Storage Fitzrovia Health and Safety Policy
Storage Fitzrovia is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for all employees, customers, contractors and visitors who use our storage and removal-related services. This Health and Safety Policy sets out our approach to managing risks, maintaining safe premises, handling items carefully and promoting a culture of safety in all activities.
Our Commitment to Health and Safety
We recognise our duty to protect the health, safety and welfare of everyone affected by our operations. This applies to staff working in our storage facilities, team members providing removal and transport services, and customers accessing units or handling their goods. We aim to prevent accidents, injuries and work-related ill health through effective planning, supervision and continuous improvement.
Health and safety considerations form an integral part of our decision making and day-to-day management. We provide appropriate resources, information and training to ensure that safe practices are understood and followed consistently.
Responsibilities and Accountability
Ultimate responsibility for health and safety lies with the company management, who ensure that this policy is implemented, reviewed and updated when necessary. Managers and supervisors are responsible for promoting safe systems of work, monitoring performance and addressing any unsafe behaviour or conditions.
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. Team members must follow training, adhere to safe working procedures, use equipment correctly and report hazards, incidents or near misses without delay. Contractors working on site are required to comply with this policy and any additional site-specific safety rules.
Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work
We carry out regular risk assessments covering our storage facilities and removal operations, including loading, unloading, packing, transport and associated manual handling tasks. Identified risks are evaluated and control measures are put in place to reduce them as far as is reasonably practicable.
Safe systems of work are developed for key activities such as moving heavy items, operating trolleys and equipment, stacking goods, using access routes, and working in loading areas. These procedures are communicated to staff through training and supervision, and are reviewed periodically to reflect changes in operations or best practice.
Manual Handling and Use of Equipment
Many of our services involve lifting, carrying and moving furniture, boxes and other items. To minimise the risk of injury, we promote safe manual handling techniques and provide mechanical aids where appropriate. Staff are trained to assess loads, use correct posture, team-lift when necessary and avoid hazardous practices such as overreaching or twisting while carrying heavy objects.
All equipment used in the storage and removal process, including trolleys, dollies, lifting aids and other handling tools, is maintained in a safe condition. Defective equipment must be reported immediately and taken out of use until it has been inspected and repaired or replaced.
Safe Premises and Access
We strive to maintain clean, well-organised and clearly signed premises. Access routes, corridors, stairways and loading areas are kept free from obstruction to reduce the risk of slips, trips and falls. Adequate lighting is provided in all public and staff areas to support safe navigation and handling of goods.
Storage units are arranged to reduce the risk of falling items, with guidance offered to customers on safe stacking and access to their goods. Fire exits are clearly marked and kept unobstructed at all times, and fire safety measures are in place in accordance with relevant regulations.
Vehicles, Driving and Loading
For removal and transport services, vehicle safety is a key priority. Vehicles are maintained in a roadworthy condition and are loaded within safe limits, with items secured to prevent movement during transit. Drivers are required to obey road traffic laws, follow route guidelines and adopt safe driving practices.
Loading and unloading operations are planned to reduce risks to staff, customers and the public. This includes using suitable loading areas where possible, managing reversing manoeuvres carefully and maintaining clear communication between team members.
Training, Information and Supervision
We provide induction and ongoing training so that employees understand their health and safety responsibilities and know how to work safely in storage areas and during removal tasks. Training covers topics such as manual handling, safe use of equipment, emergency procedures, safe driving practices where relevant, and hazard reporting.
Supervisors monitor working practices, provide guidance and correct unsafe behaviour. Additional instruction is provided when new equipment, processes or services are introduced, or when risk assessments highlight areas for improvement.
Incident Reporting and Emergency Procedures
All accidents, injuries, near misses and hazardous occurrences must be reported promptly to management. This allows us to investigate causes, take corrective action and reduce the likelihood of recurrence. Records of incidents are maintained and reviewed as part of our overall safety management.
Emergency procedures are in place for fire, medical emergencies and other significant incidents. Staff receive guidance on evacuation routes, assembly points, use of fire-fighting equipment where appropriate, and how to summon emergency assistance. Customers are expected to follow instructions from staff in the event of an emergency.
Customer and Visitor Safety
We aim to provide a safe experience for customers and visitors using our storage facilities or meeting our teams during removal services. Safety information may be provided verbally, on signage or through written guidance to help customers move and store goods safely.
Customers are asked to act responsibly, follow staff instructions, use equipment as directed and avoid dangerous practices such as overloading trolleys or blocking access routes. Any hazards or incidents noticed by customers should be reported to staff as soon as possible.
Continuous Improvement and Policy Review
Storage Fitzrovia is committed to continuous improvement in health and safety performance. We review this policy regularly, taking into account changes in our services, operational experience, incident data and relevant legal requirements or industry standards.
Suggestions from employees and feedback from customers about safety matters are encouraged and considered carefully. By working together, we seek to maintain a safe environment for everyone involved in our storage and removal activities.
