Health and Safety Policy for Anerley Storage

Health and safety is a core responsibility at Anerley Storage. This policy sets out the standards, routines, and behaviours that help us maintain a secure, orderly, and low-risk environment for everyone who enters or works within the storage facility. Our approach is based on prevention, clear communication, and consistent attention to safe practice. We aim to reduce avoidable incidents by making safety part of everyday operations, not an afterthought.

Anerley Storage is committed to creating a workplace where safe conduct is expected and supported. This applies to staff, contractors, customers, and any authorised visitors. We recognise that storage settings can present risks such as slips, trips, lifting injuries, fire hazards, restricted access areas, and damage caused by poor handling. By putting practical controls in place, we protect people, property, and the integrity of stored goods.

All individuals using the facility are expected to act responsibly and follow safety instructions. House rules, warning signs, and operational procedures are designed to minimise risk and maintain a safe environment for all. The company supports a culture where hazards are reported promptly, concerns are taken seriously, and corrective action is taken without delay. Safety is everyone’s duty, and maintaining standards depends on cooperation at every level.

Risk assessment is central to our health and safety policy. We regularly review activities, equipment, and the physical layout of the storage environment to identify potential hazards and reduce them where possible. This includes examining walkways, lighting, access points, shelving, loading areas, and fire safety arrangements. When changes are made to the building, processes, or equipment, we review the impact on safety and adjust controls accordingly.

Manual handling is one of the most common sources of injury in storage environments, so staff are expected to use correct lifting methods and suitable equipment whenever possible. Heavy or awkward items should not be handled alone if a safer alternative is available. Trolleys, dollies, pallet equipment, and other handling aids must be used properly and only for their intended purpose. Training and supervision help ensure that goods are moved without unnecessary strain or risk.

Fire prevention is treated with particular importance. Storage areas must remain free from clutter, and combustible materials should be kept in appropriate locations. Electrical equipment must be used carefully and checked regularly for signs of damage or misuse. Staff are trained to recognise fire risks, keep escape routes clear, and respond quickly if an alarm sounds. Emergency procedures are reviewed so that occupants know how to act calmly and safely in the event of an incident.

Safe Working Practices

Maintaining a safe facility requires consistent routines and attention to detail. Walkways must remain clear, flooring should be kept in a condition that reduces slip risks, and any spillages should be dealt with promptly. Poor housekeeping can create hazards that affect everyone, so each area of the premises is expected to be kept tidy and organised. Items stored on shelves or in units must be stacked securely to prevent collapse or falling objects.

Access control is another important part of the policy. Only authorised people should enter operational or restricted areas. Security and safety are closely connected because unsafe access can lead to accidents, interference with stored items, or exposure to hazards. Staff are responsible for challenging unsafe behaviour and reporting unauthorised access where necessary. This helps protect both the people on site and the goods held within the facility.

Personal protective equipment, where required, must be used correctly and maintained in good condition. Depending on the task, this may include gloves, high-visibility items, safety footwear, or other protective clothing. Suitable equipment should always be chosen according to the nature of the work. PPE does not replace safe systems of work, but it adds an extra layer of protection when tasks involve manual handling, movement of goods, or work in higher-risk areas.

Responsibilities and Training

Management has overall responsibility for ensuring that this policy is implemented effectively. This includes providing safe systems of work, monitoring compliance, arranging maintenance, and ensuring that staff receive suitable information and instruction. Supervisors must reinforce good practice, identify unsafe conditions, and act when standards are not being met. A strong safety culture depends on clear leadership and a willingness to address problems early.

Employees and contractors are expected to follow instructions, use equipment safely, and report hazards or incidents as soon as they are noticed. This includes damaged fixtures, unsafe stacking, blocked exits, faulty lighting, or anything else that may create risk. It is important that reporting is done quickly so that action can be taken before an issue becomes an accident. Everyone should understand that prompt reporting helps prevent harm.

Training is provided to ensure that people understand the risks associated with storage activities and know how to manage them responsibly. This includes induction information, ongoing reminders, and task-specific instruction where needed. Training may cover fire safety, manual handling, emergency procedures, housekeeping, and safe use of equipment. Refresher input is provided when procedures change or when additional support is required to maintain competence.

Monitoring, Incidents, and Continuous Improvement

Near-miss incidents, accidents, and unsafe conditions are recorded and reviewed so that lessons can be learned. The purpose of this process is not only to respond to events, but also to improve prevention. By analysing patterns and identifying root causes, we can strengthen controls and reduce the likelihood of recurrence. This proactive approach supports safer operations and demonstrates our commitment to continuous improvement.

Regular inspections help confirm that health and safety standards are being maintained. Checks may include the condition of storage units, equipment, lighting, emergency exits, signage, and general housekeeping. Where issues are found, corrective action is taken in a timely manner. In more serious situations, work may be paused until the hazard has been made safe. A careful, disciplined approach helps preserve both operational quality and personal safety.

We review this policy periodically to ensure it remains effective, practical, and aligned with the needs of the business. Updates may be made following incidents, operational changes, or new findings from internal checks and risk assessments. Safety performance is measured not only by compliance, but also by the extent to which hazards are anticipated and controlled before they cause harm. Anerley Storage is committed to maintaining a workplace where safety is embedded in every part of the operation.