Health and Safety Policy for Storage Mill Hill
Storage Mill Hill is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for all employees, customers, visitors, contractors and any other persons who may be affected by our storage and removal activities. This Health and Safety policy sets out our approach to managing risks in our storage facilities, during removals, and in all related operations.
Our Commitment
We aim to prevent accidents, injuries and work-related ill health by identifying hazards, assessing risks and putting in place effective control measures. We will provide appropriate information, instruction, training and supervision so that everyone working for or with Storage Mill Hill can carry out their activities safely and responsibly.
The management of Storage Mill Hill accepts overall responsibility for health and safety within the business and will ensure that adequate resources are made available to implement and maintain this policy.
Scope of the Policy
This policy applies to all locations operated by Storage Mill Hill and to all activities carried out by our staff and contractors, including but not limited to:
General storage operations and access to storage units.
Removals, loading and unloading of goods.
Use of vehicles, lifting equipment and handling aids.
Office-based and administrative work carried out in support of storage and removal services.
Roles and Responsibilities
Management is responsible for ensuring that:
Health and safety risks are identified, evaluated and controlled.
Safe systems of work are developed, implemented and reviewed.
Employees receive adequate induction and ongoing training.
Incidents, near misses and hazards are reported, investigated and addressed.
Employees are consulted on health and safety matters that affect them.
Employees are responsible for:
Taking reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions or omissions.
Following all safety procedures, guidance and instructions.
Using equipment, vehicles and personal protective equipment correctly.
Reporting all accidents, near misses and unsafe conditions promptly.
Customers, visitors and contractors are expected to:
Follow all safety information, signage and instructions given by Storage Mill Hill staff.
Behave responsibly while on our premises or during removal operations.
Raise any concerns about safety immediately with a member of staff.
Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices
Storage Mill Hill carries out regular risk assessments covering storage areas, loading bays, vehicle movements, manual handling and any specialised lifting or removals work. Control measures are introduced to minimise identified risks, and are reviewed periodically or after any significant change in operations.
Safe working procedures are developed for all key tasks, including the moving and handling of goods, operating mechanical aids, securing loads in vehicles and managing access to storage units. Employees and contractors are expected to follow these procedures at all times.
Manual Handling and Use of Equipment
Manual handling is a significant part of storage and removal work, and special care is taken to reduce the risk of injury. Storage Mill Hill will:
Provide training on correct lifting and carrying techniques.
Encourage the use of trolleys, dollies and other handling equipment wherever practical.
Plan tasks in advance to avoid unnecessary lifting or awkward loads.
Employees must not attempt to lift or move items that are too heavy or bulky for them to handle safely, and should request assistance or use appropriate equipment when required.
All equipment used in storage and removal operations will be inspected regularly and maintained in a safe condition. Any defects must be reported immediately and defective equipment taken out of use until repaired or replaced.
Vehicle and Traffic Safety
Where vehicle movements occur on site or during removal services, Storage Mill Hill will seek to minimise risks by:
Designing loading and unloading areas to separate vehicles and pedestrians where practicable.
Ensuring that drivers are competent and properly authorised.
Making sure loads are properly secured before vehicles move.
Employees and visitors must follow all instructions relating to vehicle routes, parking and loading areas and must stay alert to moving vehicles at all times.
Fire Safety and Emergency Procedures
Fire safety is an essential part of our health and safety arrangements. Storage Mill Hill will:
Provide and maintain suitable fire detection and firefighting equipment where required.
Ensure that fire exits and escape routes are clearly marked and kept clear.
Display emergency instructions and ensure staff understand evacuation procedures.
In the event of an emergency, everyone on site must follow staff instructions, leave the building by the nearest safe route and go to the designated assembly area.
Housekeeping and Site Conditions
Good housekeeping helps prevent slips, trips and falls and supports safe storage operations. Storage Mill Hill will ensure that:
Floors, walkways and access routes are kept as clear and tidy as possible.
Spillages and hazards are dealt with promptly.
Goods are stacked and stored securely to prevent collapse or falling items.
Lighting and ventilation are maintained at suitable levels for safe working.
Health, Welfare and Wellbeing
Storage Mill Hill recognises the importance of general wellbeing in maintaining a safe workplace. Suitable welfare facilities, including rest areas and sanitary facilities, are provided where required. We encourage employees to report any health concerns that may affect their ability to work safely, so that appropriate support or adjustments can be considered.
Training, Information and Supervision
All employees receive an appropriate health and safety induction when they join Storage Mill Hill and further training relevant to their roles. This may include manual handling, use of equipment, vehicle safety, fire safety and first aid awareness. Supervisors are responsible for monitoring working practices, correcting unsafe behaviour and ensuring that new or temporary workers receive adequate guidance.
Incident Reporting and Investigation
All accidents, incidents, near misses and dangerous occurrences must be reported as soon as possible. Storage Mill Hill will investigate such events to identify immediate and underlying causes, and will take action to prevent recurrence. Records of incidents are maintained and reviewed to identify trends and opportunities for improvement.
Monitoring, Review and Continuous Improvement
Storage Mill Hill regularly monitors health and safety performance through inspections, audits, incident statistics and feedback from staff and customers. This Health and Safety policy and associated procedures will be reviewed periodically, and whenever there are significant changes in our activities or relevant legislation. We are committed to continuous improvement in our health and safety standards so that storage and removal services are delivered in a safe and responsible manner for everyone involved.
