Health and Safety Policy for Storage Maryland
Storage Maryland is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for employees, customers, visitors, and contractors. This Health and Safety Policy sets out our approach to managing risks associated with storage, handling, and removal activities, and forms an integral part of our operational procedures.
Policy Statement
Our objective is to prevent injury, ill health, and damage to property, while protecting the wellbeing of all persons affected by our work. We will identify and control hazards, provide appropriate training and equipment, and continually seek to improve our performance in health and safety matters.
Scope of the Policy
This policy applies to all Storage Maryland operations, including storage facilities, loading areas, vehicles, and any off-site locations where removal or related services are provided. It covers permanent and temporary employees, contractors, agency staff, visitors, and customers present on our premises or engaged with our services.
Management Responsibilities
Senior management at Storage Maryland has overall responsibility for health and safety. Management will:
Ensure that appropriate health and safety procedures are developed, implemented, and reviewed regularly.
Provide resources, equipment, and training necessary for safe working practices.
Set clear objectives for reducing accidents and incidents and monitor performance against those objectives.
Ensure that risk assessments are conducted, recorded, and updated when work practices or environments change.
Promote a positive safety culture in which staff are encouraged to identify hazards and suggest improvements.
Employee Responsibilities
Every employee of Storage Maryland has a duty to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions. Employees must:
Follow company safety procedures, instructions, and training at all times.
Use any protective equipment and safety devices provided by the company correctly.
Report accidents, near misses, unsafe conditions, or defective equipment to a manager without delay.
Cooperate fully with investigations, audits, and training activities.
Refrain from any reckless or unsafe behaviour that could pose a risk to themselves or others.
Risk Assessment and Safe Systems of Work
We will systematically identify potential hazards associated with storage, handling, and removal operations, including but not limited to manual handling, use of trolleys and lifting equipment, vehicle operations, working at height, and fire safety.
Risk assessments will be used to establish safe systems of work for activities such as loading and unloading vehicles, stacking and retrieving goods, operating within storage units, and moving items through shared access areas. Control measures will be communicated clearly and reviewed periodically to ensure they remain effective.
Manual Handling and Lifting
Manual handling is a core part of storage and removal operations and is a key focus of our safety measures. Storage Maryland will:
Provide training in correct lifting techniques and safe movement of heavy or bulky items.
Encourage staff to assess the load before lifting, and to request assistance or mechanical aids where necessary.
Supply handling equipment such as trolleys, dollies, and lifting aids, and ensure these are properly maintained.
Discourage staff and customers from attempting to lift items that are beyond their personal capability.
Vehicles, Driving, and Loading
Where removal vehicles or company vehicles are used, we will ensure that:
Drivers are suitably trained, insured, and authorised.
Vehicles are maintained and inspected regularly.
Loads are distributed and secured safely to prevent shifting during transport.
Safe loading and unloading procedures are followed, with attention to reversing, use of ramps or tail-lifts, and interaction with pedestrians.
Storage Areas and Facility Safety
We will maintain our storage facilities in a safe condition, including corridors, loading bays, stairways, lifts, and access routes. This includes:
Keeping walkways clear of obstructions and spillages.
Ensuring lighting is adequate in all working and public areas.
Maintaining doors, locks, and shutters in good working order.
Implementing appropriate limits on stacking heights and load capacities for shelving and storage units.
Fire Safety and Emergency Procedures
Storage Maryland will implement and maintain clear fire safety and emergency arrangements. These include:
Providing suitable fire detection and alarm systems, and maintaining them in line with industry standards.
Displaying evacuation routes, assembly points, and emergency instructions clearly.
Keeping fire exits unobstructed and clearly marked.
Conducting regular checks of extinguishers and other fire safety equipment.
Ensuring staff are trained in emergency procedures and know how to assist customers and visitors during an incident.
Hazardous Materials and Prohibited Items
To protect the safety of all users of our facilities and services, Storage Maryland prohibits the storage or transport of items that present unacceptable risks, such as explosive, highly flammable, toxic, or corrosive substances. Customers are informed of prohibited items and are expected to comply with all related guidance. Staff will report any suspected breaches for further investigation and appropriate action.
Training, Information, and Supervision
We will provide staff with training relevant to their roles, including induction training, refresher courses, and task-specific instruction. Information on safe procedures will be made accessible, and supervisors will monitor compliance with safety requirements. Where removal or handling services are provided, operatives will receive additional training in safe packing, loading, and transport methods.
Consultation and Communication
Storage Maryland encourages open communication about health and safety. Employees are consulted on significant changes to working practices and are invited to raise health and safety concerns or suggestions with management. Incidents, near misses, and safety observations are used as learning opportunities to improve procedures.
Monitoring, Reporting, and Continuous Improvement
We will monitor our health and safety performance through inspections, incident reporting, and periodic reviews of this policy. Corrective actions will be taken where deficiencies are identified, and lessons learned will be incorporated into training and procedures. This policy will be reviewed regularly and updated to reflect operational changes, best practice, and applicable legal requirements.
Policy Review and Availability
This Health and Safety Policy is approved by senior management and is available to employees, customers, and other interested parties on request. It will be reviewed at regular intervals and following any significant change in operations to ensure that it remains current, effective, and aligned with our commitment to protecting people and property in all Storage Maryland activities.
