Health and Safety Policy for Storage Gospel Oak
Storage Gospel Oak is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for all employees, customers, visitors, and contractors. This Health and Safety Policy sets out our approach to managing risks associated with storage operations and removal services, including handling, lifting, and transport of goods.
Our goal is to prevent injury, protect health, and promote safe working practices throughout our facilities and during any associated collection, delivery, and removal activities.
Our Health and Safety Responsibilities
Storage Gospel Oak accepts its responsibility to comply with all applicable health and safety legislation and to work towards continuous improvement in performance. Management is responsible for providing clear leadership, adequate resources, and effective procedures to ensure that health and safety standards are implemented, monitored, and regularly reviewed.
Employees, contractors, and customers also share responsibility for taking reasonable care of their own health and safety, and for cooperating with our procedures and instructions while on our premises or engaged in our removal services.
Management Duties
Senior management at Storage Gospel Oak is responsible for establishing and maintaining safe systems of work. This includes planning and implementing measures designed to prevent accidents and work-related ill health in all storage and removal activities.
Management will ensure that:
Clear health and safety objectives are set, communicated, and understood. Premises, equipment, vehicles, and systems of work are maintained in a safe condition. Suitable and sufficient risk assessments are carried out, recorded, and updated where required. Employees receive appropriate information, instruction, and training relevant to their role. Incidents, near misses, and hazardous conditions are reported, investigated, and used to improve our procedures. Adequate supervision is provided to ensure safe working practices are followed at all times.
Employee Duties
All employees of Storage Gospel Oak are expected to actively support this policy by working safely and responsibly. Employees must:
Follow all health and safety instructions, signage, and training provided. Use equipment, vehicles, and personal protective equipment correctly and for their intended purpose. Report accidents, incidents, near misses, and unsafe conditions promptly to a supervisor or manager. Avoid taking risks or shortcuts that could endanger themselves, colleagues, customers, or members of the public. Participate in training and refresher sessions as required and apply the knowledge gained in day-to-day work.
Safe Storage and Facility Use
To protect everyone using our storage facilities, Storage Gospel Oak operates clear procedures covering access, movement, and behaviour on site. We aim to keep aisles, loading areas, stairways, and emergency exits clear and well maintained. Lighting, ventilation, and housekeeping standards are regularly checked.
Customers are required to follow staff instructions when moving goods, parking vehicles, loading or unloading items, and when using trolleys or handling equipment provided by Storage Gospel Oak. Unsafe stacking, blocking of walkways, and storage of prohibited or hazardous materials are not allowed.
Handling, Lifting, and Manual Work
Removal and storage activities often involve manual handling of bulky and heavy items. Storage Gospel Oak is committed to minimising the risk of strains, sprains, and other musculoskeletal injuries by:
Carrying out manual handling risk assessments for typical and high-risk tasks. Providing manual handling training and guidance to staff on safe lifting techniques and team lifting. Using mechanical aids and handling equipment where practical to reduce physical effort. Planning lifting and carrying tasks to avoid excessive loads, awkward postures, or unnecessary repetition.
Employees and customers are encouraged to seek assistance when lifting heavy or bulky items, and to avoid attempting lifts that may exceed their capabilities.
Removal Services and Transport Safety
When providing removal and transport services, Storage Gospel Oak takes particular care to manage road and loading risks. Vehicles must be loaded securely, with goods restrained to prevent movement during transit. Drivers and operatives are expected to follow safe driving practices, respect speed limits, and comply with traffic laws at all times.
Loading and unloading operations are planned to reduce reversing and other high-risk vehicle movements. Where possible, designated loading areas are used, and pedestrians are kept clear of manoeuvring vehicles. All lifting or moving equipment used in connection with removal services is maintained and inspected in line with legal and manufacturer requirements.
Fire Safety and Emergency Procedures
Storage Gospel Oak maintains appropriate fire safety arrangements to protect people and property. This includes suitable fire detection and alarm systems, accessible fire exits and escape routes, and firefighting equipment located in key positions.
Emergency procedures are displayed within the facility and employees receive training on what to do in the event of fire or other emergencies. Regular checks and drills are carried out to confirm that evacuation routes remain clear and that staff understand their responsibilities.
Accident Reporting and Investigation
All accidents, injuries, near misses, and significant hazardous conditions must be reported without delay. Storage Gospel Oak will record, investigate, and where necessary, take corrective action following any incident.
The purpose of investigation is not to place blame but to understand what happened and to identify practical measures to prevent a recurrence. Lessons learned from incidents are used to update risk assessments, procedures, and staff training.
Training, Information, and Supervision
Storage Gospel Oak recognises that competent and informed people are essential to safe operations. Induction training is provided for new employees, including an overview of this policy, site rules, and emergency arrangements. Additional role-specific training is provided for staff engaged in removal work, equipment operation, or other higher-risk tasks.
Information about hazards, control measures, and safe working methods is communicated through signage, briefings, and written procedures. Supervision levels are set to reflect the level of risk and the experience of the workforce.
Policy Review and Continuous Improvement
This Health and Safety Policy will be reviewed regularly and whenever there are significant changes to our operations, facilities, legislation, or industry best practice. Staff feedback, incident data, and inspection findings will be considered as part of this review to help improve our approach.
Storage Gospel Oak expects everyone connected with our storage and removal activities to support the aims of this policy. By working together and applying these principles in everyday tasks, we can provide a safe, secure, and professional service for all.
