Storage Gallows Corner Health and Safety Policy
Storage Gallows Corner is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for employees, contractors, customers and visitors. This Health and Safety Policy sets out our approach to managing risks associated with storage facilities, handling of goods and removal activities, and the operation of vehicles and equipment. We aim to prevent injury, protect health and comply with all relevant health and safety legislation applicable to our business.
Our Health and Safety Objectives
Our primary objectives are to prevent accidents and work-related ill health, reduce risks connected with storage and removals, and ensure continuous improvement in our safety performance. We aim to integrate health and safety considerations into all business decisions, from facility layout and vehicle loading to employee training and customer interactions.
Management Responsibilities
Senior management at Storage Gallows Corner holds ultimate responsibility for health and safety. This responsibility includes ensuring that adequate resources are provided to implement the policy, maintaining appropriate safety procedures and monitoring their effectiveness. Managers are required to:
Plan and organise operations in a way that minimises risks to people, property and the environment.
Identify hazards associated with storage units, handling, lifting, packing, transporting and access routes, and ensure appropriate controls are in place.
Ensure that employees receive suitable information, instruction, training and supervision to work safely and competently.
Investigate accidents, incidents and near misses, identify root causes and take corrective and preventative action.
Employee Responsibilities
Every employee, including those working in storage operations, removal services, driving or administration, has a duty to safeguard their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions. Employees are expected to:
Follow all safe systems of work, instructions and procedures issued by Storage Gallows Corner.
Use equipment, vehicles and personal protective equipment correctly and report any defects or concerns immediately.
Cooperate with supervisors and managers to enable the company to fulfil its legal and policy obligations.
Report all accidents, incidents, unsafe conditions and near misses promptly so that they can be investigated and addressed.
Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices
Storage Gallows Corner conducts regular risk assessments covering storage units, loading bays, access roads, walkways, stairways, lifts, and any dedicated areas for removal activities. These assessments consider hazards such as manual handling, vehicle movements, working at height, fire, slips and trips, and the storage of customer goods.
Based on the outcomes of these assessments we implement safe systems of work, including methods for lifting and carrying, loading and unloading vehicles, stacking and racking, using trolleys and other handling equipment, and managing traffic flows. Risk assessments are reviewed periodically and whenever significant changes in operations or facilities occur.
Manual Handling and Use of Equipment
Manual handling and physical lifting are key parts of storage and removal work. To reduce the risk of musculoskeletal injury we:
Provide manual handling training for relevant employees, including correct lifting techniques, team lifting and the use of mechanical aids.
Encourage planning of lifts, assessing load weight, shape and stability before moving any item.
Supply appropriate handling equipment such as trolleys, dollies and lifting aids, and ensure that they are maintained in good working order.
Ensure that only trained and authorised personnel operate specialist equipment such as forklifts and powered lifting devices where applicable.
Vehicle and Driving Safety
For removal and delivery operations, safe driving and vehicle use are essential. Storage Gallows Corner ensures that vehicles used for transporting goods are maintained in a roadworthy condition and serviced regularly. Drivers are expected to observe all traffic regulations, drive defensively, secure loads correctly and carry out pre-use checks.
We manage loading and unloading activities to minimise reversing and potential contact between vehicles and pedestrians. Designated loading areas, clear signage and appropriate lighting are used to support safe operations.
Customer and Visitor Safety
We are committed to protecting customers and visitors who access our storage premises or interact with our removal teams. Clear information is provided on safe access routes, opening hours and any restricted zones. Staff are trained to offer guidance on safe loading of storage units, positioning of goods and safe use of trolleys and shared facilities.
Visitors are required to comply with site rules, follow safety instructions, and avoid entering operational areas without authorisation or supervision.
Fire Safety and Emergency Procedures
Storage Gallows Corner maintains appropriate fire risk controls, including fire detection and alarm systems, clearly marked emergency exits, and suitable fire-fighting equipment. Emergency routes are kept clear at all times.
Employees receive training in emergency procedures, including evacuation routines, assembly points and communication methods. Fire drills and emergency practice exercises are carried out as necessary to ensure readiness. Any incident requiring evacuation is reviewed to identify opportunities for improvement.
Health, Welfare and Working Environment
We aim to provide a working environment that supports the health and wellbeing of our team. This includes adequate lighting, ventilation, temperature control, welfare facilities and rest areas. We seek to manage fatigue risks for staff involved in driving and physically demanding work by encouraging appropriate breaks and sensible shift planning.
Where particular health concerns arise from specific tasks, such as prolonged manual handling or repetitive activities, we assess and manage these risks to minimise the potential for long-term health issues.
Training, Communication and Consultation
Training is an integral part of our safety programme. New employees receive induction training that covers this policy, emergency procedures, site rules and relevant safe working practices. Additional role-specific training is given to employees engaged in removal activities, vehicle driving, customer-facing work and maintenance tasks.
We communicate updates to health and safety arrangements through team briefings and written instructions. Employees are encouraged to raise safety concerns, suggest improvements and participate in consultation processes. Feedback from staff, customers and contractors is used to refine our procedures and enhance safety standards.
Monitoring, Review and Continuous Improvement
Storage Gallows Corner monitors health and safety performance through inspections, audits, incident reporting and trend analysis. Where deficiencies are identified, corrective action plans are implemented and tracked.
This Health and Safety Policy is reviewed regularly to ensure it remains relevant to our storage and removal operations and reflects current legal requirements and best practice. Revisions are communicated to employees and incorporated into training materials and operating procedures.
By working together, we aim to maintain a safe environment for everyone who works with or uses the services of Storage Gallows Corner.
