Storage Upminster Bridge Health and Safety Policy
Storage Upminster Bridge is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for all employees, customers, contractors, and visitors. This Health and Safety Policy sets out the standards and procedures that support safe storage, removals, handling, and associated site activities. Health and safety are integral to how we operate and to the quality of service we deliver.
Our Health and Safety Objectives
Our main objectives are to prevent injury and ill health, protect property, and maintain a safe working environment for everyone using our facilities or engaging our removal services. We aim to identify hazards, assess risks, implement effective controls, and continuously improve our safety performance.
Management Responsibilities
Senior management at Storage Upminster Bridge holds overall responsibility for the implementation of this policy. Management will provide adequate resources, information, training, and supervision to ensure that health and safety standards are understood and maintained. Managers must ensure that risk assessments are carried out and reviewed, that safe systems of work are in place, and that safety procedures are clearly communicated.
Management will regularly monitor safety performance, investigate any incidents or near misses, and take corrective actions where necessary. Lessons learned will be incorporated into updated procedures, particularly in relation to handling and moving goods, vehicle access, and storage operations.
Employee Responsibilities
Every employee has 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 follow all safety instructions, use equipment correctly, report hazards without delay, and participate in training provided by the company.
Employees must never misuse or interfere with safety equipment or systems and must immediately inform management of any damaged equipment, unsafe conditions, or concerns arising from removal or storage activities.
Customer and Visitor Responsibilities
Customers and visitors using the storage facilities or engaging our removal services are expected to follow the safety instructions provided by staff and displayed on site. This includes respecting restricted areas, following guidance on loading and unloading, and observing speed limits and directional signage for vehicles.
Customers are responsible for ensuring that their goods are safely packed, stable, and suitable for transport and storage. Hazardous or prohibited items must not be brought onto the premises or handed over for removal.
Safe Handling, Lifting and Removal Activities
Manual handling is a key part of storage and removal work. Storage Upminster Bridge will implement safe handling and lifting procedures to minimise the risk of musculoskeletal injuries. Staff will receive training on correct lifting techniques, use of trolleys and handling equipment, and team lifting for heavier or awkward loads.
Where appropriate, mechanical aids such as sack trucks, dollies, or pallet equipment will be used to move items safely. Loads must be assessed for weight, shape, and stability before lifting or moving. No employee should attempt to lift or carry something that they believe is unsafe or beyond their capability.
During removal operations, staff will ensure that walkways are kept clear, doors and access points are not obstructed, and items are secured within vehicles to prevent movement and damage during transit.
Site Safety and Traffic Management
Our premises will be maintained in a clean, orderly condition. All walkways, emergency exits, and access routes will be kept free of trip hazards and obstructions. Lighting will be maintained to a safe standard in internal and external areas used by staff and customers.
Vehicle movements are managed to protect pedestrians and other road users. Speed limits and directional systems are in place, and drivers are required to follow staff instructions. Loading and unloading areas must be used correctly, and vehicles must be parked only in designated spaces. Reversing manoeuvres will be controlled carefully, with banksmen used where required.
Equipment and Maintenance
All equipment used in storage and removal operations, including handling aids and vehicles, will be maintained in safe working order in line with manufacturer guidance and relevant regulations. Regular inspections and servicing will be carried out, and records will be retained where appropriate.
Faulty or damaged equipment must be taken out of use immediately and reported to management. Only trained and authorised personnel are permitted to operate specialist equipment.
Fire Safety and Emergency Procedures
Storage Upminster Bridge will maintain clear fire safety procedures, including the provision of suitable fire detection and firefighting equipment, clearly marked emergency exits, and safe evacuation routes.
All persons on site must familiarise themselves with fire instructions and evacuation routes. In the event of an alarm, everyone must leave the building or immediate area promptly and report to the designated assembly point. Doors, corridors, and access routes to exits must not be blocked by stored goods or removal activities.
Hazardous Substances and Prohibited Goods
Hazardous substances present special risks in storage and removals. Storage Upminster Bridge prohibits the storage or transport of flammable, explosive, corrosive, toxic, or otherwise dangerous materials unless explicitly agreed and controlled in accordance with relevant regulations.
Customers and staff must comply with our list of prohibited items, which includes gas cylinders, fuel, chemicals, explosives, and perishable goods that may create contamination, odour, or pest risks.
Training, Information and Supervision
Appropriate training will be provided to employees to ensure they understand their health and safety duties and can carry out their work safely. This includes induction training, refresher sessions, and task-specific instruction related to manual handling, vehicle loading, and emergency response.
Clear safety information and signage will be displayed around the facility. Supervisors will monitor working practices and provide guidance and correction where required.
Incident Reporting and Investigation
All accidents, near misses, and dangerous occurrences must be reported without delay to management. An internal investigation will be carried out to identify root causes and implement corrective actions. Where required, incidents will be reported to relevant authorities in line with applicable regulations.
Information from incident investigations is used to improve procedures, training, and risk controls across storage and removal operations.
Monitoring, Review and Policy Availability
This Health and Safety Policy will be reviewed regularly and updated as necessary to reflect changes in legislation, industry best practice, and the nature of our services. Monitoring will be carried out through inspections, audits, incident analysis, and consultation with employees.
The policy is available to employees, customers, contractors, and visitors on request and may be displayed or summarised in key locations on site. By using our facilities and services, all parties agree to cooperate in maintaining a safe environment at Storage Upminster Bridge.
