-specific training for those engaged in higher risk activities such as removals work, operation of vehicles and use of lifting equipment. Instructions, information and signage will be clear and accessible. Levels of supervision will reflect the competence and experience of staff, ensuring that less experienced employees receive additional support.
Contractors, Visitors and Customers
Contractors working on our premises are required to comply with this Health and Safety Policy and with any specific site rules issued. We will take reasonable steps to ensure that contractors are competent and that their activities are coordinated to protect the safety of employees, visitors and customers. Visitors and customers using our storage facilities or interacting with our removals teams will be given appropriate safety information and are expected to follow instructions from staff.
Wellbeing and Occupational Health
We recognise the importance of both physical and mental wellbeing in creating a safe and productive workplace. Where work activities could give rise to health issues, such as musculoskeletal problems from manual handling, we will take steps to reduce the risk and, where necessary, seek occupational health advice. Employees are encouraged to raise any concerns about their health in relation to work so that suitable support can be considered.
Monitoring, Review and Continuous Improvement
This Health and Safety Policy will be monitored on an ongoing basis and formally reviewed at regular intervals, or sooner if there are significant changes in our operations, legislation or best practice. We will set realistic health and safety objectives, measure our performance against them and seek feedback from employees and other stakeholders. Our aim is to continually improve our health and safety management and to ensure that it remains relevant to the needs of our storage and removals services.
This policy is approved by the management of Storage Burroughs and is communicated to all employees. It is made available to customers, contractors and other interested parties on request.
