Storage Ratcliff Health and Safety Policy
Storage Ratcliff is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for all employees, customers, visitors, contractors and members of the public who may be affected by our removal and storage activities. We aim to prevent accidents, work-related injuries and ill health by identifying hazards, assessing risks and implementing effective control measures across all areas of our operations.
This Health and Safety Policy forms part of our overall management approach and applies to all business activities, including removals, packing, handling, loading, transportation, unloading, storage, office operations and site visits.
Management Responsibilities
Senior management at Storage Ratcliff holds overall responsibility for health and safety within the company. Management will provide strong and visible leadership, ensuring that health and safety requirements are integrated into planning, decision-making and day-to-day operations.
Management will ensure that adequate resources are made available for implementing and maintaining safe systems of work, providing appropriate training, supervision and equipment, and keeping this policy and associated procedures under regular review. Responsibilities for specific health and safety tasks are clearly defined, communicated and monitored.
Employee Responsibilities
Every employee 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 Storage Ratcliff in implementing this policy and follow all safety procedures, instructions and guidance.
Employees are required to use equipment correctly, wear appropriate personal protective equipment when provided, report hazards, near-misses and incidents promptly, and participate in training and safety briefings. No employee should undertake any task for which they are not competent, trained or authorised.
Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work
Storage Ratcliff will identify and assess risks associated with our removal, handling and storage activities. Risk assessments will be completed, recorded and reviewed regularly and whenever there are significant changes in operations, equipment, premises or legislation.
Based on these assessments, safe systems of work will be developed and implemented. These will cover, where relevant, manual handling, lifting operations, vehicle movements, loading and unloading, working at height, use of tools and equipment, and storage of goods. All employees will be briefed on the safe systems relevant to their role.
Manual Handling and Lifting
Given the nature of removal and storage operations, manual handling is a significant area of focus. Storage Ratcliff will minimise manual lifting by using mechanical aids, trolleys and other handling equipment wherever reasonably practicable. Loads will be assessed for weight, shape and stability before being moved.
All staff involved in lifting and handling will receive appropriate training in safe techniques, including team lifting where required. No employee should attempt to lift loads that could cause strain or injury. Customers will be informed, where appropriate, about any necessary access requirements to support safe moving and handling.
Vehicle Safety, Driving and Transport
Our vehicles and equipment are essential to our removal services. Storage Ratcliff will ensure that vehicles used for removal and storage activities are properly maintained, inspected and suitable for the tasks assigned.
Only authorised and appropriately licensed drivers may operate company vehicles. Drivers must comply with road safety rules, drive responsibly and follow company procedures for loading, securing and unloading goods. Loads must be evenly distributed, properly secured and checked before departure.
Where possible, safe access and egress routes will be identified at collection and delivery locations. Reversing manoeuvres will be controlled and, where reasonably practicable, assisted by a trained guide.
Premises, Storage Areas and Housekeeping
Storage Ratcliff will maintain its premises, storage areas and offices in a safe and orderly condition. Good housekeeping practices will be followed, including keeping walkways and exits clear, managing spillages promptly, removing waste regularly and storing equipment safely.
Racking, storage units and containers will be inspected periodically to ensure they remain in a safe condition. Stacked goods will be arranged to prevent collapse, obstruction or damage. Fire exits, alarms and emergency routes will be clearly marked and kept unobstructed.
Equipment, Maintenance and Personal Protective Equipment
All tools, lifting equipment, vehicles and other work equipment used by Storage Ratcliff will be appropriate for the task, properly maintained and inspected at suitable intervals. Defective or damaged equipment must be removed from service and reported immediately.
Where risk assessments highlight the need for personal protective equipment, such as safety footwear, gloves, high-visibility clothing or eye protection, this will be provided and must be worn and maintained in accordance with training and instructions.
Training, Communication and Supervision
Storage Ratcliff is committed to ensuring that all employees are competent to perform their duties safely. Induction and ongoing training will be provided on health and safety requirements, safe working procedures, emergency arrangements and role-specific risks.
Safety information will be communicated through briefings, toolbox talks and written instructions. Supervisors and managers will monitor working practices and provide guidance, correction and support where needed to maintain safe behaviour and standards.
Accident Reporting and Investigation
All accidents, incidents, near-misses and hazardous conditions must be reported promptly to management. Storage Ratcliff will record and investigate these events to identify causes and implement improvements to prevent recurrence.
Where necessary, relevant authorities will be notified in accordance with applicable legal requirements. Lessons learned from investigations will be shared with staff and incorporated into updated procedures and training.
Emergency Preparedness
Storage Ratcliff will maintain clear emergency procedures for fire, medical incidents, vehicle incidents and other foreseeable emergencies related to removal and storage work. Staff will receive training on how to respond, raise alarms and, where appropriate, assist in evacuation.
Emergency equipment, such as fire extinguishers and first aid supplies, will be provided and maintained. Designated persons will be appointed and trained as fire marshals and first aiders, appropriate to the size and nature of the operations.
Consultation and Continuous Improvement
Storage Ratcliff recognises that effective health and safety management requires the involvement and cooperation of everyone in the business. We will consult with employees and, where relevant, contractors about health and safety matters, encouraging feedback, suggestions and reporting of concerns.
This Health and Safety Policy will be reviewed regularly to ensure it remains suitable, adequate and effective. The review will consider operational changes, incident data, feedback from staff and any relevant updates to regulations or industry best practice. Improvements will be implemented with the aim of continually enhancing our safety performance.
By working together and following this policy, Storage Ratcliff aims to ensure that our removal and storage activities are carried out as safely as reasonably practicable, protecting people, property and the environment.
