Storage Hook Health and Safety Policy
Storage Hook is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for our employees, contractors, visitors, and customers. This policy sets out the principles and standards that guide our approach to health and safety across our operations, including removals, handling, storage, and related services.
We recognise our responsibilities under applicable health and safety legislation and industry best practice. Our objective is to prevent injury, protect health, and safeguard property by identifying hazards, assessing risks, and implementing effective control measures.
Our Health and Safety Commitments
Storage Hook will take all reasonably practicable steps to:
Assess and manage risks arising from our activities, particularly manual handling, vehicle movements, loading, unloading, and storage operations.
Provide safe and well maintained equipment, vehicles, and storage facilities.
Ensure employees are competent to carry out their work safely through appropriate information, instruction, training, and supervision.
Promote safe systems of work and clear procedures for routine operations and emergency situations.
Consult with employees on health and safety matters to encourage feedback, participation, and continuous improvement.
Monitor, review, and update our health and safety arrangements and this policy on a regular basis.
Responsibilities for Health and Safety
Health and safety is a shared responsibility. Everyone working for or with Storage Hook has a role to play in maintaining safe conditions.
Senior management is responsible for setting the overall direction for health and safety, allocating sufficient resources, and ensuring that effective arrangements are in place. They must ensure that risk assessments are carried out, that control measures are implemented, and that the policy is reviewed regularly.
Managers and supervisors are responsible for implementing this policy in their areas, ensuring safe working practices are followed, coordinating training, and addressing hazards promptly. They must investigate incidents, identify root causes, and take corrective action to prevent recurrence.
Employees are required to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions. They must follow all safety instructions, use equipment correctly, wear any required personal protective equipment, and report hazards, near misses, and incidents without delay.
Contractors and temporary staff working on Storage Hook premises are expected to follow this policy and any site specific safety instructions provided to them.
Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work
Storage Hook will identify and assess significant hazards associated with our services, giving particular attention to the removal and storage of customer goods, lifting and carrying, working at height where necessary, and vehicle and traffic movements.
Risk assessments will be documented, reviewed periodically, and revised where there are significant changes in work activities, equipment, or legislation. Outcomes from these assessments will inform safe systems of work, method statements, and site rules.
Safe systems of work will cover, as appropriate, loading and unloading vehicles, packing, handling heavy or awkward items, securing loads, operating lifting aids, accessing storage areas, and managing customer access.
Manual Handling and Use of Equipment
Manual handling is a key part of removal and storage operations. Storage Hook is committed to minimising the risk of injury by avoiding unnecessary manual lifting and using appropriate equipment whenever possible.
Employees will receive training on correct lifting techniques, team lifting, and the use of equipment such as trolleys, dollies, ramps, and other handling aids. Items will be assessed for weight, size, and stability before movement, and suitable manpower and equipment will be allocated.
All vehicles, lifting aids, and handling equipment will be inspected and maintained regularly to ensure they remain safe and fit for purpose. Defective equipment must be taken out of use immediately and reported to a manager.
Workplace Environment and Housekeeping
Storage Hook will maintain storage areas, loading bays, and offices in a clean and orderly condition to reduce the risk of slips, trips, falls, and other accidents.
Walkways and fire exits will be kept clear of obstructions at all times. Spills will be cleaned promptly, and uneven surfaces or damaged fixtures reported and repaired. Lighting and ventilation will be maintained to a suitable standard to support safe working conditions.
Where hazardous substances are used, appropriate controls will be in place, including secure storage, labelling, and staff training in their safe use and handling.
Vehicles, Driving, and Traffic Management
Storage Hook will ensure that vehicles used for removals and transport are maintained, inspected, and operated safely. Drivers must hold the appropriate licence, follow road traffic laws, and comply with company policies on safe driving, journey planning, and loading.
Loading and unloading will be carried out in designated areas using methods that minimise risks from moving vehicles, reversing, and manual handling. Where necessary, banksmen or guides will be used to assist drivers, and clear traffic routes and signs will be maintained at Storage Hook premises.
Training, Information, and Supervision
All employees will receive induction training covering general health and safety, site rules, emergency procedures, and the specific risks associated with their roles. Additional, role specific training will be provided as required, for example manual handling, equipment operation, or working at height.
Information on risks and control measures will be communicated clearly, and written procedures or instructions will be made available where appropriate. Supervision will be proportionate to the level of risk and the competence of staff.
Accidents, Incidents, and Emergency Procedures
Storage Hook will maintain arrangements for first aid, incident reporting, and emergency response. All accidents, near misses, and dangerous occurrences must be reported promptly so that they can be recorded, investigated, and used to prevent recurrence.
Emergency procedures will be in place for fire, evacuation, and other foreseeable situations. Employees will be informed of these procedures and participate in periodic drills. Fire detection and firefighting equipment will be maintained and checked regularly.
Consultation and Continuous Improvement
Storage Hook values the input of employees in improving health and safety. We will consult with staff on significant changes that may affect their safety and encourage suggestions for safer working practices.
This policy and our health and safety arrangements will be reviewed regularly and updated as necessary to reflect changes in legislation, industry standards, or the nature of our operations. Lessons learned from incidents, audits, and inspections will be used to drive continuous improvement.
By working together and following the principles set out in this policy, Storage Hook aims to ensure that our removal and storage services are delivered safely, responsibly, and with respect for the wellbeing of all involved.
