Storage Barbican Health and Safety Policy
This Health and Safety Policy sets out how Storage Barbican manages the wellbeing of employees, contractors, customers and visitors across our storage facilities and removal operations. Our aim is to prevent injury and ill health, protect property, and maintain a safe working and visiting environment at all times.
Our Commitment to Health and Safety
Storage Barbican is committed to operating in a manner that safeguards people, premises and goods. We integrate health and safety considerations into the planning and delivery of all storage and removal services. Senior management provides visible leadership and resources to ensure that safe systems of work are implemented, monitored and continually improved.
We comply with all applicable health and safety legislation and relevant industry standards. Where practical, we adopt best practice measures that go beyond minimum legal requirements, especially in relation to manual handling, vehicle movements, and the safe use of storage units and associated equipment.
Responsibilities and Accountability
Overall responsibility for health and safety rests with senior management, who are accountable for ensuring that effective arrangements are in place and periodically reviewed. Managers and supervisors are responsible for implementing this policy in their areas, communicating safety expectations, and ensuring that staff are trained and competent for their roles.
Every employee, contractor and agency worker has 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. This includes following training and instructions, using equipment correctly, and reporting hazards, near misses and incidents without delay.
Visitors and customers, including those accessing storage units or arranging removals, are expected to cooperate with safety guidance provided on site and by our teams. This includes complying with signage, restricted areas, and any instructions regarding lifting, access and vehicle movements.
Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work
Storage Barbican undertakes systematic risk assessments covering storage facilities, offices and removal operations. These assessments identify significant hazards, evaluate risks, and define control measures to reduce risks so far as reasonably practicable.
Safe systems of work are established for key activities such as loading and unloading vehicles, moving and stacking goods, operating handling equipment, securing loads, accessing storage units, and working in and around vehicles and loading bays. These procedures are communicated to staff and reviewed as services, equipment or working practices change.
Training, Information and Supervision
We provide relevant health and safety training to all employees and ensure that they are competent to carry out their duties. This may include induction training, manual handling, working at height where applicable, use of trolleys and handling equipment, vehicle safety, fire safety, emergency procedures and first aid awareness.
Supervisors monitor working practices to ensure safe methods are followed, particularly for higher risk tasks such as lifting heavy or awkward items, navigating confined spaces within storage areas, and coordinating removal activities at customer locations. Additional briefings are provided when dealing with unusual loads, restricted access, or multi-vehicle operations.
Safe Use of Storage Facilities
Storage Barbican designs and maintains its facilities to minimise risk to users and staff. Aisles, corridors and emergency exits are kept clear and well lit. Floors are routinely inspected to prevent slips and trips, and storage units must be loaded in a stable and secure manner to avoid falling objects.
Customers are advised on safe loading practices, sensible stacking heights, and the importance of leaving clear access routes within units. Hazardous or prohibited items are not permitted in storage. Any damage to units, fixtures or safety features must be reported immediately so that remedial action can be taken.
Manual Handling and Removal Activities
Many of our services involve the movement of furniture, boxes and other large or heavy items. To manage the risks associated with manual handling, staff receive training on correct lifting and carrying techniques, the use of handling aids, and the assessment of loads before attempting to move them.
Where possible, lifting and carrying are reduced by using trolleys, dollies and other equipment. Two-person or team lifts are used for heavy or awkward items. For removal services, staff plan the route in advance, identify potential hazards at origin and destination, and agree methods of communication and coordination to keep everyone safe.
Vehicles and Traffic Management
Vehicle movements in and around our premises are managed to reduce the risk of collisions and injuries. Designated loading and unloading areas are clearly marked, and speed limits are enforced. Reversing manoeuvres are minimised where possible and, when necessary, supported by a trained banksman or spotter.
Drivers must comply with road traffic legislation and company rules on safe driving, vehicle checks and load security. Loads are secured appropriately to prevent movement during transit, and access to vehicles is controlled while loading and unloading is taking place.
Emergency Preparedness and First Aid
Emergency procedures are in place for foreseeable incidents such as fire, structural damage, serious injury or hazardous spills. Evacuation routes and assembly points are clearly signposted, and staff are trained in the actions to take during an emergency. Drills and tests are carried out as required to ensure readiness.
Suitable first aid arrangements are maintained, including trained first aiders and stocked first aid supplies. All accidents and significant incidents are recorded, investigated and reviewed to identify root causes and implement corrective actions.
Consultation, Communication and Continuous Improvement
Storage Barbican encourages open communication on health and safety matters. Employees are consulted on changes that may affect their safety, and are encouraged to make suggestions for improvement. Safety notices and briefings are used to share information on incidents, lessons learned and any changes to procedures.
This Health and Safety Policy is reviewed regularly and updated when necessary to reflect changes in legislation, industry standards, working practices or organisational structure. By working together and following this policy, we aim to provide a safe, reliable and professional environment for storage, removals and related services.
