Health and Safety Policy for Goddington Storage
At Goddington Storage, health and safety is a core responsibility that shapes how we manage our premises, equipment, and day-to-day operations. Our storage health and safety policy is designed to protect employees, customers, contractors, visitors, and any other person who may be affected by our activities. We are committed to maintaining a safe environment through careful planning, regular inspection, clear procedures, and prompt action when risks are identified.
The purpose of this policy is to set out our approach to preventing accidents, reducing hazards, and promoting safe working practices across all storage areas. We recognise that a well-managed storage facility safety policy supports reliable service and helps to avoid injury, damage, and disruption. Safety is not treated as a one-off task; it is built into daily operations, staff behaviour, and the way we assess and control risk.
This policy applies to all parts of Goddington Storage, including unit access areas, loading and unloading zones, internal corridors, car parks, reception spaces, and any shared operational areas. It also applies to all people working on or visiting the site. Everyone is expected to cooperate with safety arrangements, follow instructions, and take reasonable care of themselves and others.
We identify hazards through routine checks, incident reporting, maintenance reviews, and operational observation. Common risks in a storage environment may include slips, trips, and falls; moving vehicles; incorrect lifting; poor stacking; blocked walkways; fire risks; and unsafe handling of equipment. To address these risks, we apply practical controls such as clear signage, good housekeeping, designated traffic routes, safe storage limits, and regular upkeep of facilities.
Fire safety is a major priority. All areas must be kept free from unnecessary combustible materials, and escape routes must remain clear at all times. Staff are trained to recognise fire hazards, understand evacuation procedures, and respond appropriately if an alarm is raised. We also monitor electrical equipment, avoid overloading sockets, and ensure that fire prevention measures remain effective through inspection and maintenance.
Safe manual handling is another essential part of our health and safety policy for storage units. Items should be assessed before moving, and mechanical aids should be used wherever possible. Staff must not attempt to lift loads beyond their capability, and customers are encouraged to pack and stack items responsibly. We aim to minimise the risk of strain or injury by promoting sensible handling methods and maintaining accessible routes for movement.
At the middle of our operations, safety relies on good communication and consistent supervision. Managers are responsible for making sure employees understand procedures, receive appropriate training, and know how to report hazards or concerns. Any unsafe condition should be raised immediately and investigated without delay. Where necessary, work may be paused until the issue has been corrected and the area made safe.
Equipment used on site, including trolleys, ladders, gates, lighting, alarms, and access control systems, must be used correctly and kept in suitable condition. Faults should be reported as soon as they are noticed so repairs can be arranged. We take a proactive approach to maintenance because reliable equipment helps prevent avoidable incidents and supports the smooth operation of the Goddington Storage safety standards.
Visitors and customers also play an important role in keeping the site safe. They should follow site rules, remain within authorised areas, and avoid actions that could place themselves or others at risk. Children and vulnerable individuals must be supervised at all times. We expect everyone to behave responsibly, particularly around traffic movement, doors, ramps, and any area where visibility may be limited.
Training is a key part of our approach. Staff receive information relevant to their duties, including emergency procedures, hazard awareness, manual handling, safe access, and incident response. Refresher training is provided when needed to maintain awareness and reinforce best practice. Our aim is to create a culture where safety is understood as a shared responsibility rather than a separate task.
We also maintain procedures for incident reporting and review. All accidents, near misses, and unsafe conditions are recorded and examined so that lessons can be learned. If a pattern of concern emerges, we take corrective action and update our controls accordingly. This continuous improvement approach helps strengthen our storage facility health and safety management and ensures that safety arrangements remain relevant and effective.
Where contractors or external service providers work on site, they must follow our rules and any agreed method of working. Their activities must not create unnecessary risk to others, and they should use competent personnel, suitable equipment, and appropriate controls. Coordination is especially important when work involves lifting operations, electrical tasks, cleaning, repairs, or any activity that could affect site safety.
In the event of an emergency, the priority is to protect life. Staff should follow the established response procedures, assist with evacuation where appropriate, and ensure that emergency routes remain unobstructed. If a situation presents immediate danger, the affected area must be isolated and access prevented until it has been declared safe. We review emergency arrangements periodically so that they remain practical and effective.
We expect all individuals at Goddington Storage to support a positive safety culture by acting responsibly, reporting concerns early, and respecting the controls that are in place. This includes using the site in a careful manner, keeping personal belongings stored safely, and avoiding behaviour that could endanger others. A safe storage environment depends on shared awareness and everyday discipline.
Ultimately, our health and safety policy reflects our commitment to preventing harm and maintaining a secure, well-run storage facility. Through regular review, staff training, effective communication, and strong operational standards, Goddington Storage aims to provide a safe environment for everyone who uses or works on the site. Safety remains an ongoing priority, supporting reliability, confidence, and responsible storage management.