Health and Safety Policy for Storage Temple
Storage Temple is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for our employees, customers, visitors, contractors and members of the public. This Health and Safety Policy sets out the principles and procedures that guide our activities across storage operations, handling of goods and removal services.
We recognise our duty to manage risks effectively, prevent injury and ill health, and comply with applicable health and safety legislation and recognised industry standards.
Policy Statement and Objectives
The objective of this policy is to establish and maintain safe systems of work for all Storage Temple activities, including storage, packing, loading, unloading, transportation support and associated office functions.
Our key aims are to prevent accidents and work-related ill health, provide safe premises and equipment, ensure safe handling and movement of goods, and foster a culture of safety awareness and continuous improvement.
Management Responsibilities
Senior management at Storage Temple has overall responsibility for implementing and reviewing this Health and Safety Policy. Management will provide leadership, resources and support to ensure that health and safety considerations are integrated into all planning and operational decisions.
Managers and supervisors are responsible for ensuring that workplace risks are assessed, control measures are implemented, and safe working procedures are followed. They must ensure that all staff are adequately trained, instructed and supervised in relation to their duties, including any tasks connected to handling, moving and storing customer possessions.
Employee Responsibilities
All employees, whether working in storage facilities, on removal assignments or in administrative roles, have 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 cooperate with Storage Temple in meeting legal and policy requirements. This includes following safety instructions, using equipment correctly, reporting hazards and incidents promptly, and participating in training and safety briefings. Employees must not interfere with or misuse anything provided in the interests of health, safety and welfare.
Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work
Storage Temple will identify, assess and manage significant risks arising from our operations. Formal risk assessments will be carried out for key activities, including manual handling, use of vehicles and lifting equipment, working in storage areas, packing and loading operations, and interaction with customers on site.
Based on these assessments, we will implement safe systems of work, clear procedures and appropriate control measures. These may include defined lifting techniques, restricted access zones, traffic and pedestrian routes, maximum stacking heights for stored goods, and documented procedures for loading and unloading vehicles safely.
Manual Handling and Handling of Goods
Handling, lifting and moving items, including heavy or awkward loads, is central to our storage and removal related activities. Storage Temple will take all reasonably practicable steps to reduce the risk of injury from manual handling.
Where possible, mechanical aids such as trolleys, dollies and pallet trucks will be provided and maintained. Staff will receive training in safe lifting techniques, team lifts and the correct use of handling equipment. Tasks will be planned to avoid unnecessary carrying distances, twisting or overreaching, and employees will be encouraged to ask for assistance when required.
Vehicles, Access and Traffic Management
To support safe removals and deliveries, Storage Temple will manage vehicle movements and access around our premises in a controlled manner. Designated loading and unloading areas will be clearly identified, and traffic routes will be planned to minimise reversing and ensure segregation of vehicles and pedestrians where practicable.
Drivers and staff must follow on-site rules, including speed limits, parking restrictions and instructions given by authorised personnel. Particular care must be taken when manoeuvring vehicles, using ramps or tail lifts and working in proximity to other vehicles or members of the public.
Workplace Conditions and Housekeeping
We will maintain our facilities in a clean, orderly and safe condition. Good housekeeping is essential to avoid slips, trips and falls and to promote efficient operations in both storage and removal service areas.
Walkways, fire exits and emergency routes must be kept clear at all times. Floors and access areas must be free from spillages, loose packaging, trailing cables or other obstructions. Equipment, tools and materials must be stored safely after use, and racking systems must be used within their design limits.
Equipment, Plant and Personal Protective Equipment
All equipment, including handling devices, lifting aids and any machinery used in connection with removal and storage activities, will be selected, inspected and maintained in a safe condition. Defective equipment must be taken out of service immediately and reported to management.
Where risks cannot be adequately controlled by other means, appropriate personal protective equipment will be provided. Employees are required to use protective equipment as instructed, keep it in good condition and report any defects or concerns without delay.
Fire Safety and Emergency Procedures
Storage Temple will maintain suitable arrangements for fire safety and emergency response. This includes the provision of fire detection and alarm systems, appropriate fire-fighting equipment, clearly marked escape routes and assembly points, and information on emergency procedures.
Staff will receive instructions on fire safety and evacuation procedures, and drills will be carried out periodically. Fire exits and emergency routes must never be blocked or obstructed by stored goods, vehicles or equipment.
Training, Information and Supervision
All employees will receive induction training covering relevant health and safety information, including emergency procedures, safe working practices and reporting processes. Additional task-specific training will be provided where required, such as manual handling, equipment operation and vehicle loading procedures.
Supervisors will monitor working practices to ensure that training is applied and procedures are followed. Refresher training will be arranged to maintain competence, especially where work involves higher-risk activities or changes to systems of work.
Accident Reporting and Investigation
All accidents, incidents, near misses and dangerous occurrences must be reported promptly to management. Storage Temple will record and investigate such events to identify causes and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence.
Employees are encouraged to report hazards or concerns at an early stage so that risks can be addressed before harm occurs. Findings from investigations will be shared where appropriate to support learning and improvement across the organisation.
Consultation and Continuous Improvement
Storage Temple values open communication on health and safety matters. Where possible, we will consult with employees and, where applicable, appointed representatives on changes that may affect health and safety, including new procedures, equipment or working arrangements.
This Health and Safety Policy will be reviewed regularly and updated as necessary to reflect changes in legislation, industry best practice, organisational structure or the nature of our storage and removal related activities. Our goal is to continually improve our safety performance and maintain a safe environment for all who work with or use Storage Temple.
