Storage Kenton Health and Safety Policy
Storage Kenton is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for all employees, contractors, visitors and customers. This Health and Safety Policy sets out our approach to managing risks associated with storage facilities, handling goods, and carrying out removals and related services.
We aim to prevent injury, ill health and incidents by identifying hazards, assessing risks and implementing appropriate control measures. Health and safety is an integral part of our day-to-day management and decision-making processes.
Management Responsibilities
The management of Storage Kenton has overall responsibility for health and safety performance within the business. Management will provide leadership, resources and support to ensure this policy is effectively implemented and maintained.
Management is responsible for ensuring that:
All operations, including storage, packing, loading, transport and removals, are planned and carried out in a safe manner. Suitable and sufficient risk assessments are carried out and reviewed regularly. Safe systems of work and clear procedures are developed, communicated and enforced. Employees receive relevant information, instruction, training and supervision. Work equipment, vehicles and storage facilities are maintained in a safe condition. Appropriate personal protective equipment is provided where necessary. Accidents, incidents and near misses are reported, recorded, investigated and used as learning opportunities. This policy is reviewed periodically and updated when necessary.
Employee Responsibilities
Every employee of Storage Kenton has a duty to take reasonable care for their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions or omissions. Employees must cooperate fully with management and follow all safety requirements.
Employees are expected to:
Follow all safety procedures, instructions and training provided. Use equipment, vehicles and tools only for their intended purpose and in accordance with training. Report hazards, unsafe conditions, defects or concerns to management without delay. Wear and use personal protective equipment when required. Maintain good housekeeping standards in vehicles, storage areas and work locations. Avoid horseplay, unsafe behaviour or shortcuts that could create risks. Report all accidents, incidents, injuries and near misses as soon as possible.
Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices
Storage Kenton carries out risk assessments for key activities, including loading and unloading vehicles, manual handling of goods, operation of handling equipment, stacking and storage of items, driving and vehicle movements and working at customer premises. These assessments identify hazards, evaluate risks and specify control measures.
We develop safe working practices and procedures based on these assessments. These may include maximum load limits for lifting and carrying, approved methods for lifting and team handling, guidelines for safe use of trolleys, dollies and other handling aids, clear rules for vehicle loading and securing of loads, and procedures for working in restricted spaces, stairways and shared access areas.
Employees are trained in the relevant procedures and are expected to follow them at all times.
Manual Handling and Ergonomics
Manual handling is a significant part of removals and storage work. Storage Kenton seeks to minimise manual handling risks by planning work to avoid unnecessary lifting, using mechanical aids wherever reasonably practicable, encouraging team lifts for heavy or awkward items, and training staff in safe lifting techniques and posture.
Employees are instructed to assess each lift before starting, consider the weight, shape and route, request assistance when needed and stop and seek advice if an item appears unsafe to move.
Vehicles, Driving and Transport Safety
Our vehicles play a central role in our service. Storage Kenton ensures that vehicles used for removals, deliveries and collections are maintained, inspected and operated safely.
Drivers and crew must carry out daily vehicle checks, report defects immediately, obey speed limits and road traffic rules, use safe systems for loading and securing goods, and take care when reversing, parking and operating in residential or busy areas.
Only authorised and competent personnel may drive company vehicles or operate specialist equipment.
Work at Customer Premises
When working at customer homes, offices or other premises, employees must respect local rules and take extra care to protect both people and property. Staff should identify potential hazards such as uneven surfaces, stairs, narrow access, low ceilings or shared driveways, agree safe access routes and working areas with the customer where possible, use protective coverings when appropriate, and keep exits, walkways and emergency routes clear.
Any damage, incident or unsafe condition occurring at a customer site must be reported to management.
Housekeeping, Storage and Fire Safety
Good housekeeping and safe storage are essential for preventing slips, trips, falls and other incidents. Storage Kenton ensures that aisles, walkways and fire exits are kept clear, goods are stacked securely and within safe height limits, storage areas are kept tidy and free from obstructions, and waste materials are removed regularly and disposed of safely.
We maintain appropriate fire safety arrangements, including suitable equipment and clear evacuation routes. Employees receive instructions on fire procedures and must comply with them.
Training, Consultation and Communication
Storage Kenton provides ongoing training in health and safety, including induction training for new starters, task-specific training for storage and removals activities, refresher training when procedures change or new risks are identified, and additional training for supervisors and managers.
We encourage open communication about health and safety. Employees are invited to raise concerns, suggest improvements and participate in discussions about safe working practices. Management will consult with staff on significant changes that may affect health and safety.
Monitoring, Review and Continuous Improvement
We monitor our health and safety performance through routine inspections of vehicles, equipment and storage areas, reviews of risk assessments and procedures, analysis of accident and incident data, and feedback from employees and customers.
This Health and Safety Policy will be reviewed periodically and whenever there are significant changes to our operations, services or legal requirements. We are committed to continuous improvement and to maintaining high standards of health and safety across all Storage Kenton activities.
