Storage Hampton Health and Safety Policy
Storage Hampton is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for all employees, customers, visitors, and contractors. This policy explains how we manage health and safety across our storage and removal services, including handling, transport, loading, unloading, and on-site activities.
Policy Statement and Objectives
Our objective is to prevent injury, ill health, and damage to property by identifying, assessing, and controlling risks arising from our operations. Management acknowledges its responsibility to provide clear guidance, adequate resources, competent supervision, and ongoing training to support effective health and safety management.
All staff are expected to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions, and to cooperate fully with Storage Hampton in the implementation of this policy.
Management Responsibilities
Senior management is responsible for establishing and maintaining safe systems of work across our storage facilities and removal operations. This includes conducting risk assessments, maintaining records, ensuring compliance with relevant health and safety legislation, and reviewing the effectiveness of control measures.
Managers and supervisors will ensure that tasks are properly planned, that staff are competent and adequately instructed, and that equipment and vehicles are safe, inspected, and suitable for their intended use. They will also monitor working practices and act promptly where unsafe conditions or behaviours are identified.
Employee Responsibilities
Employees must follow all health and safety procedures, instructions, and training provided by Storage Hampton. They must use any safety equipment supplied, report defects or hazards immediately, and not interfere with or misuse anything provided in the interests of health, safety, or welfare.
All employees involved in storage and removal activities are required to adopt safe manual handling practices, use lifting aids correctly, and never exceed safe working limits. Staff must promptly report accidents, near misses, and incidents so that appropriate investigations and improvements can be made.
Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work
Storage Hampton conducts regular risk assessments for storage units, loading areas, offices, and removal operations. These assessments consider hazards such as manual handling, slips and trips, vehicle movements, falling objects, working at height, fire, and the storage of hazardous or inappropriate goods.
Where risks are identified, we implement safe systems of work, including standard operating procedures for packing, loading, securing loads in vehicles, driving, parking, and unloading at customer locations and storage sites. These procedures are communicated to staff and reviewed periodically, particularly when there are changes to equipment, processes, or work locations.
Manual Handling and Lifting
Manual handling is a key element of storage and removal work. Storage Hampton provides training on correct lifting techniques, team lifting, and the use of mechanical aids such as trolleys and pallet trucks. Staff must assess each lift, considering the weight, shape, and stability of items and the route to be taken.
Heavy or awkward items must be handled using appropriate assistance or equipment. Employees must avoid hazardous lifting practices, such as twisting while carrying loads, overreaching, or attempting to move items beyond their capability. Customers are encouraged to pack items in manageable boxes and to disclose particularly heavy or fragile items in advance.
Vehicles, Driving, and Traffic Management
Vehicles used in connection with removal and storage operations are maintained in a safe and roadworthy condition in line with manufacturer guidance and legal requirements. Drivers must hold valid licences, undergo appropriate checks, and follow company procedures for vehicle inspection, loading, and securing goods.
On-site traffic routes, loading bays, and access points are managed to reduce the risk of collisions or injuries. Speed limits, reversing procedures, and pedestrian walkways are to be observed at all times. Drivers must not operate vehicles or lifting equipment while under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or any substance that could impair their performance.
Storage Safety and Customer Behaviour
Storage Hampton maintains its premises in a clean, orderly, and safe condition. Storage units, corridors, stairways, lifts, and loading areas must be kept clear of obstructions as far as reasonably practicable. Floors should be clean and dry to reduce slip and trip risks.
Customers are required to follow site rules and instructions given by staff, including restrictions on prohibited items such as flammable liquids, explosives, illegal goods, perishable food, and any material that could create a health or safety hazard. Smoking, vaping, and the use of open flames are not permitted inside storage buildings or vehicles.
Fire Safety and Emergency Procedures
Storage Hampton will maintain appropriate fire detection, warning, and firefighting equipment, and will ensure that escape routes and exits are clearly marked, well lit, and kept unobstructed. Fire alarms and equipment will be tested periodically in line with regulatory guidance.
Emergency procedures are in place for fire, medical incidents, and other significant events. Staff will receive guidance and training on evacuation arrangements, assembly points, and the safe management of customers and visitors during an incident. Employees and customers must follow instructions promptly in any emergency.
Training, Information, and Consultation
All new employees receive an induction that includes relevant health and safety information for their role. Ongoing training is provided on topics such as manual handling, equipment use, vehicle safety, and emergency procedures. Additional instruction is given whenever work practices change or new equipment is introduced.
Storage Hampton communicates health and safety information through signage, written procedures, and briefings. Where appropriate, we consult with staff on health and safety matters and encourage feedback to identify improvements or concerns.
Accident Reporting and Investigation
All accidents, incidents, and near misses that occur on Storage Hampton premises or in connection with our removal operations must be reported to management as soon as possible. Records of such events are maintained in accordance with legal requirements.
Incidents will be investigated to identify root causes and to implement corrective actions that reduce the likelihood of recurrence. Where necessary, we will review risk assessments, procedures, and training following an incident.
Health, Welfare, and Wellbeing
Storage Hampton aims to protect the health and welfare of employees by promoting safe workloads, appropriate rest breaks, and reasonable working hours, particularly for drivers and staff engaged in physical activities. We encourage employees to raise any concerns about fitness for work, fatigue, or health conditions that may affect their ability to carry out tasks safely.
Suitable welfare facilities, including washing and rest areas, are provided where applicable, and staff are expected to maintain these areas in a clean and respectful condition.
Review of This Policy
This health and safety policy will be reviewed regularly and updated as necessary to reflect changes in legislation, guidance, company activities, or the outcomes of incident investigations. The latest version of the policy will be made available to employees, customers, and contractors on request.
Storage Hampton expects all persons who visit or work at our sites, or who engage with our removal and storage services, to support and cooperate with the implementation of this policy to maintain a safe environment for everyone.
