Storage Osidge Health and Safety Policy
Storage Osidge is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for our employees, customers, contractors, and visitors. This Health and Safety Policy sets out our approach to managing risks associated with our removal and storage activities, including handling, transporting, and storing goods, operating vehicles and equipment, and maintaining our premises.
Policy Statement and Objectives
The objective of this policy is to prevent accidents, injuries, and work-related ill health, and to promote a positive safety culture throughout Storage Osidge. We aim to identify hazards in our operations, assess the risks they present, and implement effective control measures. Health and safety considerations are integral to planning and delivering all our services, from initial enquiry through to completion of removal and storage work.
Senior management accepts overall responsibility for health and safety performance, while all employees are required to cooperate by following safe systems of work and reporting any concerns promptly.
Responsibilities and Management Commitment
Management is responsible for ensuring that this policy is implemented, maintained, and periodically reviewed. This includes providing adequate resources, such as staff time, training, and equipment, to support safe working practices. Managers and supervisors must lead by example, communicate health and safety expectations clearly, and ensure that working procedures are understood and followed by all team members.
Employees are responsible for taking reasonable care for their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions. They must use provided equipment correctly, follow instructions and training, and report hazards, near misses, or incidents without delay so that corrective action can be taken.
Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work
Storage Osidge carries out risk assessments for all key activities, including removals, loading and unloading vehicles, packing, lifting and carrying, use of trolleys and lifting aids, driving and parking vehicles, and handling goods within storage facilities. These assessments identify potential hazards such as manual handling risks, slips and trips, falls from vehicles, collision risks, and the handling of fragile or heavy items.
Where significant risks are identified, we implement safe systems of work designed to eliminate the risk where possible or reduce it to an acceptable level. These systems include clear procedures for lifting and carrying, team lifts for heavy or bulky items, safe use of access ramps, appropriate stacking and securing of loads, and careful planning of vehicle movements to protect staff, customers, and the public.
Manual Handling and Use of Equipment
Manual handling is a core part of our removal services. To minimise the risk of strain and injury, we assess manual handling tasks, use lifting aids where feasible, and require team lifting for items above safe weight limits. Staff are trained in safe lifting techniques, including assessing the load, keeping good posture, and avoiding sudden or twisting movements.
We provide suitable equipment such as trolleys, dollies, straps, and protective materials, and ensure that all equipment is maintained in good working order. Employees must inspect equipment before use and report any damage or defects immediately so that items can be repaired or taken out of service.
Vehicles, Driving, and Traffic Safety
Our vehicles are maintained and inspected regularly to ensure they are safe and roadworthy. Drivers must hold the appropriate licences and follow all road safety regulations. Journey planning takes account of realistic travel times to reduce pressure on drivers and to promote safe driving behaviour.
When working at customer locations or storage sites, we take care to manage vehicle movements to reduce the risk of collisions or injuries. This may include using guides for reversing, setting up safe loading areas where practicable, using hazard warning lights, and clearly communicating with all team members during loading and unloading operations.
Premises Safety and Storage Areas
Storage Osidge is committed to maintaining clean, tidy, and well-organised premises. Walkways, stairways, and access routes must remain clear of obstructions, and lighting must be adequate throughout working areas. Storage units and warehouses are arranged to allow safe access, with items stacked and secured to reduce the risk of falls, collapse, or damage.
Regular inspections are carried out to identify hazards such as spills, damaged flooring, blocked exits, or defective equipment. Any issues found during these inspections are prioritised for prompt rectification. Fire routes and exits are kept clear at all times, and appropriate fire safety equipment is provided and maintained.
Fire Safety and Emergency Procedures
Fire safety is a critical part of our health and safety arrangements. We maintain suitable fire detection and firefighting equipment and ensure that staff know the location of alarms, extinguishers, and emergency exits. Clear procedures are in place for evacuation and for liaising with emergency services when required.
Emergency procedures, including fire, accident, and first aid arrangements, are communicated to staff and, where relevant, to visitors and customers on site. Drills and training are carried out periodically so that employees understand how to respond quickly and safely in an emergency situation.
Training, Information, and Supervision
Storage Osidge provides appropriate health and safety training to all employees based on their role and duties. This includes induction training, manual handling instruction, vehicle and equipment operation where applicable, and guidance on site-specific hazards. Refresher training is provided when necessary, such as when procedures change or new equipment is introduced.
Supervisors and team leaders monitor working practices to ensure that training is applied and that procedures are followed. Additional guidance and coaching are provided where necessary to reinforce safe behaviour and to ensure that less experienced staff are adequately supported.
Welfare, Health, and Wellbeing
We recognise that the physical nature of removal and storage work can be demanding. Storage Osidge encourages employees to use correct techniques, take rest breaks appropriate to the work being carried out, and report any discomfort, strain, or concerns about workload. Suitable welfare facilities are provided so staff can rest, hydrate, and maintain hygiene during the working day.
We are committed to treating employees fairly and respectfully, and to addressing any health or wellbeing issues that may impact their ability to work safely. Where appropriate, work tasks may be adjusted to accommodate individual needs or medical advice.
Accident Reporting and Continuous Improvement
All accidents, incidents, and near misses must be reported as soon as possible so that they can be investigated and, where necessary, corrective actions can be taken. Recording and analysing incidents helps us identify trends, review our risk assessments, and improve our procedures over time.
Storage Osidge is committed to continual improvement in health and safety performance. This policy is reviewed regularly to ensure it remains effective, reflects current operations, and supports our commitment to protecting everyone affected by our removal and storage activities.
