Storage Aperfield Health and Safety Policy
Storage Aperfield is committed to providing a healthy and safe environment for all employees, customers, contractors, and visitors. This policy sets out our approach to managing health and safety risks in our storage facilities and removal-related operations, and outlines the responsibilities of everyone who works with or uses our services.
Our Health and Safety Objectives
Our main objectives are to prevent accidents, injuries, and work-related ill health, and to continually improve our health and safety performance. We aim to maintain safe and orderly storage environments, ensure safe handling and transport of goods, and protect everyone who may be affected by our activities.
Management Responsibilities
Senior management at Storage Aperfield accepts overall responsibility for health and safety. Management will provide appropriate resources, training, and supervision to maintain safe working conditions and ensure that health and safety considerations are integrated into all planning and decision-making processes.
Managers will regularly review risk assessments, safety procedures, and incident reports to identify trends and areas for improvement. Where changes are required, these will be implemented promptly and communicated clearly to all relevant parties.
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, and report hazards, near misses, or incidents without delay to their supervisor or manager.
Employees are required to attend all relevant safety training, participate in drills, and cooperate fully with any investigation into accidents or unsafe conditions. Failure to follow safety procedures may result in disciplinary action.
Customer and Visitor Responsibilities
Customers and visitors to Storage Aperfield premises are expected to act safely and follow any instructions given by staff. This includes observing signage, respecting restricted areas, and using lifting and handling equipment only when authorised and trained to do so.
Customers arranging removals or storage collections must ensure that items are suitably packed, labelled, and safe to handle, with particular attention to weight, stability, and any sharp or fragile components.
Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work
We will identify and assess foreseeable risks associated with our storage and removal-related activities. Risk assessments will cover areas such as manual handling, use of lifting equipment, vehicle movements, loading and unloading, working at height where relevant, fire safety, and the safe storage of goods.
Findings from risk assessments will be used to develop safe systems of work and clear operating procedures. These will be reviewed regularly and updated when there are significant changes in our operations, equipment, or premises.
Safe Handling, Storage and Removal of Goods
Storage Aperfield will ensure that storage units, racking, and access ways are maintained in a safe, tidy, and well-organised condition. Safe stacking heights, load limits, and access routes will be clearly identified and adhered to.
During removal-related tasks, including loading and unloading, we will plan work to minimise manual handling risks, use appropriate trolleys, ramps, and lifting aids where available, and ensure that vehicle loading areas remain clear and level. Items will be secured appropriately in vehicles and storage units to prevent movement, collapse, or damage.
Vehicles and Traffic Management
Where vehicle movements occur on or around our premises, we will implement measures to separate vehicles and pedestrians as far as reasonably practicable. This may include designated walkways, marked loading areas, speed limitations, and controlled entry points.
Drivers, whether employed by Storage Aperfield or visiting contractors, must follow site rules, park only in designated spaces, and take particular care during reversing, loading, and unloading operations.
Training, Information and Supervision
We will provide suitable and proportionate health and safety training to all employees, including induction training for new starters and role-specific instruction for staff involved in storage, removals, driving, and use of equipment such as pallet trucks or lifting devices.
Information about risks and procedures will be communicated clearly, using signage, written instructions, and verbal briefings where appropriate. Supervisors will monitor work practices, provide guidance, and intervene if unsafe behaviour or conditions are observed.
Equipment and Maintenance
All plant, tools, and equipment used in our storage and removal-related activities will be selected, maintained, and inspected to ensure they remain safe and suitable for use. Any defects must be reported immediately and defective equipment will be taken out of service until repaired or replaced.
Premises, including lighting, flooring, doors, and alarms, will be inspected regularly. We will act promptly to repair or control any faults or damage that could create a risk to health and safety.
Fire Safety and Emergency Procedures
Storage Aperfield will maintain effective fire safety arrangements, including alarms, detection systems where applicable, emergency lighting, and clearly marked escape routes. Fire exits will be kept clear at all times, and extinguishers or other fire-fighting equipment will be provided and maintained as required.
All staff will be instructed on emergency procedures, including evacuation routes and assembly points. Periodic drills will be carried out to ensure that everyone on site knows what to do in the event of an emergency.
Incident Reporting and Investigation
All accidents, injuries, near misses, and dangerous occurrences must be reported promptly. Storage Aperfield will investigate incidents to identify underlying causes and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence.
Records of incidents and actions taken will be retained and reviewed to support continuous improvement in our safety performance.
Health, Wellbeing and Welfare
We recognise the importance of employee wellbeing in maintaining a safe workplace. Reasonable welfare facilities will be provided, and tasks will be organised to help reduce risks associated with fatigue, stress, and unsuitable working conditions.
Where work involves significant physical effort, especially during removals and handling of heavy or bulky items, we will promote safe working techniques, encourage regular breaks as appropriate, and provide assistance or equipment to share loads and reduce strain.
Monitoring, Review and Continuous Improvement
Storage Aperfield will monitor compliance with this policy through inspections, audits, incident reviews, and feedback from staff and customers. Findings will be used to update risk assessments, procedures, and training.
This Health and Safety Policy will be reviewed regularly and updated when necessary to reflect changes in our activities, best practice, or applicable legal requirements. All employees and relevant contractors will be informed of any significant changes.
Policy Communication and Commitment
This policy is communicated to all employees and is available to customers, contractors, and visitors on request. Everyone working with or visiting Storage Aperfield is expected to cooperate in maintaining a safe environment and to support our commitment to preventing injury and protecting health in all storage and removal-related operations.
