Storage Longford Health and Safety Policy
Storage Longford is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for all employees, contractors, visitors, and customers using our storage facilities and removal services. This policy sets out our approach to managing health and safety risks associated with storage, handling, lifting, transport, and general operations on our premises and at customer locations.
Policy Statement
Our objective is to prevent injury, ill health, and damage to property by identifying hazards, assessing risks, and implementing effective control measures. Health and safety considerations are integral to the planning and delivery of all storage and removal activities, including packing, loading, unloading, vehicle movements, and handling of customer goods.
Management at Storage Longford accepts overall responsibility for health and safety performance and will provide appropriate resources, training, and supervision to maintain safe working conditions and practices.
Scope
This policy applies to all employees, temporary staff, agency workers, contractors, and any other persons who may be affected by our operations. It covers activities on Storage Longford premises, in storage units and yards, during removals and deliveries, and at customer sites.
Responsibilities
Management is responsible for:
Ensuring that health and safety risks associated with storage and removal operations are identified, assessed, and controlled. Providing safe equipment, vehicles, and tools, and ensuring they are regularly inspected and maintained. Establishing safe systems of work for manual handling, loading and unloading, working at height, vehicle movements, and use of mechanical aids. Providing information, instruction, and training to employees so they can work safely and understand their responsibilities. Monitoring health and safety performance and taking corrective action where necessary. Reviewing this policy on a regular basis and updating it as required.
Employees are responsible for:
Taking reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions or omissions. Following all safety procedures, instructions, and training provided by Storage Longford. Using equipment, vehicles, and personal protective equipment correctly and reporting any defects immediately. Reporting accidents, near misses, hazards, and unsafe conditions without delay. Cooperating with management and supervisors to achieve a safe working environment and safe service delivery.
Contractors and visitors are required to:
Comply with site safety rules, signage, and instructions provided by Storage Longford staff. Use designated access routes, loading areas, and parking areas safely. Report any incidents or safety concerns to a member of staff.
Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices
Storage Longford conducts risk assessments for all significant activities, including storage operations, handling of goods, and removal services. These assessments consider manual handling, slips, trips and falls, work at height, use of plant and vehicles, and other foreseeable hazards. Control measures and safe systems of work are implemented and reviewed regularly.
Safe working procedures are in place for:
Manual handling, lifting, carrying, and team lifting, including use of trolleys, dollies, and other aids. Packing, stacking, and securing items in storage units to avoid falls, collapses, or instability. Loading and unloading vehicles, ensuring loads are evenly distributed and properly secured. Vehicle movements within yards and at customer premises, including reversing and use of spotters where required. Working in confined or restricted storage areas, ensuring adequate lighting and clear access routes.
Training, Information, and Supervision
All employees receive appropriate induction training, including emergency procedures, site rules, manual handling principles, and safe use of equipment relevant to their role. Additional training is provided for staff involved in operating vehicles, lifting equipment, or specialist equipment used in removal and storage operations.
Supervisors ensure that employees understand and follow safe working procedures and that any deviations or unsafe behaviours are addressed promptly. Health and safety information, including signage and notices, is clearly displayed on site.
Equipment, Vehicles, and Maintenance
Storage Longford ensures that all work equipment, including forklifts, pallet trucks, trolleys, and any lifting equipment used for removals, is suitable for its intended purpose and maintained in safe condition. Regular inspections and servicing are carried out in accordance with manufacturer recommendations and relevant standards.
Company vehicles used for collections, deliveries, and removal services are maintained to a high standard, with safety checks completed before use. Loads are secured properly to prevent movement during transit, and drivers are trained in safe loading and driving practices.
Housekeeping and Site Safety
Good housekeeping is essential for preventing accidents. Access routes, fire exits, and loading bays must be kept clear of obstructions. Spills are cleaned promptly, and waste materials are disposed of safely and regularly. Storage units are organised to reduce the need for unsafe lifting or climbing and to maintain clear walkways.
All visitors and customers must follow safety signage, remain in designated areas, and avoid entering restricted zones or operational areas unless accompanied by a member of staff.
Emergency Preparedness
Storage Longford maintains procedures for fire safety, evacuation, and other foreseeable emergencies. Emergency exits and routes are clearly marked, and fire extinguishers and other safety equipment are provided and maintained. Staff receive training in evacuation procedures and their specific roles in an emergency.
All incidents, including near misses, are recorded and investigated to identify root causes and implement improvements to prevent recurrence.
Welfare and Occupational Health
Appropriate welfare facilities are provided for employees, including rest areas, drinking water, and sanitary facilities. Work is planned to minimise the risk of fatigue and strain, particularly during physically demanding removal and handling tasks.
Where work may give rise to specific health risks, control measures are implemented and employees are informed of any necessary precautions. Reasonable adjustments are considered for employees with particular health needs to ensure they can work safely.
Continuous Improvement
Storage Longford is committed to continual improvement in health and safety performance. This is achieved through regular review of practices, consultation with employees, analysis of incident data, and adoption of industry best practice for storage and removal operations.
This Health and Safety Policy is reviewed periodically and whenever there are significant changes to our operations, facilities, or regulatory requirements. Updated versions are communicated to all employees and made available to interested parties on request.
