Health and Safety Policy for Westharrow Storage

Westharrow Storage is committed to providing a safe, secure, and well-managed environment for customers, visitors, and staff. This health and safety policy sets out the standards and behaviours expected across our storage facilities. It is designed to reduce risk, support responsible working practices, and help everyone contribute to a safer site.

The policy applies to all areas of the business, including unit access, loading spaces, shared routes, and administrative operations. We expect all users of the premises to act carefully, follow instructions, and avoid behaviours that could cause injury, damage, or disruption. In particular, we ask everyone to keep pathways clear, use equipment correctly, and report any unsafe condition without delay.

Our Safety Commitment

Westharrow Storage aims to maintain a workplace where risks are identified early and managed effectively. We do this by combining regular inspections, suitable training, clear housekeeping standards, and prompt maintenance. Safety is a shared responsibility, and everyone entering the site has a duty to behave in a way that protects themselves and others.

Core Principles

Our approach to storage facility health and safety is based on prevention, awareness, and accountability. We seek to remove hazards where possible and reduce exposure where elimination is not practical. This includes ensuring that walkways remain unobstructed, lighting is adequate, and any reported defect is investigated promptly.

Key expectations for all users

• Keep corridors, doors, and access points free from obstruction.
• Use trolleys, lifting aids, and moving equipment properly.
• Wear suitable clothing and footwear for the task being carried out.
• Do not overload shelving, pallets, or storage units.
• Follow all site notices, warnings, and operational instructions.

We also expect customers and staff to store goods in a way that does not create fire, spill, pest, or manual handling risks. Items should be arranged neatly and securely, with heavier goods placed lower where practical. Unsafe stacking or careless placement of belongings can place everyone at risk and will not be permitted.

Managing Hazards and Emergencies

Westharrow Storage carries out routine checks to identify hazards such as damaged flooring, poor lighting, leaks, trip risks, and blocked exits. Where a risk is found, action is taken as quickly as reasonably possible. Temporary controls may be introduced while repairs or follow-up work are arranged. Staff are encouraged to remain alert and to treat all hazards seriously, even when they appear minor.

Emergency procedures are kept clear and straightforward. In the event of fire, evacuation, accident, or another serious incident, everyone must follow the instructions provided by on-site staff or emergency services. Access routes and exits must never be obstructed. Any person who becomes aware of an emergency should raise the alarm immediately and help others only if it is safe to do so.

Reporting and Investigation

All accidents, near misses, incidents of damage, and unsafe conditions must be reported as soon as possible. Prompt reporting helps us understand what happened and prevents recurrence. Investigations are carried out in a fair and practical manner, focusing on root causes rather than blame. Findings may lead to improved signage, revised procedures, additional maintenance, or refresher training.

Working Safely at Westharrow Storage

Staff members are expected to follow safe systems of work at all times, including when receiving deliveries, supporting customers, or carrying out routine checks. Tasks should be planned before they begin, with attention given to the size, weight, and shape of items being moved. If a task feels unsafe, it should be paused until the risk can be reduced. No activity should continue under unsafe conditions.

Manual handling and equipment use

Manual handling remains one of the main causes of injury in storage settings, so we encourage sensible lifting practices and appropriate use of trolleys or other aids. Employees must not attempt to move items beyond their capability. Customers are similarly advised to ask for help where practical, especially when handling awkward, heavy, or unstable goods. Equipment should only be used by competent persons and in line with its intended purpose.

Regular maintenance is an essential part of our storage unit safety policy. Doors, locks, lighting, alarms, and shared facilities are checked and maintained to a suitable standard. If a defect is identified, it should be isolated or reported immediately so that it does not create a further hazard. Preventive care helps preserve both safety and service quality.

Training, Responsibility, and Review

Westharrow Storage provides suitable instruction and supervision so that staff understand their responsibilities and can carry out their work safely. Training covers general site awareness, emergency arrangements, housekeeping, incident reporting, and the safe use of equipment. Additional support is given when tasks change or when new risks are introduced.

Everyone on site has a role in maintaining a safe environment. Managers are responsible for setting standards, monitoring compliance, and making sure controls remain effective. Staff must follow procedures consistently, while customers and visitors are expected to respect site rules and act responsibly. A good culture depends on cooperation, honesty, and willingness to speak up when something is wrong.

We review this warehouse health and safety policy regularly to ensure it remains suitable and effective. Reviews take account of incident records, inspection findings, operational changes, and feedback from day-to-day activity. Where improvements are needed, the policy and associated procedures are updated accordingly. This helps Westharrow Storage maintain a practical, modern, and risk-aware approach to safety.

Conclusion

The aim of this policy is simple: to help create a safer storage environment through clear expectations, careful working, and prompt action when issues arise. By following safe practices and supporting one another, we can reduce the likelihood of accidents and maintain a dependable, well-run facility. Health and safety at Westharrow Storage is not a separate task; it is part of how we operate every day.