Health and Safety Policy for Storage Leaves Green
Storage Leaves Green is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for all employees, customers, contractors and visitors. This Health and Safety Policy sets out our approach to managing risks associated with our removal and storage services, and the wider activities that support them. Our goal is to prevent accidents, injuries and work-related ill health through effective planning, training and continuous improvement.
Policy Aims and Objectives
The main aims of this policy are to protect people, property and the environment, to comply with applicable health and safety legislation, and to promote a positive safety culture throughout Storage Leaves Green. We will identify hazards, assess risks, implement suitable controls and regularly review our practices to ensure they remain effective and proportionate to our operations.
Management Responsibilities
Senior management at Storage Leaves Green holds overall responsibility for health and safety performance. Management will provide leadership, allocate appropriate resources and set clear expectations for safe working practices across our removal and storage services. This includes ensuring that risk assessments are carried out, that appropriate equipment is provided and maintained, and that staff receive relevant instruction and supervision.
Managers and supervisors must ensure that safety procedures are implemented in their areas of control. They are responsible for monitoring working conditions, addressing unsafe behaviours, reporting incidents and near misses, and supporting team members to work safely. Management will review accident reports and safety data to identify trends and make informed improvements.
Employee Responsibilities
All employees share responsibility for maintaining a safe workplace. Staff must follow training and safety procedures, use equipment correctly, and take reasonable care for their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions. Employees are expected to report hazards, defects, near misses and incidents promptly so that corrective action can be taken.
No task should be carried out in an unsafe manner or without appropriate equipment. Employees have the authority to stop work if they believe conditions present a serious and immediate danger. Cooperation with safety measures and participation in training sessions are essential to ensure that standards are upheld throughout Storage Leaves Green.
Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work
Storage Leaves Green will carry out structured risk assessments for all significant activities, including lifting and carrying, vehicle operations, use of storage equipment, and handling of customer goods. The findings of these assessments will be used to develop safe systems of work and appropriate control measures. These will be communicated clearly to employees and reviewed regularly, particularly when changes in work practices or equipment occur.
Where necessary, specific method statements will be created for complex or higher-risk tasks. These documents will define the steps to be followed, the equipment to be used, and any additional precautions required to manage the risks effectively.
Manual Handling and Lifting Operations
Removals and storage activities involve significant manual handling, including carrying furniture, boxes and other items. Storage Leaves Green will minimise manual handling risks by conducting assessments, using mechanical aids where practical, and applying correct lifting techniques. Staff will be trained to recognise loads that are too heavy or awkward to move safely and to work in teams where required.
Employees must not attempt to lift or move items that exceed safe limits or that cannot be handled safely due to shape, weight or instability. Where mechanical equipment such as trolleys or lifting devices is provided, it must be inspected before use and operated according to training and instructions.
Vehicles and Driving Safety
The safe operation of vehicles used for removals and transport is a key priority. Storage Leaves Green will ensure that vehicles are maintained in a roadworthy condition, with regular inspections and servicing. Drivers must hold the appropriate licences and follow safe driving practices, including adherence to speed limits, securing loads correctly and planning routes to reduce risks.
Drivers and crew members are responsible for checking vehicles before use, reporting defects and ensuring that customer goods are loaded securely to prevent movement during transit. Fatigue, distraction and impaired driving are not tolerated. Rest breaks and working hours will be managed to reduce the risk of accidents related to tiredness.
Workplace and Storage Safety
Storage Leaves Green will maintain its premises, storage areas and offices in a clean, orderly and safe condition. Emergency exits and access routes will be kept clear, and fire safety equipment will be maintained and inspected at appropriate intervals. Storage systems and racking will be used within their rated capacities, and items will be stacked in a stable and secure manner.
Any damage to the structure, equipment or safety systems within the workplace must be reported immediately. Signage, lighting and housekeeping will be managed to reduce slips, trips and falls, and to ensure that people can move safely around the site.
Training, Information and Consultation
Storage Leaves Green will provide employees with adequate health and safety training relevant to their roles. This includes induction training for new starters, refresher training when procedures change, and task-specific instruction such as manual handling techniques, vehicle safety and equipment use. Information about risks and control measures will be communicated clearly and in a way that employees can understand and apply.
We encourage open consultation on health and safety matters. Employees are invited to raise concerns, suggest improvements and participate in discussions about safety performance. Feedback from staff, customers and contractors will be considered when reviewing and updating this policy.
Incident Reporting and Emergency Procedures
All accidents, injuries, near misses and unsafe conditions must be reported as soon as possible. Storage Leaves Green will record and investigate incidents to identify root causes and implement corrective actions. Lessons learned will be shared with relevant staff to prevent recurrence and to strengthen our safety management arrangements.
Emergency procedures will be established for situations such as fire, medical emergencies and serious incidents involving vehicles or equipment. Staff will be trained in these procedures and expected to participate in drills where appropriate. Emergency contact arrangements and responsibilities will be clearly communicated within the organisation.
Continuous Improvement and Policy Review
Storage Leaves Green is committed to the continuous improvement of health and safety performance. This policy and the associated procedures will be reviewed at regular intervals, and whenever there are significant changes in operations, legislation or best practice. The review process will consider incident data, employee feedback, inspection findings and any other relevant information.
By working together and following the principles set out in this Health and Safety Policy, Storage Leaves Green aims to maintain a safe, healthy and productive environment for everyone involved in our removal and storage services.
