Storage Chalk Farm Health and Safety Policy
Storage Chalk Farm is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for all employees, contractors, customers and visitors. This Health and Safety Policy sets out our approach to managing risks associated with storage, handling, removals and associated activities carried out at our premises and at customer locations.
Policy Statement
Our objective is to prevent accidents, injuries and work related ill health by identifying hazards, assessing risks and implementing effective control measures. Health and safety considerations form an integral part of our planning, decision making and daily operations, including storage management and removal services.
Storage Chalk Farm will comply with all relevant health and safety legislation and recognised industry guidance, and will monitor changes in regulations and best practice to maintain high safety standards.
Responsibilities
Overall responsibility for health and safety rests with the company management, who ensure appropriate resources, systems and supervision are in place. Managers are responsible for implementing this policy within their areas of control and for promoting a positive safety culture.
Supervisors and team leaders must ensure that staff and contractors are properly trained, equipped and monitored, and that safe working procedures are followed at all times, both within storage facilities and during removal and transport operations.
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 Chalk Farm by following safety instructions, using equipment correctly, reporting hazards and participating in training.
Contractors and agency workers working on our behalf must comply with this policy, our site rules and any specific instructions issued in relation to particular tasks, including handling of customers belongings and use of lifting or transport equipment.
Risk Assessment and Control
Storage Chalk Farm will carry out regular risk assessments covering activities such as manual handling, loading and unloading, use of vehicles, operation of lifting aids, working at height, movement of goods in storage units, and general workplace hazards. Significant findings will be recorded and reviewed periodically or when circumstances change.
Risk control measures may include elimination of hazards where practicable, substitution of safer methods, engineering controls such as guards and barriers, administrative controls including safe systems of work, and the use of appropriate personal protective equipment.
Safe Working Practices
Safe systems of work will be developed and communicated for all key tasks, especially those associated with moving and storing furniture, household effects and office equipment. These systems will cover route planning, vehicle loading patterns, securing of loads, safe stacking and storage, and the correct use of mechanical aids.
Employees must follow manual handling techniques designed to minimise strain, avoid awkward postures and prevent overloading. Heavy or bulky items must be handled by teams or with mechanical assistance. Walkways, loading areas and access routes must be kept clear and well lit.
Where work is carried out at customer premises, staff must assess local conditions on arrival, identify additional hazards such as narrow stairways, uneven ground or restricted access, and adapt working methods to maintain safety for all present.
Equipment, Vehicles and Maintenance
All tools, trolleys, lifting equipment, ramps and associated devices used in storage and removal operations will be maintained in a safe condition and inspected regularly. Defective equipment must be taken out of service immediately and reported to management.
Vehicles used for removal and transport services will be maintained according to manufacturer requirements and applicable regulations. Daily checks will be carried out by drivers, who must report any defects or safety concerns without delay.
Training, Information and Supervision
Storage Chalk Farm will provide appropriate health and safety training to all employees, proportionate to their roles and responsibilities. This may include induction training, manual handling, safe loading and unloading, vehicle safety, working at height, and emergency procedures.
Information on risks, control measures and safe procedures will be communicated through briefings, signage, written instructions and ongoing supervision. New or young workers, and those unfamiliar with specific tasks, will receive additional guidance and monitoring.
Welfare, Health and Wellbeing
We recognise the importance of welfare facilities and the wellbeing of our workforce. Adequate rest areas, drinking water and sanitary facilities will be provided at our premises. Workloads and schedules will be planned to reduce fatigue and the risk of accidents, particularly during physically demanding removal activities.
We will support staff in raising concerns about health, stress or fitness to work and will consider reasonable adjustments where required to maintain a safe and healthy environment.
Emergency Procedures
Emergency procedures will be established and communicated for fire, serious accidents, spills and other incidents that might occur at our premises or in the course of removal operations. Employees must familiarise themselves with evacuation routes, assembly points and the location of firefighting and first aid equipment.
Serious incidents, near misses and dangerous occurrences will be recorded, investigated and reviewed so that lessons can be learned and corrective actions implemented.
Consultation and Continuous Improvement
Storage Chalk Farm is committed to consulting with employees on health and safety matters and encouraging feedback on how safety performance can be improved. We will review this policy regularly to ensure it remains effective, relevant and aligned with our operational activities, including storage and removal services.
By following this Health and Safety Policy, everyone associated with Storage Chalk Farm contributes to a safer workplace and a safer service for our customers.
