Health and Safety Policy for Storage Edmonton
Storage Edmonton is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for employees, contractors, customers, and visitors. This Health and Safety Policy explains how we manage risks in our storage facilities and during removals, transport, and handling of goods. Everyone working with or on behalf of Storage Edmonton is required to follow this policy and the associated procedures.
Health and Safety Commitment
Our management accepts ultimate responsibility for health and safety within Storage Edmonton. We will provide appropriate resources, information, instruction, and supervision to maintain safe operations. We will work to prevent accidents, injuries, ill health, and damage to property arising from our activities, including packing, loading, unloading, and storage of goods.
We commit to continual improvement in our health and safety performance, including regular review of our systems, training, and working practices. We expect all staff and contractors to cooperate in achieving high standards of safety at all times.
Legal Compliance and Standards
Storage Edmonton will comply with all applicable health and safety laws and regulations relevant to storage operations, removals, and workplace safety. Where possible, we will apply standards that meet or exceed legal requirements. We will maintain clear documentation of our risk assessments, safe systems of work, and training activities to demonstrate compliance and good practice.
Roles and Responsibilities
Management is responsible for implementing this policy, setting safety objectives, and ensuring that suitable procedures and controls are in place. Managers and supervisors must lead by example, promote safe behaviour, and ensure that staff understand and follow safe working practices in warehouses, vehicles, and client premises.
Employees must take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions. They are required to follow all safety instructions, use equipment correctly, cooperate with training, and report hazards, accidents, near misses, and unsafe conditions immediately to a supervisor.
Contractors working on behalf of Storage Edmonton must comply with this policy and our site rules. They must use appropriate protective equipment, operate machinery and vehicles safely, and coordinate with our staff to avoid risks to themselves and others.
Risk Assessment and Hazard Control
We will identify, assess, and control risks related to our operations, including storage, handling, packing, transportation, loading and unloading of items, and the use of lifting equipment and vehicles. Risk assessments will be carried out regularly and whenever work processes, equipment, or premises change.
We will implement practical and proportionate control measures to manage identified hazards, such as manual handling risks, slips and trips, working at height, use of trolleys and lifting aids, vehicle movements, and environmental conditions in storage areas. Control measures will be communicated clearly to all relevant personnel.
Safe Working Practices for Storage and Removals
Storage Edmonton will operate safe systems of work for all activities, including removals, packing, and storage. These systems will cover planning, preparation, and execution of tasks to minimise risk. Where heavy or bulky items are involved, suitable lifting techniques, lifting aids, or additional personnel will be used to avoid manual handling injuries.
All walkways, loading bays, and storage areas must be kept clear of obstacles and maintained in good condition. Stacked items must be stable and secure, with particular care taken to prevent falling objects. Staff are required to check the condition of items and packaging before lifting, and to avoid unsafe loads.
Vehicles and Road Safety
Drivers and assistants involved in removals and transport activities must follow road safety rules and our vehicle operating procedures. Vehicles must be maintained in safe working order, and defects reported immediately. Loads must be secured correctly to prevent movement or damage in transit.
When operating vehicles at storage sites or client premises, drivers must take care to protect pedestrians and property, follow designated routes, and use reversing aids or assistance where necessary. Parking, loading, and unloading must be planned to avoid unnecessary risk.
Training, Information, and Supervision
Storage Edmonton will provide appropriate health and safety training to all employees, including induction training, task-specific instruction, and refresher training where required. Training may cover manual handling, use of lifting equipment, vehicle safety, emergency procedures, and safe storage practices.
Supervisors are responsible for ensuring that staff understand the training and can apply it in their work. Additional supervision will be provided for new, young, or inexperienced workers, and for tasks that involve increased risk.
Personal Protective Equipment
Where risks cannot be fully controlled by other means, suitable personal protective equipment will be provided. This may include safety footwear, gloves, high-visibility clothing, eye protection, and other items appropriate to the task and environment. Employees must use the equipment provided, keep it in good condition, and report any damage or defects immediately.
Accidents, Incidents, and Near Miss Reporting
All accidents, injuries, near misses, and unsafe conditions must be reported without delay. Storage Edmonton will investigate incidents to identify their root causes and implement measures to prevent recurrence. Records of incidents and corrective actions will be maintained and reviewed to identify trends and opportunities for improvement.
Emergency Preparedness
We will maintain clear emergency procedures for fire, evacuation, medical emergencies, and other foreseeable events. Fire exits and escape routes will be kept clear, and emergency equipment such as alarms and extinguishers will be checked regularly. Staff will be informed of emergency arrangements and may participate in drills where appropriate.
Consultation and Continuous Improvement
Storage Edmonton encourages staff to contribute ideas for improving health and safety. Concerns or suggestions related to safety in storage operations or removals can be raised with managers or supervisors. We will review this Health and Safety Policy periodically and update it in line with changes in legislation, industry standards, and operational needs, ensuring it remains suitable and effective for our storage and removal activities.
