Storage Sipson Health and Safety Policy
Storage Sipson is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for all employees, contractors, customers, and visitors. This Health and Safety Policy sets out our principles and procedures to prevent injury, protect property, and promote a culture of safety across our storage and removal activities.
Policy Statement and Objectives
Our objective is to manage health and safety risks in a systematic and proactive way. We aim to prevent accidents, work-related ill health, and damage to property by identifying hazards, assessing risks, and implementing effective control measures. This policy applies to all storage facilities, offices, vehicles, and removal operations conducted by Storage Sipson.
Senior management accepts overall responsibility for health and safety and ensures that adequate resources, training, and supervision are provided. All employees, contractors, and visitors are expected to co-operate fully in the implementation of this policy.
Legal and Regulatory Compliance
Storage Sipson will comply with all relevant health and safety legislation, regulations, and approved industry guidance. We will monitor changes in legal requirements and adjust our procedures and training as necessary to maintain compliance and best practice, particularly in relation to manual handling, workplace transport, work at height, and safe use of equipment.
Responsibilities
Management is responsible for establishing safe systems of work, providing adequate information, instruction, and training, and ensuring that risk assessments are carried out and reviewed regularly. Managers and supervisors must lead by example and ensure that safety standards are consistently applied across storage and removals operations.
Employees are responsible for taking reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions. This includes following safety procedures, using equipment properly, reporting hazards and incidents, and participating in training. Contractors working on our premises or as part of our services must adhere to this policy and any specific site rules provided to them.
Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices
Storage Sipson conducts risk assessments for all significant activities, including the loading and unloading of goods, vehicle movements, storage of items, and removal services. These assessments consider the nature of the goods, the weight and size of items, access routes, and the environment in which we work.
Control measures may include the use of mechanical handling aids, the planning of safe traffic routes, the segregation of pedestrians and vehicles, and limitations on stacking heights in storage areas. Safe systems of work are documented, communicated, and periodically reviewed to ensure they remain effective and relevant.
Manual Handling and Lifting Operations
Manual handling is a significant part of our removal and storage activities. We are committed to reducing the risk of musculoskeletal injuries through careful planning, use of handling equipment, and training. Wherever possible, we use trolleys, dollies, lifting straps, and other aids to minimise manual lifting.
Employees are trained in correct lifting techniques, team lifting, and the assessment of loads before moving them. No employee is expected to lift or move items that are beyond their physical capability, and they are encouraged to seek assistance or alternative methods where necessary.
Vehicles, Driving, and Transport Safety
Safe operation of vehicles is critical to our removal services. Only authorised and competent drivers may operate Storage Sipson vehicles. Drivers must conduct pre-use checks, report any defects, and follow journey plans and route instructions designed to minimise risk.
Loading and unloading are carried out in designated areas using agreed procedures to prevent falls, slips, and crush injuries. Loads are secured to prevent movement during transit, and vehicles are not overloaded. Reversing is controlled, and where practicable, a trained banksman is used.
Workplace Environment and Housekeeping
Storage Sipson maintains clean, orderly, and well-organised premises. Access routes, fire exits, and emergency equipment are kept clear at all times. Good housekeeping reduces the risk of slips, trips, and falls, and helps ensure efficient storage and retrieval of goods.
Lighting, ventilation, and temperature are managed to provide a comfortable and safe working environment. Any defects or hazards, such as damaged racking, uneven flooring, or spillages, must be reported immediately and rectified as soon as reasonably practicable.
Equipment, Maintenance, and Personal Protective Equipment
All work equipment used in our storage and removal activities is selected, maintained, and inspected in accordance with manufacturer instructions and legal requirements. This includes vehicles, lifting equipment, racking, and handling devices.
Where risks cannot be controlled by other means, appropriate personal protective equipment is provided, such as safety footwear, gloves, and high-visibility clothing. Employees must use this equipment as instructed and report any loss, damage, or defect.
Training, Information, and Supervision
Storage Sipson provides health and safety induction for all new employees, covering site-specific rules, emergency procedures, and basic safety requirements. Ongoing training is provided for manual handling, use of equipment, driving, and any specialised tasks.
Supervisors are responsible for monitoring working practices, providing clear instructions, and ensuring that employees understand and follow safety procedures. Information on risks, controls, and any changes to procedures is communicated in a timely and clear manner.
Emergency Preparedness and First Aid
Emergency arrangements are in place for fire, accidents, spills, and other foreseeable incidents. Evacuation routes, assembly points, and responsibilities for key personnel are clearly defined and communicated. Regular drills are conducted so that everyone is familiar with procedures.
Adequate first aid facilities are provided on site and in vehicles as appropriate. Trained first aiders are available during working hours, and all incidents, however minor, are recorded and reviewed to identify trends and opportunities for improvement.
Accident, Incident, and Near-Miss Reporting
All accidents, incidents, and near misses must be reported without delay. This enables Storage Sipson to investigate causes, implement corrective actions, and prevent recurrence. Employees are encouraged to report unsafe conditions and behaviours without fear of blame when acting in good faith.
Where required by law, certain incidents will be reported to the relevant authorities. Records of incidents and investigations are retained and used to monitor performance and target improvements.
Continuous Improvement and Policy Review
Storage Sipson is committed to continual improvement in health and safety performance. We review this policy regularly, and whenever there are significant changes to our operations, legislation, or identified risks. Feedback from employees, contractors, and customers is welcomed and used to enhance our safety management approach.
By working together and following this policy, we aim to ensure that Storage Sipson remains a safe and reliable provider of storage and removal services for all who use or work within our facilities.
